Motorsport

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Motorsport

      British Superbikes event abandoned as two riders die after being caught in ‘severe & catastrophic’ 11-bike crash

      by

      TWO riders have tragically passed away after a horror crash in the opening round of the British Superbikes Championship.Owen Jenner and Shane Richardson have both died as a result of their injuries.Two riders have sadly died after a crash at Oulton ParkCredit: AlamyA statement from the British Superbike Championship confirmed the sad news and it read: “At the start of this afternoon’s Quattro Group British Supersport Championship race at Oulton Park, exiting turn one, Old Hall corner on the first lap, there was a chain reaction incident involving 11 riders falling. “The race was immediately stopped and trackside medical services deployed.”Due to the extreme severity of the incident and ongoing medical intervention, the remainder of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship event was cancelled.”This catastrophic accident has tragically resulted in two riders being fatally injured, and another sustaining significant injuries.READ MORE IN MOTORSPORT”Owen Jenner (21) was initially treated trackside and then taken to the circuit medical centre, where despite further resuscitation treatment, he died from a catastrophic head injury.”Shane Richardson (29) was initially treated trackside and then taken to the circuit medical centre before being transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital with severe chest injuries. He died prior to arrival.”Tom Tunstall (47) was initially treated on the track and was taken to the circuit medical centre, he was later transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital with significant back and abdominal injuries.”A further five riders were transferred to the circuit medical centre with minor injuries, which did not require transfer to hospital. These riders were #9 Carl Harris, #39 Max Morgan, #48 Cameron Hall, #78 Freddie Barnes, #95 Morgan McLaren-Wood.Most read in Motorsport”Three further riders were also involved but were uninjured. These riders were #25 Lewis Jones, #37 Corey Tinker and #90 George Edwards.”The Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board and MotorSport Vision Racing have launched an investigation.Worried British Superbikes chief Stuart Higgs called the crash a “severe and catastrophic incident” before the fatalities were confirmed. More

    • 275 Shares119 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton fumes ‘have a tea break while you’re at it’ at Ferrari staff and refuses to apologise in Miami GP bust-up

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON has refused to apologise to his Ferrari bosses after his heated outburst on the team radio during the Formula One Miami Grand Prix.Hamilton enjoyed an impressive Saturday by claiming a podium in the Sprint Race with a superb strategy call to change tyres.Lewis Hamilton refused to apologise for his heated rant down the Ferrari team radioCredit: RexHe was frustrated at being told not to pass team-mate Charles Leclerc despite running on a faster tyreCredit: RexBut Sunday saw him finish P8 in another frustrating feature race.The Brit is yet to finish above P5 for the Scuderia in a Sunday race, and was barely able to hold back his anger over the team radio as he blasted the team tactics during the race.The 40-year-old lost his rag after being told to hold position behind Charles Leclerc despite running on the quicker medium compound tyre as he wanted to catch Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli.He blasted down the team radio to engineer Riccardo Adami: “You want me to sit here the whole race?” with Adami then replying: “I’ll come back to you. Wanna keep the DRS to Charles.”READ MORE IN F1Hamilton added: “This is not good team work, that’s all I’m going to say…”In China I got out of the way when you were on a different strategy… Have a tea break while you’re at it! Come on.”Hamilton failed to catch Antonelli on his quicker but less durable tyres and was asked to swap back with Leclerc towards the end of the race as his pace faded away.After swapping positions he was then informed Williams’ driver Carlos Sainz – who he replaced at Ferrari this season – was just 1.5 seconds behind, to which Hamilton sarcastically replied: “You want me to let him past as well?”Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSainz attempted a late lunge on Hamilton at the end of the final lap, seeing the two drivers bang wheels into the penultimate corner before Hamilton was able to hang on to his spot.Speaking to Sky Sports after the race, Hamilton revealed he had already spoke to Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur about the situation, but said he would not apologise for “being a fighter”.Awkward moment Lewis Hamilton appears to snub FIA president’s hug as drivers left at war with F1 governing body He said: “Fred came to my room. I just put my hand on his shoulder and said – ‘Dude, calm down. Don’t be so sensitive. I could have said way worse things on the radio.'”You hear some of the things other people have said in the past. Some of it was sarcasm. You’ve got to understand, we’re under a huge amount of pressure in the cars.“You’re never going to get the most peaceful messages come through in the heat of battle. “I don’t know what you’re going to write, or whether I was disrespectful of whatever. I honestly don’t feel I was. I was just like – ‘Come on guys, I want to win.’ I’ve still got that fire in my belly.“I could feel a bit of it coming out there. And I’m not going to apologise for being a fighter. I’m not going to apologise for still wanting it.”Ferrari are currently running as the fourth-quickest team in F1, an objective failure considering their supremely talented driver line-up.They missed out on the Constructors Championship title last season to McLaren by just 14 points, but already sit 152 points behind them this year.Instead, McLaren’s closest rivals are Mercedes, who have been remarkably consistent with George Russell – who scored his fourth podium of the season – and Antonelli. The Italian team are also running behind Red Bull, where new dad Max Verstappen has picked up 99 of the teams 105 points this season.Read More on The SunOscar Piastri became the first McLaren driver since Mika Hakkinen in 1998 to win three races in a row as team-mate Lando Norris finished second in Miami.The next F1 weekend will commence at the iconic Imola circuit on May 18 to kick-start the second triple-header of the season. More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 superfan Amanda Borges da Silva found dead at Tokyo hotel after horror blaze just hours before her flight home

