Coming in hot at Miami GP: Perez penchant for a street fight makes it a race of the Red Bulls

Having dabbled with 36 layout designs before approval was signed off, the Miami Grand Prix made its Formula 1 debut in 2022.

The race, staged around the Hard Rock Stadium which is home to the NFL's Miami Dolphins, offers 19 turns and three straights, with a trio of DRS zones built into them.

The circuit and setup have been done in such a way to give the track a permanent feel, but the Miami International Autodrome, the circuit's official name, is a temporary one, coming alive only when F1 makes its way to the state of Florida.

The 5.412km circuit is run over 57 laps for a race distance of 308.326km.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen won the inaugural race in 2022, setting the lap record with a time of 1:31.361.

Early predictions

Hot off his win in Azerbaijan, Sergio Perez is in a solid position to register another in 2023, which would split the season's opening races three-two in his favour over Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen.

Perez has been strong this year and, had it not been for his brake issues in Australia, he would likely have been leading the title race on points. Given that the Mexican is particularly strong around street circuits, the smart money would be on him.

However, the safe money stays on Verstappen. Having won here last year, the defending champion will have that feather in his cap. Also, the Dutchman is known for pulling a rabbit from the hat when he is backed into a corner, which could mean that Perez's attempt at victory will not be as straightforward.

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"I think sometimes some tracks probably suit you a bit better," Verstappen said ahead of the Miami race, discussing the track preferences between him and Perez.

"For Checo, his