According to Miami Grand Prix promoter Tyler Epp, US Formula 1 fans are more open to sprint races – That’s why Miami is getting the format
Formula 1 sprint races remain a hot topic and the premier class fan base couldn’t be more opposed to the format. According to Miami Grand Prix promoter Tyler Epp, the relatively new spectators in the USA are more open to sprint racing than many traditionalists. That’s why those responsible had campaigned for the additional race.
Miami will host the third of a total of ten planned Formula 1 races in 2024 and it will be the first time there will be a sprint in the Sunshine State of Florida. In addition to Miami, China has also been awarded the contract, while Baku and Spa-Francorchamps will return to the traditional format. Further sprint races are planned for Spielberg, Austin, Brazil and Qatar, meaning that there will once again be six sprints.
“As Tom [Garfinkel, race manager and general manager of the Miami Dolphins in the NFL and Hard Rock Stadium] has already made clear, we have to evolve year on year, we can’t have the same event every season,” says Epp. “We will continue to grow the business around great racing and the fan experience. “
Innovation vs. tradition
Epp praises Formula 1 for the open discussions that led to the inclusion in the sprint calendar. “This gives us the opportunity to give our race a unique selling point and offer our fans a different way to watch Formula 1.” According to Epp, there are many “new” Formula 1 fans in the greater Miami area who are more open-minded “than the purists” who prefer the traditional format.
Nevertheless, those responsible in Miami do not want to neglect the traditionalists, but also offer them “a wonderful experience”. “New fans can experience something special on Saturday,” says a delighted Epp. There was already a sprint in Austin in the USA in 2023, but according to promoter Bobby Epstein, no more tickets were sold there as a result.
However, Epp expects a different picture for Miami, as the fans are different to those in Austin. “We want all of our businesses to do better, but that wasn’t the intention behind our decision,” he explains. “We want to add value for the fan base, for the people who attend the race here. “
Miami wants to maximize the experience
Epp says fans don’t even need to come to Miami anymore because the goal is to provide “the best experience” for “everyone” who comes to the track. “We didn’t do this to sell tickets,” he says. “Bobby knows the business better than I do, and I have respect for him. But we just have a different strategy. Austin did a great job, but part of the value there is the crowds, just like Silverstone. It’s about a lot of spectators. “
Miami wants to take a different approach, which is not to say that the famous south Florida city won’t be happy to see more spectators. “We want to make sure that the people who buy a ticket have a great experience,” says Epp.
The sprint format itself will be up for discussion again in January when the teams will have the opportunity to vote on a change to the format. Qualifying for the Grand Prix will once again take place on Saturday, with the shootout for the starting grid for the sprint on Friday
Points important for sprint
According to Epp, it is important for the sprint to continue scoring championship points in order to consolidate the role of the short race on a race weekend. “The action on the track has to have a purpose, on all three days of a race weekend,” he explains. “That’s what matters. I thank Stefano [Domenicali] and Formula 1 that there are championship points in the sprint.”
Epp knows US motorsport like the back of his hand from his time with top team Chip Ganassi. In order to realize innovative formats, there are All-Star races outside the classification in the USA, just like in NASCAR. “These races are always treated a little differently,” says the promoter, who is in favour of “legitimizing” the sprint race with championship points.
