For These F1 Teams, the Miami Grand Prix Mattered

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. Two months after the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix races were wiped from the F1 schedule due to the breakout of the Iran War, race organizers were once again panicking last weekend as the drivers arrived to race in Miami. More from Rolling Stone Inside FC Barcelona's Olivia Rodrigo Takeover for El Clásico: 'She Brought Us Luck' How to Watch the 'American Idol' Season 24 Finale Online Tonight How to Watch UFC 328: Chimaev vs.

Strickland Online Weather reports had suggested a possible thunderstorm for Sunday’s race — a big no-no due to a Florida law that requires any sporting event to halt immediately when thunder is heard or there’s a visible lightning strike — and F1 risked another race cancellation on one of the biggest stages on the circuit. By Saturday evening, the decision was made to move up the next day’s race, which eventually proved to be a smart decision, as Mercedes star Kimi Antonelli claimed the checkered flag on a mostly dry Miami F1 track. The running of the race was no doubt a welcomed relief for F1 brass, who would have been hesitant to forfeit a third race in a row.

But Miami was also an important race for a number of teams, who were debuting their revamped cars — and in some cases, an entirely new identity — to the American audiences for the first time this year. Andy Hone One of those teams was Audi, with the German auto manufacturer making its U. S.

Formula 1 debut after taking over the Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber from 2026 onwards. Though Sauber Motorsport had been part of the Formula 1 grid for more than 30 years, they had only topped the podium once in more than 500 race starts. With the backing of a new automotive powerhouse — not to mention Audi Motorsport’s extensive pedigree and success in World Endurance Championship and Le Mans — the team seems primed to finally break through.