      by

      A FORMULA 1 fan was found dead at her hotel in Tokyo – tragically just hours before she was due to fly back home.Amanda Borges da Silva, 30, who had travelled from Brazil to Japan to watch the Grand Prix was found dead after a fire was extinguished at the building.Amanda Borges da Silva was travelling to Japan to watch the Grand PrixCredit: NewsflashShe was tragically found dead in her hotelA man has been arrested in connection with the fire in Amanda’s buildingHer friends paid tribute to the Formula One fanCredit: NewsflashHer friend James Fernandes told Brazilian media that she was about to fly back from Japan to Brazil on Thursday.He said: “She was located near Narita airport in Tokyo, it was in the early hours of yesterday morning. Her flight was on Thursday. She had been out of Brazil since March.”Amanda, a researcher and avid Formula One fan, had travelled to Japan to watch the GP on April 6 – won by Max Verstappen.Japanese media reported that she had been in a building that had caught fire and that authorities have arrested a Sri Lankan man who is thought to have left the premises without extinguishing the fire.Read more on F1The cause of her death remains unclear.Amanda reportedly lived in Sao Paulo and had a Bachelor’s degree in literature, along with a Master’s degree in linguistics.She shared her love for Formula One with her followers on social media. Following news of her death, one of her followers wrote: “Thank you for all the reels, memes and all the chats, especially those about Formula One, that we talked about. Most read in Motorsport”I promise to never forget you, my dear friend. Watch over us from wherever you are.”Her family have reportedly asked the Brazilian authorities for assistance in repatriating her body.It comes after Max Verstappen became the first driver in history to win four straight races at Suzuka.The Red Bull superstar beat McLaren pair Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who finished second and third, respectively.Meanwhile, at the Formula One Miami Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton has refused to apologise to his Ferrari bosses after his heated outburst on the team radio.The 40-year-old lost his cool after being told to hold position behind Charles Leclerc despite running on the quicker medium compound tyre as he wanted to catch Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli.He blasted down the team radio to engineer Riccardo Adami: “You want me to sit here the whole race?” with Adami then replying: “I’ll come back to you. Wanna keep the DRS to Charles.”Hamilton added: “This is not good team work, that’s all I’m going to say…”In China I got out of the way when you were on a different strategy… Have a tea break while you’re at it! Come on.”It is unclear if she died of smoke inhalation or was burned to deathCredit: NewsflashAmanda would often share her love of F1 with her social media followersCredit: NewsflashHer death is being investigatedCredit: Newsflash More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Oscar Piastri takes advantage of yet MORE Lando Norris-Max Verstappen F1 fireworks to cruise to Miami GP triumph

