Despite the Formula 1 paddock having had the luxury of three weeks off between the Australian Grand Prix and last weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, it’s back to normality for the pinnacle of motorsport this weekend, with the first double-header of the 2023 F1 season.
It’s the turn of the Miami Grand Prix for the paddock, with all the teams making the less than ideal journey from Baku to Miami, for the second instalment of the race at the Miami International Autodrome.
The Miami GP is certainly a new favourite amongst some drivers for the incredible atmosphere, with a huge party having taken place ahead of last season’s inaugural race.
The track itself is situated around the Hard Rock Stadium, home to NFL side the Miami Dolphins, and boasts several street-like characteristics.
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This could work very well in Sergio Perez’s favour, with the Mexican having claimed victory last weekend in Azerbaijan.
Perez’s victory from Max Verstappen saw him reduce the gap to the Dutchman down to just six points in the Drivers’ Championship, meaning the 33-year-old could leave Miami as the championship leader.
Verstappen, though, will be keen to bounce back from finishing second in Baku and did, of course, win comfortably in Miami last season.
Red Bull will also be targeting their fourth 1-2 from the opening five races this weekend, something which would simply increase their control of the Constructors Championship.
After just four races, the Austrians already lead the standings by 93 points, with the likelihood of them being caught anytime soon being slim.
Ferrari could be a team to watch out for, though, especially in qualifying, with Charles Leclerc having claimed pole position for the main race and the sprint race in Azerbaijan.
The Maranello-based team actually claimed a 1-2 in qualifying in Miami last season, with Leclerc having claimed pole from Carlos Sainz.
Just over two-tenths of a second separated the top four in qualifying last year, meaning Saturday evening could be an exciting watch for the fans.
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Leclerc ended up finishing the race in second last year just under four seconds behind Verstappen, whilst Sainz claimed third.
Ferrari are expected to introduce some upgrades in Miami which could improve their chances of beating Red Bull; however, as has been the case at every round so far this season, the Austrians are the favourites for victory.
2023 Miami GP start times (GMT):
Friday (May 5)
Free Practice 1 – 19:30
Free Practice 2 – 23:00
Saturday (May 6)
Free Practice 3 – 17:30
Qualifying – 21:00
Sunday (7 May)
Race – 20:30