F1 Miami Grand Prix Weekend Begins
The Miami Grand Prix, a $2,500 Mossimo Bottura/Virgilio Martinez dinner, and more
The Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix returns to Miami this weekend, turning the city’s Hard Rock Stadium into the Miami International Autodrome for three days of fast cars, celebrity sightings, food, and drink.
Major F1 players will race including Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Though the official race occurs Sunday, May 5, the Autodrome is open starting Friday for practice sessions, qualifying races, and general merriment.
Of course, this being Miami, attendees show up less for the racing and more for the food and drink on site.
A few tips for visitors coming to Miami for race weekend:
There is no decent public transportation to the Autodrome, located somewhat halfway between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Driving is a nightmare, as is ride-sharing. Last year, I was stuck in traffic that simply did not move for about an hour, so plan accordingly. To make matters worse, Donald Trump is scheduled to watch the race on Sunday, so add Secret Service motorcades into the mix if you’re attending.
The Autodrome is also famously hot — it’s mostly dark tar, the cars add heat, and Miami’s weather forecast is mid-80s and sunny, so wear neat, comfortable clothes. There’s a lot of walking, so heels are out — try some fashion kicks instead.
Don’t even think of bringing a large bag into the race campus. The only items allowed are clear plastic bags that do not exceed 12′ x 6″ x 12″, small bags or fanny packs that do not exceed 4.5″ x 6.5″, empty plastic or silicone drinking containers up to 32 oz, or diaper bags (that are subject to search). Aerosol cans (including sunscreen) are also prohibited.
Once inside the Autodrome, look for food and drink from some of Miami’s best restaurants.
Brewery Cervecceria La Tropical at the Croytp.com terrace will offer beers brewed from decades-old Havana recipes. Over at the West Food Hall, find highlights from Downtown Miami’s Julia & Henry’s including items by Karla Hoyos (Tacotomia), Jose Mendin, and Pubbelly Sushi, along with Michael Schwartz’s Harry’s Pizzeria.
Over at the MIA Marina and Yacht Club you won’t find dolphins, but you will find a recreation of beloved Miami Beach bar, Sweet Liberty, featuring food by Michelle Bernstein.
The Beach Food Hall will serve food from Havana 1957, Cortadito Coffee House, Cafe Americano, Oh! Mexico, and Barsecco.
Sip on the Miami Grand Prix’s official margarita at the Tequila Herradura Fan Zone, where you’ll find cocktails, live DJ performances, and shaded areas.
If you have tickets in premium areas, look for some elevated dining experiences including Italian dishes from Jose Mendin (Casa Isola), Vietnamese fare from Cesar Zapata (Phuc Yea), Southern American cuisine by Michael Schwartz (Amara at Paraiso), Florida-inspired brasserie fare by Brad Kilgore (MaryGold’s by Brad Kilgore), and Mexican dishes by Karla Hoyos (Tacotomia).
And if you’re celebrating (or just feeling bougie), the Piper Heidsieck Champagne Garden will serve Ella’s Oysters.
Other local Miami fare scattered around the campus includes food by Cheeseburger Baby, Sushi Maki, Bodega, Dos Croquetas, Novevento, Editor Pizza, Casa Tua, and more.
Finally, look out for concepts by heavy hitters Major Food Group and Groot Hospitality.
There are also several satellite events throughout the city, with some very much tied to the sport of racing and others just taking advantage of the name.
The Autodrome is open 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at 347 Don Shula Dr., Miami Gardens; f1miamigp.com. Tickets start at $450 and work their way up to the skies.
Life Outside the Autodrome
If you’re looking for activities outside of the Autodrome, head over to Wynwood for Racing Fan Fest in Wynwood Marketplace. Restaurant chain North Italia will give out free food and drinks and will host interactive cooking demos. There will be a gamified racecar experience in partnership with DoorDash and more. The Fan Fest is located at 2250 NW Second Ave., Miami through Sunday, May 5. For more information visit Eventbrite.
Himkok, voted the tenth best bar in the world, will pop-up at Julia & Henry’s Food Hall in Downtown Miami on May 3 and 4th. Purchase a ticket for two cocktails by the Homkok team or RSVP a la carte for free. Seating times are 7 p.m., 8:30 p.m., and 10 p.m. at 200 E. Flagler St., Miami. For more information visit eventbrite.com.
Finally, ballers won’t want to miss Once Upon a Kitchen. This culinary adventure, in collaboration with W South Beach, will have diners enjoying a collaborative dinner created by Massimo Bottura (Osteria Francescana in Modena, Italy) and Virgilio Martinez (Central in Lima, Peru). The chefs will walk guests through the stories behind each of the courses in an immersive, dreamlike environment. This exclusive dinner costs $2,500 per person and is held Saturday, May 4th at 7 p.m. at the W South Beach, 2201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. Purchase tickets at thegr8experience.com.