      by

      OSCAR PIASTRI showed Max Verstappen who the daddy was to win the Miami Grand Prix on the Dutchman’s big weekend.Lando Norris also came in second as McLaren stole the show on the weekend that Verstappen welcomed his first child and secured pole position for Sunday’s race.Oscar Piastri was victorious in MiamiCredit: ReutersThe McLaren stars celebrate on the podiumCredit: GettyThe Dutchman, whose partner Kelly Piquet gave birth to their daughter Lily ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, settled for fourth behind George Russell in third.Ferrari suffered more team orders chaos as Lewis Hamilton was left fuming with his race engineer over swapping positions with Charles Leclerc as the seven-time world champion finished eighth behind the other Ferrari in seventh.There was drama from the start as Verstappen was a whisker ahead going into Turn One but he locked up and Lando Norris went wheel-to-wheel with him out of the corner.But the McLaren driver ran wide on the outside and dropped into sixth as Kimi Antonelli sped into second with Oscar Piastri in third.READ MORE IN F1But the pack was stabilised under a virtual safety car as Jack Doohan’s Alpine stopped on track after contact with Liam Lawson.Norris was fuming at the earlier battle with Verstappen, and said on his team radio: “He [Verstappen] forced me off mate. What am I meant to do? Just drive into the wall or something?”Like I was completely alongside?”Race Control was unfazed and noted no further investigation required between the duo and it was game on.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe battle for the lead was on and Piastri was all over Verstappen who brilliantly defended until lap 13 when the Aussie driver got past.But the McLaren attack was not done and two laps later Verstappen came under attack from Lando Norris.’I was dying inside’ – F1 fans stunned after Martin Brundle CONGRATULATES Conor Benn despite boxer losing to Eubank JrNorris lunged down the inside and got through but later gave the spot back as the battle got tasty.Finally the British driver got the job done on lap 18 and Norris got a clean overtake for second place despite Verstappen fighting tooth and nail to keep second.British Haas driver Oliver Bearman’s engine blew up and he stopped at Turn Eight prompting a Virtual Safety Car and a flurry of pit stops.It worked out very nicely for George Russell who jumped Antonelli and Verstappen into third under the VSC.There was more pit stop chaos for Red Bull as Yuki Tsunoda was slapped with a five-second penalty for speeding in the pit lane.Yet another VSC arrived, the third of the race as Gabriel Bortoleto stopped on the back straight with engine issues.Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton both passed Carlos Sainz with an expert double move.With 18 laps to go Piastri and Norris were separated by seven seconds and it would take a moment of magic for the Brit to close that gap.Seven-time world champion Hamilton was seething with his team who did not swap him with Leclerc.His engineer told him: “We want to keep the DRS to Charles go ahead like this.”Hamilton replies: “Man you guys! This is not good team work. That’s all I’m going to say!”Finally they switched the pair and fuming Hamilton said just before: “In China I got out of the way when you were on a different strategy. Have a tea break while you’re at it, come on!”While Leclerc said: “I need Lewis to go faster, I’ve just got dirty air now.”The Monegasque driver was all over Hamilton though and complained of his tyres overheating behind the Brit.Read More on The SunHamilton was told to “swap positions” with Leclerc and let him through into Turn 11 on lap 52, bizarrely telling Leclerc BEFORE the Brit to add to confusion.Sassy Hamilton was then told Carlos Sainz was 1.4s behind and he sarcastically responded with “Want me let him past as well?” More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

