After some teething problems with last year’s inaugural grand prix, circuit bosses have committed a big investment to deliver improvements to the event that takes place around the Miami Dolphins home ground.

One of the biggest changes is the decision to move the F1 team paddock hospitality area to inside the football ground and on the pitch, rather than crammed around the outside of it like last year.

Fans will get a chance to purchase tickets for a unique vantage point to watch the goings on inside the paddock.

There will also be a brand-new three-storey 190,000 square foot Paddock Club hospitality area built in time for the race weekend on May 5-7.

Tilke brought on board

After problems with the track surface at last year’s first Miami GP, the circuit has signed up the renowned Tilke company to lay fresh asphalt ahead of this year’s race.

Miami GP managing partner Tom Garfinkel believed that the new surface would help deliver improved overtaking opportunities – even though last year’s race already produced 45 passes.

“We could have just come back with the race track that we had last year,” he explained. “The goal we set out was to have great racing and a lot of overtaking, side-by-side racing.

“The track we had last year, there were parts where there was one line where there should have been a possibility to overtake. We weren't happy with that.

“So we're going to go through the investment expense to go ahead and repave it, in an effort to try to get it where the racing is better. It raced well enough, according to the teams and drivers, but we want it to be as good as it possibly can be.”

While there had been some debate after last year’s race about whether or not the Miami track layout could be improved, especially around the tight chicane area, it has decided to leave things unchanged for now.

Asked by Motorsport.com for the thinking behind that decision, Garfinkel said that feedback from teams and drivers had been so mixed that it was felt unnecessary to make any modifications now.

“The chicane area was developed that way really for safety reasons,” he said. “We talked to all the team principals, all the drivers, we talked to F1 and the FIA. There were differing opinions about the chicane; some of the drivers didn't like it, some of them thought it was fine. And throughout the grid that was the same feedback. It was all over the place.

“As we went through it with F1, the FIA and Tilke we decided right now we're not going to make changes. We've thought about maybe flattening it out a bit. We're still looking at that as we finalise things, but, as of right now, it's going to stay the same.”

The only modifications that are being planned are to some run-off areas, to help bring hospitality areas closer to the edge of the track.

“There is some less run-off,” added Garfinkel. “Some of the hospitality areas are moving closer to the racetrack, but the layout itself is fundamentally the same.”

A story by Bloomberg last week suggested that Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund had been interested in purchasing F1 from current owner Liberty Media for a $20 billion price tag, but the proposal was rejected.

While sources suggest that the report was not totally accurate in that discussions never opened seriously with Liberty about a buyout, the eye-watering valuation of grand prix racing has raised some eyebrows.

With Liberty Media having originally purchased F1 for $4.4 billion in 2017, a $20 billion price tag would suggest it has secured an incredible payback on its investment.

But for the FIA, which has leased out F1's commercial rights until 2110, a sale of the sport at such a high level could trigger some unintended consequences.

One example, suggests president Ben Sulayem, is that any new owner who has spent so much money to purchase F1 would seek to fast-track returns.

And that could result in race promoters facing a grave hike in hosting fees. This, in turn, could force an escalation in ticket costs, which could price fans out of being able to attend races.

In a post on Twitter on Monday, Ben Sulayem voiced his concerns about the implications of such a big-money buyout.

"As the custodians of motorsport, the FIA, as a non-profit organisation, is cautious about alleged inflated price tags of $20bn being put on F1," he said.

"Any potential buyer is advised to apply common sense, consider the greater good of the sport and come with a clear, sustainable plan – not just a lot of money.

"It is our duty to consider what the future impact will be for promoters in terms of increased hosting fees and other commercial costs, and any adverse impact that it could have on fans."

Speaking to Motorsport.com during the Monte Carlo rally about the original report of interest from Saudi Arabia, Ben Sulayem felt a $20 billion valuation of F1 was not accurate.

"Is it value for money?" he asked. "I think, honestly, it is inflated. It's exaggerated. Talking with common sense, is it worth that much?

"[If it is] then what do we do? We would have to charge to recover that money. How much would we charge the local promoter?

"I'm just looking at the rationale behind it, the logic. Because you have to have a plan."

Ben Sulayem believes that it was essential that ownership of F1 was only passed to organisations that had a concrete proposal on how to improve the sport, rather than it simply being sold off to the highest bidder.

"I think they should have a plan, also," he said. "Whoever it is should have a plan, not just the money. I'm just looking at the rationale behind it, the logic. You have to have a plan.

"Up to now though, it's rumours. But I believe also the FIA should be part of talks, or offer advice, because the FIA owns the championship.

"We lease it, it is true. But I just want to ensure we have clarity so we can go forward."

Ben Sulayem added it was not lost on him that talk of a $20 billion valuation for F1 is in stark contrast to the way that the commercial rights were leased as part of an infamous 100-year deal for just more than $300 million at the start of this century by former FIA president Max Mosley.

"My God, if I take $20 billion for that, I think the FIA had a raw deal," he said.

"If I'm being honest, you cannot convince me that $300 million for 100 years, and a $20 billion valuation [is correct].

