Max Verstappen thinks that the Miami Grand Prix could prove to be a "pretty crazy" weekend. Formula 1 will host its inaugural race at the Miami International Autodrome from 6-8 May, with the event being the first of two to be held in the United States in the 2022 season. With the temporary circuit being completely new, there are potentially many unknowns for the drivers and teams. Verstappen, however, is excited about the weekend in general amid the sport's growing popularity stateside. "I think this weekend is going to be pretty crazy!" Verstappen said in Red Bull's race preview. "I'm looking forward to racing in Miami, I've driven the track on the simulator and we've practiced and prepared as much as we can without visiting the track in real life. "I love racing in Austin, so it's fun that we get to go to another state and race this year. It's exciting to see Formula 1 getting much bigger in the US. "F1 and the teams are working hard to promote the sport in the US, and we're having more and more races here, so step by step we are making it more popular."
Verstappen glad to see overtaking improve
Valtteri Bottas recently suggested that the Miami venue looks like it could provide plenty of overtaking opportunities , and Verstappen thinks that this aspect of racing is improving the spectacle in 2022. "I also think it helps now the cars are finding it easier to follow and overtake each other and more teams are competing for wins," the Dutchman added. "I think that's the most important thing for the fans. I hope that it's going to be an exciting weekend, Miami is a really nice city and I think it’s a really interesting location to hold a Grand Prix. "I think not only the drivers are excited, but the fans too."
Perez hoping for lots of support in Miami
Verstappen's teammate Perez is just as excited for the Miami Grand Prix, and is hopeful of seeing some of his home fans at the event. "I am excited to be heading to Miami this week," Perez commented. "It is great that the calendar is expanding more in America, which is a lot closer to home for me and one day I might end up living there! "It is a great market for Formula 1 and I am sure there will be a lot of Latin Americans and Mexicans at the race, so hopefully I get a lot of support and it will be a very important race for the team both on and off the track." With recent changes to the race weekend format to make proceedings more time-compressed in this 23-race season, Perez has praised the Red Bull squad for the work they put in to support him and Verstappen. "These busier races are hard to manage, but the team do an incredible job at making sure Max and I can focus on our driving," he explained. "I found the new circuit fun on the simulator, and it can potentially be a good place for racing with those very long straights. I think choosing the right downforce level will be the biggest challenge for all the teams. "I am now fighting for poles and podiums every week, which is great motivation to keep pushing and keep focus. I just want more week after week, and I am looking forward to seeing what we can do in Miami."
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