RACING fans are set to enjoy the spectacle that is the second Miami Grand Prix this weekend.
But just a year ago it was being blasted as the “Fyre Festival of F1” after an underwhelming debut.
Lewis Hamilton and Co will descend upon the glamorous Floridian city for the fifth race of the season.
Max Verstappen won comfortably in 2022 despite a late charge from Charles Leclerc.
And race fans are set to enjoy scorching weather after torrential rain last month caused mass flooding on the track.
However, some were left raging at last year’s inaugural event.
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Day tickets started at a whopping $800, with a place in the Paddock going for over $11,000.
But a number of those in attendance claimed there was a lot left to be desired.
A fake marina – complete with fake water – was created to pay homage to Miami’s blue sea.
Fans also complained about a bizarre layout that resulted in lengthy walks from the car park to the track in sweltering temperatures.
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And many were left bemused by flocks of influencers crowding out “beach clubs” who appeared to be there for selfies rather than the racing.
Indeed, some fans even compared the event to 2017’s infamous Fyre Festival.
Tickets costing up to a mind-boggling $100k were flogged with the promise of an epic party in paradise, replete with luxury villas and decadent dishes.
Punters were instead met with cheese sandwiches and emergency tents.
And organiser Billy McFarland was eventually sentenced to six years in prison.
However, this year’s Miami GP is already gearing up to be better than the last.
Bosses have done away with the controversial fake harbour.
And they have instead created a new “Sunset Cabana” package featuring real water for boats to sit on.
The VIP area can accommodate 15 people – costing a whopping $67k.
And other lessons are sure to have been learned from the first go.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
