In 2015 Apex was appointed as the Lead Technical Consultant to perform initial feasibility analysis and preliminary design on the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix. While originally located in downtown Miami, the track was ultimately designed, constructed, and utilised at the internationally recognized Hard Rock Stadium. As the Lead Technical Consultant, Apex provided concept and preliminary designs to secure buy-in from stakeholders, initial cost consultancy, detailed design and engineering. Once the contract was committed to for construction, Apex provided final engineering oversight, construction oversight, owners representation and the first year delivery and management of the motorsport precinct annual recurrent works.

The recurrent works delivery for this complex project was accomplished by overseeing six professional engineering and architectural firms and managing over fourteen vendors. These efforts culminated in the successful delivery of the inaugural 2022 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix which saw an all-time record number of US viewers of 2.6 million people watching the race.

The Hard Rock Stadium grounds consists of 93 hectares of land supporting multiple types of sporting events including the home for the Miami Dolphins American football team and the Superbowl, the annual Miami Open international tennis tournament, the Miami Dolphins American football training centre and now Formula 1. The 5.41 km FIA Grade 1 race circuit and infrastructure includes 19 corners, a varying track width of 10 meters to 15.24 meters, an average lap speed of 128 mph and a top speed of 200 mph. Once project works on site commenced, Apex oversaw the construction of the permanent racing infrastructure over the course of ten months, with three months of managing the build-up of the recurrent temporary works for the motorsport precinct to support the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix.

The track design accommodates high-speed side-by-side racing with multiple passing opportunities, while providing runoff areas and wide verges to protect drivers. Apex was presented with many site constraints; for example minimal elevation gain, poor drainage infrastructure and a requirement to minimise impacts to existing infrastructure and buildings. Through the use of 3D modelling, LiDAR scanning, and proprietary asset management software, the project team was able to work with the owner to provide a world-class racing event while successfully tackling these challenges.

Satellite images courtesy of www.skywatch.com.