"These numbers, it just doesn't make sense when you go and digest them."

Alfa Romeo have announced that Sauber Group Managing Director Alessandro Alunni Bravi will take on the additional role of ‘Team Representative’ for the 2023 F1 campaign.

Alunni Bravi has been part of the Sauber Group – who run the Alfa Romeo F1 entry – since 2017, and is now set to represent the team in all official functions at race weekends and away from the track.

​​​​​​​It follows Andreas Seidl’s appointment as CEO of the Sauber Group, with the former McLaren team boss officially starting his role at the company on January 9.

A Sauber press release added that Alunni Bravi will “work together with the technical and operational departments to continue the team’s growth and success”, while “allowing Andreas Seidl to focus on his objective of further growth of the Sauber Group”.

“I want to thank Andreas and our shareholders for their trust, and I want to reiterate my commitment to giving my best to live up to their expectations and represent the team in the best possible way,” said Alunni Bravi.

“It is a huge privilege to keep working with a group of incredible people who, over many years, have helped me integrate within the Sauber Group: what they gave me in this time will enable me to fulfil this task and represent the team according to our shared vision and our objectives.

"I am fully conscious of the work we have ahead of us and of the challenges that face us: I approach this task with humility, knowing I am part of a strong team that will get the job done, and with the belief we have everything we need for a successful future.”

Seidl added: “I am delighted to confirm the appointment of Alessandro Alunni Bravi to the role of Team Representative, in addition to his existing duties of Managing Director of the Group.

“His vast experience in motorsport has equipped him with all the tools he needs to succeed, and his intimate knowledge of the team, of which he has been part for more than five years, will ensure stability and continuity in our progression.

“Alessandro representing the team during the Formula 1 championship will allow me to focus on growing the Group and preparing for the challenges and opportunities that await us. I thank Alessandro for his belief in our vision and I welcome him to this additional position.

"I am convinced this is another valuable addition to what is without any doubt a very strong team, from the drivers to the management team, to each one of our employees, capable of building on last year’s success and creating a bright future for Sauber.”

Alfa Romeo edged out Aston Martin for P6 in last year’s F1 constructors’ standings, with Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu remaining as their two drivers for the upcoming season.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem insists that Formula 1's governing body will have a say on who controls the commercial rights.

This week, F1's American owner Liberty Media lashed back at Ben Sulayem after he said the FIA is "cautious" about reports that Saudi Arabia is interested in buying the sport for $20 billion.

Formula 1's legal department slammed the FIA chief's comments as "unacceptable", insisting Liberty Media has the "exclusive right" to "exploit the commercial rights".

F1 concluded by threatening potential legal action against the FIA, indicating that the new-in-2022 president of the Paris-based federation has kicked off a period of potential internal conflict.

Dubai-born Ben Sulayem, however, appears reluctant to back down for now.

"The championship is ours," he is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport as saying at the Monte Carlo rally. "We have only rented it out."

Indeed, just over 20 years ago, a 100-year lease deal was agreed between the FIA and former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone for what the German magazine described as a "ridiculously low" $300 million.

The new spat between the FIA and F1 indicates that the former may now be looking to renegotiate that deal.

"So far there are only rumours about a possible sale," said Ben Sulayem. "But the FIA should have a say and be able to offer advice."

In fact, part of the original deal is known as the 'Don King clause', named after the legendary boxing promoter, giving the FIA veto power over any sale.

Kubica out of F1 as Orlen moves to AlphaTauri and Alfa Romeo lands new sponsor

Former Alfa Romeo Formula 1 team title sponsor Orlen has switched to AlphaTauri in a move that could spell the end of Robert Kubica’s career in grand prix racing.

The Swiss team has landed a new title backer in Stake, an online gambling and casino company, and will be known as Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake.

Orlen entered F1 when Kubica was a race driver with Williams in 2019, and then went to Alfa Romeo the following year. With no race seat available Kubica took up a reserve and FP1 driver role that he held for three seasons.

He was given the opportunity to race in the Dutch and Italian GPs in 2021 after Kimi Raikkonen tested positive for COVID-19.

Rumours of Orlen’s departure surfaced before the end of last season with the Swiss team understood to have already found a new title sponsor.

However, there was still a chance that the company would stay but in a subsidiary role, in much the same way that BWT took a step back at Aston Martin in 2021 having previously been title sponsor of Racing Point.

Orlen has now moved instead to AlphaTauri as a principal partner. Kubica cut his ties with Alfa Romeo at the end of last season and it’s understood that he won’t have an opportunity to drive for the Faenza outfit, which would mean that his FP1 session in Abu Dhabi is likely to be his last appearance in an F1 car.

Asked by Motorsport.com that weekend about Orlen’s plans, he said: “I don't know, I don't want to speak for the others. I'm not dealing with the budgets, I'm not in their boat. So of course, as I say, I have to take care of my duties, of my stuff, and this is my priority.

“Probably, then I will talk with the parties, whatever it will be. If it's this team or a different team, to see if I can be involved, if I can be useful, because I also don't want to be here if I'm not useful.”

Kubica insisted that if Abu Dhabi does turn out to be his last chance he would accept it.

