Q: Why did you decide to become an Ambassador for the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix after leaving the Haas F1 Team?
Guenther Steiner: I always like new challenges and when I left Haas at the start of the year, initially I had a lot of offers, but I decided to partner with Miami because I feel this race has one of the best offerings for Formula 1 fans in the United States. Also, as a resident of North Carolina for the past 18 years, this is the closest Grand Prix to me compared to all the others around the world. Of the 24 races on the calendar, this is a race I’ve always enjoyed because of its unique positioning around Hard Rock Stadium and the spectacleand experience it offers the fans that visit the race — that’s thanks to the hard work and vision of both Tom Garfinkel and Stephen Ross.
Q: What is it about that vision that you admire?
Guenther Steiner: Launching and operating a new Grand Prix is a huge undertaking and I understand some of the challenges involved as I started a Formula 1 team from scratch. What Miami has been able to achieve in such a short space of time is a reshaping of the sports landscape in the US. The race in Miami Gardens has set a new standard for fan engagement and world-class hospitality and they have invested significantly in the infrastructure to ensure the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix gets bigger and better each year. Whether it’s the value-for-money General Admission Campus Pass the party vibes at Hard Rock Beach Club or the high-end hospitality — Miami offers something for everyone.
Q. How has the interest in F1 grown during the time you have lived in the US?
Guenther Steiner: It’s quite clear the fan base of Formula 1 has risen sharply in the United States over the past few years to the point where it now hosts three Grands Prix each season. Part of that has been the marketing of the sport which has both attracted new audiences while continuing to appeal to die-hard enthusiasts. That has happened through the boom in social media as well as the highly-popular Netflix documentary series Drive to Survive. Additionally, people are excited about attending sporting events and experiencing something different. Formula 1 is fast, international, technologically advanced and pitches the best drivers in the world against each other — what’s not to love about it?
Q: What makes Miami unique?
Guenther Steiner: Firstly, the Miami International Autodrome is a hugely impressive facility, now with a permanent pit and Paddock Club building which is arguably one of the best in Formula 1. The circuit offersexciting racing, is great for overtaking and features a number of high-speed sections that the drivers enjoy.Secondly, Miami is known for its sporting culture and its food and beverage scene. This race combines everything the city has to offer with the entertainment feel of South Beach, with the wonderful cuisine of South Florida — and the sunshine — to make it one of the highlights of the motor racing season.
Q: What can we expect this year? What’s new?
Guenther Steiner: Fans are going to see more on-track action in 2024. The Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix one of only six races to host a Sprint weekend, meaning three days of competitive action, including Sprint qualifying on Friday afternoon. The race will also host two rounds of F1 ACADEMY, the junior single-seater series that has been designed to find the next future female Formula 1 star. Plus there is the Porsche Carrera Cup North America, a Bonhams|Cars auction, entertainment from Ed Sheeran, John Summit and Steve Aoki at Hard Rock Beach Club— plus Marc Anthony has been confirmed to perform the national anthem on the grid while Kaytranada will keep the party going on the podium after the race. It’s going to be another fantastic event on the weekend of May 3-5, and I can’t wait for it to start.
