When building the new Formula 1 track in Miami, the architects had to take a number of circumstances into account – both natural and structural. Because the new track should fit perfectly into the environment of the Hard Rock Stadium, where there are flora and fauna in addition to other buildings fauna that can become a hazard.
First of all, however, it was necessary to consider the system itself. The stadium is home to the Miami Dolphins football team and was visited accordingly. A new tennis complex was built next to it, where the Miami Open has been held since 2019 – most recently at the beginning of April.
Because the new Formula 1 track runs through the facility, a number of precautionary measures had to be taken. A section between turns 3 and 5 was covered with artificial turf to avoid possible damage from spectators.
Plastic covers were also installed for hospitality truck deliveries as the pitches were positioned in different areas along the track. Only after the end of the tournament in early April did the Apex Circuit Design crew regain full access to their built Formula 1 track.
Stadium owners swear by green surroundings
One influence that will not go away is the local flora and fauna. The stadium’s owner, real estate tycoon and NFL boss of the Miami Dolphins Stephen Ross, makes it a point to make sure his stadium fits in with its surroundings and looks good.
“Mister Ross loves greenery and he loves his landscaping,” says Project Manager Sam Worthy. “The stadium itself tries very hard to have as much greenery as possible, especially when it comes to mature trees.”
Therefore, an attempt was made to leave the natural overhang of trees over the route as it is. “One challenge was fencing off the trees while also making sure that no loose branches didn’t fall off,” says Worthy. “It definitely looks very nice. Not many circuits have something like that.”
They also talked to the FIA about it at three different track inspections and got the green light.
Danger of falling iguanas
But there’s another problem: Many of the trees are on the 1.2-kilometer backstretch between turns 16 and 17. Parallel to this runs a watercourse called Snake Creek, which stretches to Maule Lake in North Miami Beach.
And wherever you find water in this area, you will also find wild iguanas, which can grow up to two meters long and weigh ten kilograms. “We certainly don’t want a giant iguana falling on one of the Formula 1 drivers because that would be a problem,” says Worthy.
“When it gets cold here, they can just fall out of the trees because they’re cold-blooded and shut themselves down.” This shouldn’t be an immediate problem in May, but the iguanas could still be climbing trees or walking across the track.
Those responsible in Miami are prepared for this: marshals look into the holes in the concrete walls to ensure that there are no iguanas hiding there, and of course the trees are also kept in view. “They are equipped with nets and are supposed to catch them and release them somewhere off the track.”
There are also waterfowl, ducks and snakes in the area. “But the iguanas are the biggest problem for us,” says the project manager.
New drainage system
Those responsible also take a look at the sky – not because the iguanas are falling from there, but because of the weather. Some localized severe weather is possible over the weekend, increasing in strength over the summer months and potentially causing flooding.
The track itself is in close proximity to the sea and has high water tables, but Apex workers have taken that into account as well. They worked together with the drainage specialists from ACO and developed drainage systems that cannot be seen on any other route.
“Because we’re so close to the water table, everything has to be as flat as possible so we can keep draining the water,” says Worthy. “A traditional drain is too deep, but these ones direct the water into the drainage pipes from a much higher point, so we can gravity feed longer distances.”
“There is a very efficient drainage system throughout the site. The ACO solutions we developed together work well with the curbs and look good too.”