Ready, set, go: Formula 1 racing heads to Hard Rock Stadium

MIAMI – Despite opposition from many area residents, Formula 1 racing will be speeding through Miami Gardens next year.

A proposed ordinance that would seek city input in bring Formula 1 racing to Hard Rock Stadium failed Wednesday in a 6-6 split vote, clearing the track for the 2021 race calendar.

“We welcome the outcome from the commissioners meeting in Miami today and look forward to the continued progress to bring Formula 1 to Miami-Dade County,” Formula 1 said in a statement. “We expect this to be an incredible race on the F1 calendar in one of the most exciting cities in the world to visit.”

The measure was introduced by Miami-Dade County Commissioner Barbara Jordan and backed by community members who opposed what they believe will bring more traffic and noise to their neighborhoods.

“There should never be enough money in the world to make you put profit over people, but that’s what they did today,” Betty T. Ferguson, a former county commissioner, said.

According to an acoustical impact study released by Formula 1, sound levels associated with the race would not cause any hearing damage to even those whose homes are closest to the proposed track.

“We are happy that the commissioners reaffirmed again today that the Hard Rock Stadium entertainment complex is a regional facility that exists to benefit all of Miami-Dade County,” Miami Dolphins CEO Tom Garfinkel said. “We are glad to put this long-delayed vote behind us so we can begin to make the multi-million dollar private investment required to bring a race here, and have positive and productive conversations with local leadership about the many benefits that a global event of this nature brings.”

Mayor Carlos Gimenez called the failure of the proposed ordinance a win for the community.

“It’s like having a Super Bowl every year,” he said.

Jordan said it was unfortunate that the city didn’t get an opportunity to weigh in on auto racing within its boundaries. But when asked if she would try again, she answered, “Absolutely. I will try to put something on every agenda if I can.”