      ‘I was dying inside’ – F1 fans stunned after Martin Brundle CONGRATULATES Conor Benn despite boxer losing to Eubank Jr

      by

      FORMULA ONE fans were left stunned after Martin Brundle CONGRATULATED Conor Benn for his loss to Chris Eubank Jr.F1 favourite Brundle was in the paddock hunting for celebs ahead of the Miami Grand Prix when the incident happened.F1 fans were stunned by Martin Brundle’s interview with Conor BennCredit: Sky SportsBenn lost his grudge match to Chris Eubank Jr last monthCredit: PABrundle charged towards Benn for a quick chat.But he left supporters amazed when he congratulated the ace on his defeat.Benn was beaten on points in his grudge match with Eubank Jr last weekend.Yet that didn’t stop Brundle from praising Benn’s efforts.READ MORE IN SPORTAfter introducing himself, Brundle said: “Wow, what a boxing match that was, congratulations.”Benn took it in his stride though, saying: “Thank you, I appreciate that.“Althought it was a great fight, I didn’t get the W which I can for, so hopefully we’ll run it back in September and I can make amends.“This is my first time here, it’s absolutely amazing, what an event, what an occasion, I see why loads of people turn up.”Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFans certainly found Brundle’s interaction with Benn hilarious.One said: “I was dying inside.”’Never seen Martin Brundle more confused in my life’ – Bonkers moment F1 icon interviews UNICORN live on Sky Sports_1Another declared: “Felt stressed watching it, so awkward.”One added: “Brundle usually quick on his toes, not this time.”Oscar Piastri showed Max Verstappen who the daddy was to win the Miami Grand Prix on the Dutchman’s big weekend.Lando Norris also came in second as McLaren stole the show on the weekend where Verstappen welcomed his first child and secured pole position for Sunday’s race.The Dutchman, whose partner Kelly Piquet gave birth to their daughter Lily ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, settled for fourth, behind George Russell in third.Ferrari suffered more team orders chaos as Lewis Hamilton was left fuming with his race engineer over swapping positions with Charles Leclerc as the seven-time world champion finished eighth behind the other Ferrari in seventh. More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Motorsport

      World Cup’s hottest fan looks unrecognisable with dramatic new look as she wears bold F1-themed bra to Miami Grand Prix

      by

      IVANA KNOLL delighted fans with a dramatic new look at today’s Miami Grand Prix.Ivana, 32, shot to fame during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Ivana Knoll was in the Aston Martin garage for the Miami Grand PrixCredit: RexThe influencer wore toy cars on her outfitCredit: AFPThe social media star poses in front of a picture of Fernando AlonsoCredit: RexIvana perches on an Aston Martin front wingCredit: RexThe Croatia super-fan gathered a huge online fanbase with her array of bold outfits.This weekend, Ivana has dipped into the world of Formula 1.The influencer was invited into Aston Martin’s garage.Ivana enjoyed herself at yesterday’s sprint event, won by McLaren’s Lando Norris.READ MORE IN SPORTFor today’s race, the social media star sported a new look.Down the years, Ivana has worn a jet black hairstyle.But for today’s trip to the paddock, the popular online star went blonde.Ivana ditched her usual look for blonde bangs.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIvana shot to fame at the 2022 World Cup in QatarCredit: AlamyThe influencer also attended Euro 2024Credit: GettyWhile she topped off her look with pale blue jeans and a bold bra.The Instagram supremo, who gathers thousands of likes on her posts, clipped toy cars to her top to complete her look.World Cup’s hottest fan Ivana Knoll reveals career change as she shows off hidden talent in racy outfit-Posting from the paddock yesterday, Ivana wrote: “let’s go @astonmartinf1”.And plenty of fans commented on the part-time DJ’s post.One wrote: “F1 girl.”While a second gushed: “Spectacular.”Unfortunately for Ivana, Aston Martin endured a disastrous qualifying for tonight’s grand prix.Fernando Alonso will start 17th on the grid, while Lance Stroll will begin in 19th.Ivana was also in the Aston Martin garage on SaturdayCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Stunning beer prices at Miami GP revealed as F1 fans face staggering cost for drinks, steak sandwiches and pizza

