| The Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix has rapidly evolved into more than just a weekend of speed and competition. The event generated over $1 billion in economic impact across South Florida in its first three years.
Beyond the numbers, F1 Miami held its “Community Night” Thursday evening to engage the residents of Miami Gardens, home to the Miami International Autodrome. The opening event welcomed more than 125 students from local schools for a behind-the-scenes motorsport experience ahead of this weekend’s race.
Participating groups included the STEM-focused nonprofit Dibia Dreams, Miami Carol City Senior High, Miami Gardens’ Parks and Recreation Department, the youth mentoring organization Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami-Dade County, and Miami Gardens nonprofit Sunshine Hearts.
Highlights from the day included a visit to the F1 and F1 Academy paddocks to meet drivers and engineers; a pit lane walk with an exclusive stop at the Aston Martin garage; the unveiling of a life-size LEGO F1 car alongside a custom workshop, where students built their own model and received a LEGO set to take home; and a dinner catered by Reggae Beets, one of the 15 local restaurants featured at this year’s Grand Prix through the Community Restaurant Program.
Thursday’s event was part of a broader mission by South Florida Motorsports (SFM) and Hard Rock Stadium to open doors for the next generation.
“The inspiration behind F1 Miami Community Night was to create a behind-the-scenes experience—to give our residents the chance to see the cars up close, walk on pit lane, and learn about everything from the classroom to on-track careers,” said Kim Miller, vice president of Community Affairs for the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium. “It’s about making the world of motorsport accessible and tangible for our community.”
Education That Accelerates Careers
A cornerstone of F1 Miami’s year-round outreach is STEM-focused education. Through its MIA in Schools initiative, F1 Miami has partnered with more than 30 schools, including programs run by the S.E.E.K. Foundation, to introduce students to science, technology, engineering and math careers.
“Not all schools have a STEM program,” Miller noted. “We want to keep growing. By showing students the different roles in motorsports from engineering to marketing to hospitality, we’re helping them see themselves in fields they never thought were possible.”
One of those students is Ryder Dennis, a ninth grader from Miami Carol City High School, which offers the only Electric Vehicle and Automotive Certification Program at the high school level in the U.S.
“Getting to walk on the pit lane and see the inside of the garage was cool,” Ryder said. “I’ve always wanted to be a mechanic, and now I know for sure. Being in the EV program at school and seeing these F1 cars up close makes me want to work harder and go even further.”
Several former interns have already secured full-time roles within South Florida Motorsports.
Amplifying Local Businesses
Now in its fourth year, the Community Restaurant Program allows 15 locally owned restaurants in Miami Gardens to serve fans from around the world during race weekend.
“Participating in Formula 1 Miami has been a blessing,” said Orrette Shawn Flowers, owner of Reggae Beets. “We’re getting exposure we wouldn’t get anywhere else. We want to serve our food at an international event like this and see people worldwide enjoying it. It’s a proud moment not just for us, but for the whole community.”
Additionally, as a temporary circuit, the Miami International Autodrome is a massive infrastructure project that relies on local workers and vendors to bring it to life. It takes over 1,500 workers to build and deconstruct the campus each year from January to May. More than 18,000 individuals are accredited to work on race weekend, most of which come from the local community, supporting hospitality, logistics, event operations
The Community Zone: Where Innovation Meets Play
Throughout race weekend, fans of all ages can visit the Community Zone in the Promenade section of the Miami Campus. In partnership with the S.E.E.K. Foundation, this area features STEM-based games, reaction time tests and F1 racing simulators.
Designed to be fun and educational, the Community Zone reinforces the weekend’s theme of igniting possibilities—inviting young visitors to imagine futures in racing, science and engineering.
“This isn’t just about racing,” said Kim Miller. “It’s about what racing can spark in the minds of our youth, in our schools, and our local businesses. That’s the legacy we’re building.”
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