The asphalt at the Hard Rock Stadium track was re-laid by circuit specialists Tilke for this year’s Miami GP, following problems in the inaugural 2022 event.
However, the surface still posed issues for drivers with a lack of grip – especially off the racing line – which triggered a number of incidents throughout the weekend.
One of the factors that limited the grip on offer was the decision by Miami race chiefs not to waterblast the surface – which helps remove a layer of bitumen and oil that is present on newly-laid asphalt.
But while that posed some drawbacks for this weekend, Miami GP managing partner Tom Garfinkel says the move will now pay off as a more natural ageing of the surface will make it better for the long haul.
“Without doing the water blasting, it'll have a little more longevity,” explained Garfinkel.
“It will also change over time. I think this climate with the sun and the humidity, and some other things will affect the track but, as it ages, it's supposed to get better.”
While the track surface was difficult for drivers in practice and qualifying, race winner Max Verstappen reckoned it was good enough by the race.
“I think it improved quite a bit over the weekend,” said the Red Bull driver. “I was a little bit afraid, of course, with the rain that it would be a bit worse, but most places were quite okay.
“It's a street circuit. You can't expect it to be amazing offline, that's how it goes. But overall, I think it was a lot more fun to drive compared to last year. I think the tarmac has been a lot better. So yeah, it was absolutely fine. I think it's not a bad track.”
Source: Autosport