Unknowns aplenty as Miami makes F1 debut

Formula 1 is gearing up for the first Miami Grand Prix, and the new circuit isn’t the only unknown quantity ahead of the race…

Usually, heading into the fifth race of an F1 season, you have a fairly good idea about how things are most likely going to pan out.

This year though, it would take a brave, brave person to put big money on the outcome of it.

Welcome to Miami! #MiamiGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/XS3UhC3I1Z

— PlanetF1 (@Planet_F1) May 4, 2022

That’s partly because we’re heading to a brand spanking new track in the form of the Miami International Autodrome, a temporary venue constructed around the Hard Rock Stadium.

While it has elements of one, it’s not a street circuit and is much faster, with cars able to go just under 200mph and averaging a speed of 135mph over the course of a lap.

Whether it proves to be a popular addition to the sport hinges on whether drivers will be able to overtake one another, and with two long straights and three DRS zones, there’s reason to be optimistic in that regard.

Which teams the layout will favour most is very much unclear though, with there also being some extremely tight and twisty sections to negotiate.

That being said, even if this race was held at a more familiar circuit, predicting its outcome would still be hugely difficult because, after four rounds, a clear pecking order has yet to form.

Heading for the Sunshine State #essereFerrari #MiamiGP pic.twitter.com/crv8T6tIDB

— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) May 4, 2022

Ferrari and Red Bull have been comfortably ahead of the rest of the field and will likely be again, but which of those will be fastest in Florida is far from obvious.

The Italian team headed to the last race weekend at Imola as favourites but left home turf with