      by

      FORMULA ONE fans at the Miami Grand Prix are facing a huge dent in their wallets after the prices of food and drink at the circuit were revealed.Miami is welcoming F1 fans from around the world for the fourth season in a row after its initial introduction on to the race calendar in 2021.The prices of food and drink at the Miami Grand Prix have been revealedCredit: ReutersFood prices at the event are extortionate including more than £22 for some pizzasCredit: Instagram / @kymillmanAlcoholic drinks can also cost anywhere from £9 for a beer to £98 for a bottle of bubblyCredit: Instagram / @kymillmanWhile the track which surrounds the Hard Rock Stadium – home of the Miami Dolphins – is not a favourite among drivers, fans are treated to the Coachella of F1.And like the UK festival, the price of refreshments and scran are quite the tough pill to swallow.F1 photographer, Kym Illman, revealed the remarkable price for goods at the circuit, which is the first of three visits to the United States for the motorsport in 2025.Taking to his social media page, Illman showed off the crazy price of a number of items including beer, bottled water, pizza and nachos BEFORE tax.READ MORE IN F1The video starts off with Illman outside of a food stand selling Italian cuisine.He reveals a pizza will cost fans between $16-$18 (£12-£14) and pasta will cost $25 (£19), reports from other outlets report other pizza stands hiking prices as high as $29 (£22) for a chicken pizza and $22 (£16.50) for a cheese pizza.If you fancy some fried calamari it would set you back a $23 (£17), while sushi costs between $6-$18 (£4.50-£13.50), tacos cost $18 and nachos cost $19 (£14.30).Meanwhile, a “budget option” turkey sandwich comes in at $18 while fans are charged $30 (£22) for a steak sandwich, $24 (£18) for a Chicken Royale with cheese or $14 (£10.50) for an Ultimate Game Day hot dog. Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFries are an extra $6 (£4.50)Vendors are also squeezing fan budgets with drink prices. 10 Years of Max Verstappen documentary trailerBeer prices work out at around $13 (£10) for a Heineken, while a local brand is marginally cheaper at $12 (£9).A more lavish Strawberry Daiquiri or Frozen Margarita will cost a cool $20 (£15).Meanwhile, a glass of Bubbly will cost $27 (£20) with a bottle coming out to $130 (£98).Bottled water is also far from wallet friendly at $6 a pop.These extraordinary prices are here to stay in F1 after it was announced on Friday that the track’s contract had been extended to 2041, making it the longest contracted circuit on the calendar.This season has seen Miami host a Sprint Race once again, with Lando Norris profiting from a Safety Car in a thrilling wet to dry race which saw three drivers crash out and four others hit with time penalties.Read More on The SunLewis Hamilton enjoyed a strong race after a brilliant strategy call to change to slick tyres which got him up to P3 before he suffered a disaster in qualifying later on.Max Verstappen scored pole position for Sunday’s race in the session a day after he announced the birth of his baby daughter, Lily, with Kelly Piquet.THE new Formula One season is well underway – and one team appear to be running away with it.A massive summer of change saw Lewis Hamilton move on from Mercedes and join Ferrari, while the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a big chance to end Max Verstappen’s recent dominance.The Red Bull ace is aiming for a record-equalling FIFTH consecutive world title.INFORMATIONLATEST NEWSSEASON SO FAR More

    • 238 Shares189 Views

      in Motorsport

      VIP ‘black cards’, ‘rude’ celebs & OnlyFans models swarming the paddocks…how the Miami GP became the Coachella of F1

