McLaren boss Zak Brown did not hesitate at all before describing the Miami GP, to be held this weekend, as Formula 1’s Super Bowl. Why would he? The sport has headed to Florida for the fifth time and will be conducted at the Miami International Autodrome, which is on the grounds of the Hard Rock Stadium – the venue for NFL finale in 2020. 

Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen will lock horns in front of enthusiastic American crowds. Brown said that the Miami GP has generated more excitement than any race he has been a part of over the last 20 years.

“It’s going to be awesome. I’ve been here six years and I’ve never seen demand or buzz for a grand prix like I’ve seen for Miami,” the McLaren principal told Reuters this week. 

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Reigning world champion Max Verstappen and Red Bull arrive at Miami after embarrassing Ferrari and Charles Leclerc in their hime GP in Imola. 

The Dutch driver won from the pole, logged the fastest lap and picked up his second win of the season while leading teammate Sergio Pérez to the first one-two Red Bull finish since Malaysia in 2016. The win reduced Leclerc’s lead in the drivers’ standings to 27 points. He has 86 and Verstappen, at second, is at 59 points. 

Ferrari lead the constructor’s charts with 124 points and Red Bull follow with 113. This means that the both drivers and team standings could see a change at the top after this race. 

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Mercedes, who have won the constructor’s championshiop for eight consecutive years, meanwhile, are struggling. They are yet to solve the issues in George Russell’s car. His teammate, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, is currently seventh in the standings.