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Tyres NorthamptonMiami represented the turning point of the 2023 season when Max Verstappen overcame Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez from a P9 start to emerge victorious. Verstappen's triumph kicked off a record-breaking ten-race winning streak that led to his third world championship title. Perez hasn't won yet in 2024, so will hope he can right the wrongs of last year to prevent the sister car from taking all the glory.
Most F1 entertainment in 2024 has happened from the race track, with the Grands Prix becoming a secondary act. That's the case for Miami, too, as the first round since the earth-shattering news that Red Bull's Adrian Newey will stand down after this season.
The famed Chief Technical Officer is the most celebrated designer and aerodynamicist in Formula 1. Verstappen may have three world championships, but Newey-designed cars have won 25 F1 titles since 1992, and the Dutchman's dominance is unquestionably thanks to Newey's aerodynamic expertise. Red Bull has become an all-conquering team since downforce generation primarily switched to underfloor aerodynamics in 2022. Newey will take a lot of credit for how well the Milton Keynes-based constructor has adapted to the regulation switch, helping Verstappen to cruise to two of his three titles.
With media free to question Team Principal Christian Horner during press conferences and speculation that Newey will follow Lewis Hamilton in joining Ferrari, F1's musical chairs will be in the spotlight. Should a Ferrari-Hamilton-Newey partnership come to light, it'd represent three of the sport's greatest names combining in the future. But first, there's the little matter of a Grand Prix to race.
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The same tyre trio from the last race in China will be available for the drivers in Miami. A midrange selection of the C2, C3, and C4 means it's the same compound choice as in 2023's event, where the one-stop strategy kept the teams running the mediums and hards throughout.
Whether anyone will risk the fast-but-shorter-lasting C4 Soft option during Sprint will be an interesting strategic point. Mercedes' George Russell attempted this in China's Sprint and gained three positions to clinch a point from P11. With rain unlikely and not even a yellow flag interrupting 2023's race, choosing the right tyres will be crucial for advancing through the order.
Verstappen is, of course, the man to beat in Miami. The reigning champion won each of Miami's previous races and all three American rounds in 2023. Troubled waters at Red Bull after Christian Horner's investigation into alleged inappropriate behaviour didn't knock the team or driver off their stride earlier this season. Might the definitive resignation of one of the most senior staff at Red Bull be any different?
McLaren's Lando Norris surprised the pack in China when he took a P2 finish ahead of both Ferrari drivers. The Brit benefitted from the Safety Car in Shanghai but had the pace to keep clear of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc behind, even though many thought Ferrari would be the second-best car in 2024.
McLaren and Ferrari probably won't close the gap to Red Bull enough to beat them in Miami, yet neither team faces an internal mutiny like their table-topping rivals. McLaren seems confident they'll challenge for wins in 2024, and Ferrari will be riding a high if Newey joins. Perhaps it won't be in Miami, but Red Bull's dominant days could be approaching their end.
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All of the early morning races in 2024 are behind us. It's the opposite side of the day for Miami, with Sunday's race and Saturday's Qualifying coming at 9 PM.
Sprint - On air: 4 PM, Session start: 5 PM Saturday 4th May
Qualifying – On air: 8:45 PM, Session start: 9 PM Saturday 4th May
Race – On air: 7:30 PM, Session start: 9 PM Sunday 5th May
Sprint & Qualifying – Highlights: 1:15 AM Sunday 5th May, Repeated at 8 AM
Race – Highlights: 1:30 AM Monday 6th May, Repeated at 9:40 AM
Qualifying/Race – Floridian sunshine will have the track basking in highs of 24-28°C heat all weekend. There's a low possibility of rain, with mornings seeing a 20% chance, potentially clearing the track of some grip.