      by

      AMERICANS like to go BIG – and the Miami GP, being held this weekend, is no exception.Since first hitting the calendars in 2022, it’s become an extravagant affair packed full of big-name celebs and influencers, with even the race itself becoming overshadowed by the glitz.Like Coachella, the Miami GP has become a celeb and influencer hotspotCredit: GettyA-listers like Kendell Jenner have been spotted swanning around the paddockCredit: APSand is imported to create an exclusive “beach club” areaCredit: APIt’s now one of the F1 season’s biggest showpieces, a crucial part of their strategy to boost its popularity in the States. Last year saw celebs like Kendell Jenner and LeBron James pay the race a visit, and even Donald Trump showed up in a surreal appearance that caused security a headache.And just like the music festival Coachella, it’s now full of internet-famous influencers who – many suspect – haven’t got a clue about F1 itself but spend their time snapping selfies and posing with drivers A record-breaking 275,000 fans turned up to watch McLaren’s Lando Norris clinch his first ever victory, and organisers are hoping this weekend’s race will be even bigger.Read More FeaturesThe Florida event has courted chaos ever since the inaugural race was held three years ago and it was decided to build the circuit at the city’s Hard Rock Stadium, home to local NFL team the Miami Dolphins.It nearly didn’t happen at all, after a handful of nearby residents filed a lawsuit over noise pollution complaints – though this was thrown out by a judge.A makeshift circuit was cobbled together – but it proved a dud, having to be resurfaced twice ahead of the race and seriously lacking grip. Many of the drivers lambasted it, with Sergio Perez labelling it “a joke” and Lando Norris accusing the designers of just “winging it”. Most read in MotorsportBut it would turn out that the track would be the least of the driver’s worries.Come 2023, the spectacle was even more intense, much to their dismay.Fernando Alonso goes public with stunning new girlfriend Andrea Schlager after whisking her to US for Miami GP Prior to the race, each driver was required to present themselves in a full-on WWE-style showcase, led out one-by-one past an honour guard of cheerleaders, announced by the rapper LL Cool J.Meanwhile, in the background, Black Eyed Peas singer will.i.am conducted a black-tie-clad 30-piece orchestra. Little wonder then the drivers found the showbizzy spectacle “distracting”. “I don’t think there’s any other sport in the world that 30 minutes before you go out to do your business that you’re out there in the sun, all the cameras on you and making a bit of a show of it,” said George Russell.“None of the drivers like it,” added Lando Norris.“We do so much publicity for the fans [but] as drivers we all just want to sit down and focus on what we need to focus on.”Influencer heavenToo bad for them, then, that the Miami GP has only gone from strength to strength and is a must-attend event for everyone from A-list actors to Z-list influencers. The 2024 Miami GP was won by Lando NorrisCredit: GettyModels and influencers shell out for pricey tickets to access to exclusive areasCredit: GettySecurity requirements made Trump’s visit quite the headache for organisersCredit: GettyEven political big hitters have gotten involved – including last year when none other than Donald Trump himself turned up.Ten days before his visit the secret service spent hours scrutinising and surveying the venue for threats. Everything was given the all clear – but then just hours before the race his security team ordered major shutdowns in areas of the paddock.“The Secret Service blocked off the walkway in the middle of the paddock for 20 minutes, and the teams were losing it because they were like, ‘I have to cross,’” recalled Tyler Epp, President of the Miami GP.His bright orange tan lined up with the McLaren team’s colours, at least, and he even told Norris that he was the British star’s “lucky charm”.And given how much Miami has become a hotspot for OnlyFans stars, with the sunny Florida weather always providing a great excuse to strip down to the bare essentials, it’s no wonder the GP event has become a hit with online models.There have been some celebrities that no one even knows were hereTyler EppWhile Trump was swanning around one part of the paddock giving his congratulations to Norris for his win, OnlyFans actress Veronica Rajek took the chance to pay the McLaren team a visit.Motoring media even fell for a hoax back in August that claimed OnlyFans was set to become the new title sponsor of the Alpine F1 team.The sensationalised spectacle that the race day has turned into has left plenty of die-hard fans wondering if all these famous faces have any clue about the sport itself.After all, despite being the voice of racing, not many of them seem to know the legendary Martin Brundle.’Rude’ celebsBack in 2022, the Sky Sports commentator was prowling a very crowded grid when he came up to tennis ace Venus Williams.But she was too busy saying hi to all the other famous faces and barely registered what he was saying, in an awkward but hilarious encounter.