Miami turns out in force for live F1 car run

80,000 fans descended on downtown Miami on Saturday to be entertained in a free event on the eve of the Formula 1 Pirelli 2018 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.

The F1 Miami Festival featured a thrilling live car run down Biscayne Boulevard in the heart of the city. This combined with performances from chart topping double act Silk City – the collaboration of Diplo and Mark Ronson – and international Latin music star, Abraham Mateo succeeded in bringing fans closer to the action on the grid than ever before.

Aston Martin Red Bull Racing, the Renault Sport Formula One Team and two-time F1 World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi put on an impressive display of iconic F1 cars from past and present.

Miami is the fifth international city to host an F1 Festival after London, Shanghai, Marseille and Milan. The initiative forms part of Formula 1’s ambition to attract new followers and engage more deeply with existing fans of the sport.

Sean Bratches, Managing Director, Commercial Operations at Formula 1 said:

“The F1 Miami Festival is all about giving our fans the opportunity to get closer to the teams, cars and drivers they love. Yesterday was a fantastic day for Formula 1 and the city of Miami and it was great to see so many people flock to the F1 Park.

“It would not be possible without the support of the Miami City and County authorities, the Miami Police Department and the other emergency services who have supported us throughout the weekend.

“A huge thank you to our global partners, the F1 teams who provided the cars and most importantly, the people of Miami for the opportunity to put on such an ambitious event.”

The festivities in Miami continue today in the build-up to this afternoon’s race at the Circuit of The Americas in Texas where Lewis Hamilton could clinch his fifth world title. Fans will be able to watch a live stream of the race from the F1 Park.

Entry to the F1 Park is free throughout the weekend. Located at Bayfront Park in downtown Miami, the gates will open to the public at midday today (GMT -5).

For more information visit F1.com/festivals