Just a few days after the chequered flag was waved in Baku, Azerbaijan, preparation is already well under way for this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix. In the season’s first double header, it has been a quick turnaround for all the teams and drivers as attention fixes on the Miami International Autodrome. Ahead of the first US race of the season, here’s all the key OP stats and updates.

• The 2023 Miami Grand Prix will be the first time that Oscar has ever raced in the United States
• He was trackside for last year’s inaugural Miami GP and in the build-up, got put through his paces by the Miami Dolphins NFL team
• The Miami International Autodrome is 5.412km long and has 19 corners (12 left-handers and seven right-handers)
• The Hard Rock Stadium, at the centre of the track, has hosted six Super Bowls, is the venue for the ATP Miami Open tennis and will be one of the host stadiums for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
• In 2022, Miami became the USA’s 11th different location to have hosted an F1 race and the second location in Florida after Sebring in 1959
• The track has been resurfaced for 2023 and there will be a new team village housing the team’s hospitality units on the pitch inside the Hard Rock Stadium
• An estimated 250,000 fans attended last year’s sell-out Miami GP weekend and the organisers are expecting even more for the second race of the 10-year contract
• Rest and recovery have been the key priorities for Oscar following the illness that he suffered with throughout last weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix

On trying to shake off illness…

“After Baku, it was a relief to have a few days to get some recovery in ahead of Miami. It’s not been total rest with the travel over to the US but we have done everything possible to get me feeling as good as I can.

A big thank you to the team doctor for all his help over the past week. We have spent a fair bit of time together!”

On the Miami atmosphere…

“I remember the incredible buzz around the circuit last year and how many fans there were. It had a really unique feel about it and so, I am looking forward to getting the chance to drive in Miami this year.

The city certainly knows how to put on a show and I’m sure this year’s event will only build on last year’s.”

On the track layout…

“The circuit has a good combination of low-speed sections and more fast-flowing parts so it will be a good test. There are some elevation changes to deal with too so it should be a fun challenge.

The track has also been resurfaced ahead of this year’s Grand Prix so hopefully that will only aid the racing.”

On his US debut…

“It’s the first of three US F1 races on the 2023 calendar and I can’t wait to take to the track. I’ve never raced in the USA before and so, it is a total first for me.

I’m very excited to be making my US debut as it’s renowned for its passion for motor sport.”