“I'm comfortable,” he said. “In the end, I have been always very realistic. Let's be honest. At 38 it's not that you would be surprised if you will not get a drive anymore. There's too many ifs, so let's wait and see and react to it.

“I think my story showed never say never, of course. To be honest, the only reason I'm still here is that I get the chance to drive sometimes, and for sure the day I will not get even any car driving, probably it will be the end.”

New Alfa Romeo sponsor Stake is a global online betting company founded in 2017, and it already has relationships with Everton football club, Argentinian player Sergio Aguero, the UFC, and musician Drake.

Sauber managing director and team representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi said: “We welcome Stake as a new co-title partner for the team in what represents the start of a new era for us both.

“F1 has seen a huge increase in interest over the last few years and the arrival of brands such as Stake are representative of the massive exposure our sport can offer.

“We are excited to join such a portfolio of sports and entertainment brands and we’re looking forward to the activation programme that Stake will unveil for our fans.”

​​​​​​​The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile today announces the official launch of an application process to identify prospective teams seeking to participate at a competitive level in the FIA Formula One World Championship.

The FIA welcomes interest from entities with a serious intent to enter the FIA Formula One World Championship. The high level of interest from a number of potential candidates is further proof of the popularity and growth of the Championship.

All applicants will undergo thorough due diligence. The assessment of each application will cover in particular the technical capabilities and resources of the applicant team, the ability of the team to raise and maintain sufficient funding to allow participation in the Championship at a competitive level and the team’s experience and human resources.

For the first time ever, any candidate would be required to address how it would manage the sustainability challenge and how it plans to achieve a net-zero CO2 impact by 2030. Any prospective F1 team would also need to illustrate how they intend to achieve a positive societal impact through its participation in the sport. This would help meet the mutual aims of the FIA and Formula One Management.

The overall long-term interests of the Championship, involving all stakeholders, will determine which candidates are selected together with the applicable regulations and governance arrangements.

The terms of the formal application process (together with the complete selection criteria, applicable deadlines, legal requirements and other conditions) will be communicated to candidates that submit a preliminary expression of interest to the FIA.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said: “The growth and appeal of the FIA Formula One World Championship is at unprecedented levels. The FIA believes the conditions are right for interested parties, which meet the selection criteria, to express a formal interest in entering the Championship.

“For the first time ever, as part of the selection conditions, we are requesting that candidates set out how they would meet the FIA’s sustainability benchmarks and how they would make a positive societal impact through sport.

“The process is a logical extension of the positive acceptance of the FIA’s 2026 F1 Power Unit Regulations from engine manufacturers which has attracted Audi to Formula 1 and created interest among other potential entrants.”

“For the first time ever, as part of the selection conditions, we are requesting that candidates set out how they would meet the FIA’s sustainability benchmarks and how they would make a positive societal impact through sport.

American automotive giants Ford have confirmed their intention to make a Formula 1 comeback when new engine regulations are introduced in 2026, meaning another chapter will be added to the American organisation’s rich history in the sport.

Ford’s involvement in F1 stretches all the way back to the 1960s and the DFV (Double Four Valve) engine, built in partnership with British engineering firm Cosworth, which took 155 wins from 262 races between 1967 and 1985 (including several variant designs).

From their first title wins with Graham Hill and Lotus in 1968 to their most recent with Michael Schumacher and Benetton in 1994, Ford have played a part in 10 constructors’ championships and 13 drivers’ championships – making them the third most successful engine manufacturer in F1 history.

Some 20 years on from their last participation in 2004, the appeal of F1’s future engine regulations – featuring increased electrical power and 100% sustainable fuels – will see Ford grace the grid once again from the 2026 campaign.

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of F1, said: “The news today that Ford is coming to Formula 1 from 2026 is great for the sport and we are excited to see them join the incredible automotive partners already in Formula 1.

“Ford is a global brand with an incredible heritage in racing and the automotive world and they see the huge value that our platform provides with over half a billion fans around the world.

“Our commitment to be Net Zero Carbon by 2030 and to introduce sustainable fuels in the F1 cars from 2026 is also an important reason for their decision to enter F1.

“We believe that our sport provides the opportunity and reach unlike any other and we cannot wait for the Ford logo to be racing round F1’s iconic circuits from 2026.”

Bill Ford, Executive Chairman, Ford Motor Company, commented: “This is the start of a thrilling new chapter in Ford’s motorsports story that began when my great-grandfather [Henry Ford] won a race that helped launch our company.“Ford is returning to the pinnacle of the sport, bringing Ford’s long tradition of innovation, sustainability and electrification to one of the world’s most visible stages.”

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem added: “There are few manufacturers who have such a celebrated motor sport history as Ford, so to see them coming back to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship is excellent news.

“It further underlines the success of the 2026 Power Unit Regulations that have at their heart a commitment to both sustainability and spectacle, and of course having more interest from the United States is important for the continued growth of the world’s top motor sport category.”

Ford’s announcement follows on from Audi setting out plans to enter F1 from 2026, with the German manufacturer this week acquiring a minority stake in the Sauber operation that will become their works team.