“What’s the question?” she laughed before whisking herself off somewhere else. OnlyFans star Veronika Rajek posed for pictures with the McLaren teamCredit: AFPEd Sheeran performed over the weekend at last year’s GPCredit: GettyKendall Jenner and Lewis Hamilton even found time to hobnob with each otherCredit: GettyVenus and Serena Williams on the grid at the Miami raceCredit: GettyFast forward to 2024, and a huge list of celebs popped in to catch the racing – including Shakira, Rory McIlroy, Kendall Jenner, and tycoons Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk. And with neighbours Inter Miami going from strength to strength, boss David Beckham also made an appearance, as did Zinedine Zidane.Even Taylor Swift turned up in the city, alongside her boyfriend NFL superstar Travis Kelce – proof enough that the Hard Rock stadium will be the place to be seen this Sunday – though Taylor skipped the race itself.Perhaps her presence would have been too awkward for driver Fernando Alonso, because at one point rumours were swirling that the pair briefly dated. Fortunately for the VIPs – and maybe to make up for Martin Brundle always trying to nab them for a chat – the GP’s organisers are careful to keep the general public far away from them.Some celebs are even rumoured to attend in secret.We’re trying to create an environment to make special memories that will last a lifetimeTyler EppBeyonce and Jay-Z reportedly rocked up in 2022, while Michelle Obama attended as a guest of Lewis Hamilton.“She showed up right on time, got to experience a session, and was in and out very, very quietly,” explained Tyler Epp.“There have been some celebrities that no one even knows were here.”Also on offer is a “Black Card” experience. It allows the rich and famous to drive on a special, entirely separate lane off the highway, taking them straight into a luxury car parking zone.“You don’t have any interaction with the general population from the time you leave your hotel to the time you get to your seat. It’s all very protected and private,” added Tyler in an interview with Motorsport mag.Fake beach clubsMaybe this attention to detail will let Miami become the new Monaco. The inner part of the circuit gets turned into the Hard Rock Beach ClubCredit: APFans were left bemused by the fake waterCredit: APSky’s Craig Slater takes a ‘swim’ in the fake marinaCredit: ReutersBut then again maybe not – given the much-mocked attempt to copy the Mediterranean city with a fake marina was created by painting the ground blue, which even Sky’s Craig Slater attempted to have a “dip” in.They even stuck ten massive yachts inside it and imported heaps of fake sand to create a “VIP Beach Club”.It was slammed as tacky – but to access this luxurious lake of concrete in the middle of the circuit, guests had to shell out at least $1,000.And it was $2,000 on top of that if you wanted a deck chair. When it was first revealed in 2022, bemused fans compared the set up to the notorious Fyre Festival.At least they had two pools to relax in and a performances from big hitters The Chainsmokers to enjoy as well.Forget Coachella itself – because now, the entire GP weekend has turned into something of a music festival in its own right.In 2024, both DJ Steve Aoki and Ed Sheeran delivered performances to revellers at the Hard Rock Beach Club.And the entertainment on offer during race week is now spilling outside of the stadium itself, with the whole of Miami gripped by GP fever.Venues across the city are getting into the F1 spirit, including art exhibitions dedicated to exploring racing culture, and exclusive racing-themed pop-up bars in luxury hotels sponsored by F1’s partner, the champagne company Moët & Chandon.Just be ready to shell out $550 – and that’s for the most basic package on offer. This year, the Hard Rock beach club will once again be delivering a star-studded line up with performances by Pitbull, Kygo and DJ Tiësto.But given the Miami GP competes with two others F1 races in the states – in Austin and Las Vegas – organisers aren’t ashamed to say they go out of their way to make the Florida race weekend stand out.Read More on The Sun“We’re in the memory making business at the end of the day, and we’re trying to create an environment to make special memories that will last a lifetime,” added Tyler Epp.“That’s our goal.”More than 275,000 fans are expected to attend this weekendCredit: Getty More