Speeding Through Miami: A Formula 1 Adventure
Miami, Florida, known for its scorching heat, is the destination for my frequent getaway vacations. My usual retreat spot is Sunny Isles, where I stay at my family residence to escape the realities of Canadian winters and for health and wellness reasons.
However, this time my visit to Miami was for a very special occasion - the third annual Miami Grand Prix.
For those unfamiliar, I developed a passion for the sport of Formula 1 after watching the Netflix series, Drive To Survive. The roaring sounds of F1 racing cars instantly captivated me. What intrigued me further about F1 was its global presence, with races held in 21 countries across the world.
The anticipation and excitement for the event were palpable. Being on the autism spectrum, traveling for sporting events can evoke both jubilation and nervousness. The logistics involved, including factors like climate, geography, finances, and schedule conflicts, can be overwhelming. Disruptions to routine are particularly challenging for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Having traveled abroad for many sporting events, primarily in the United States and once in the United Kingdom, I was no stranger to the stress and anxiety such trips can bring. However, my determination to experience a Formula 1 race outweighed any logistical challenges.
I met up with a friend and his brother in Miami, who were coincidentally attending the Grand Prix for the second consecutive season. After hearing about their experiences, I convinced them to join me again, offering complimentary accommodation.
Arriving in Miami three days prior to the race, we purchased tickets online the night before, securing seats in the North Beach grandstand area of the Miami Automotive Circuit, located on the grounds of the Hard Rock Stadium.
Standing on the Grounds of Hard Rock Stadium for Miami Grand Prix!
The Formula 1 weekend is a three-day affair, with practices on Friday, qualifying on Saturday, and the main race on Sunday.
Navigating to the event proved to be a source of anxiety, especially on Friday when we struggled to find one of 28 designated parking lots. Ultimately, we settled on the Golden Glades parking lot, about 15 minutes from Sunny Isles. From there, it was another 15-30 minutes by shuttle bus (which are assigned to pick up attendees) to reach Hard Rock Stadium, amidst Miami's notorious traffic.
To cope with the uncertainty and relieve my anxiety, I employed strategies like deep breathing, staying hydrated, and practicing patience. Once inside the race track grounds, the excitement washed over me, and any lingering anxiety subsided. I had finally made it to a Formula 1 race.
We were dropped off just outside the entrance on the south side of the stadium grounds. Entering through the gate, I was elated with joy and excitement. The energy, excitement, vibes and loud engine sounds of the F1 cars raised my adrenaline level.
For families with children/adults on the autism spectrum (and travellers) who are attending a Formula 1 event, I recommend earplugs and/or noise cancelling headphones as the high intensity noise levels create stimuli that can be overwhelming for autistic people with high noise sensitivities.
Note: The security check was quick and lenient on Day 1, but the rules changed on Day 2 and Day 3 (Race Day). Inconsistencies and miscommunications were rampant. For instance, metal water coolers were not allowed during the weekend, and I was asked to check my travel pouch on Race Day. I briefly explained to the security personnel that I needed it for medical reasons. They understood and cooperated, but this situation can be stressful for people with autism. As I left the venue on Day 1, a security guard informed my friend and me about the rule against metal water bottles for the weekend. This was a lucky break, as I likely wouldn’t have thought to check and then I would have been forced to check my bottle and risk losing it. Please prepare accordingly and check the Miami Grand Prix website for updated information on security checkpoints.
Standing in the North Beach grandstands before the start of the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday! An exciting finish was on the horizon!
From the practice sessions on Friday to the Sprint Race and Qualifying on Saturday, culminating in Race Day on Sunday, it was an exhilarating experience filled with memories that will last a lifetime. Highlights included witnessing the lightning-fast cars on the track, reaching speeds of up to 350km/h (218mph), and the thrill of seeing McLaren's Lando Norris secure his first victory over Red Bull's Max Verstappen, a three-time Formula 1 World Champion.
Watching from the grandstands as McLaren’s Lando Norris speeds by on the track, on his way to winning his first race!
The Miami Grand Prix was a long and exhausting yet incredibly rewarding experience. It was not only a check off my bucket list but also a personal achievement in overcoming sensory stimuli and logistical obstacles, such as leaving the event after dealing with the heavy traffic and returning home.
With the Miami Grand Prix behind me, I am now setting my sights on attending Formula 1 races in new countries or revisiting some favorites. Bahrain, Azerbaijan, and Canada are next on my list!
