Formula E Faces Backlash Over Controversial Miami Track Design: Drivers Speak Out!
This weekend’s Miami E-Prix is already stirring up controversy before the engines roar to life, as Antonio Félix da Costa raises eyebrows over the newly designed layout at the Miami International Autodrome. The Portuguese driver, known for his candidness, didn’t hold back when he declared his intention to “constructively criticize” the abbreviated track that could shape the dynamics of the race.
In a significant shift from its previous venue at Homestead–Miami Speedway, Formula E has opted for the Miami International Autodrome, but the decision to utilize the national configuration has led to a layout that some drivers are questioning. Da Costa pointed out that this new design closely mirrors the one used during last year’s celebrity-driven EVO Sessions, yet modifications have resulted in a track that is noticeably shorter. With expected lap times hovering around a blistering 55 seconds, da Costa humorously remarked that he hadn’t seen such rapid laps since his days in go-karting.
The stark reality is that only a handful of drivers participated in the EVO Sessions, and while da Costa wasn’t one of them, he expressed his bewilderment over the track’s brevity. When asked if the circuit is too short, he responded candidly: “I wasn’t here for the EVO sessions, but the short answer to your question is that it should be longer. I’m not the FIA, I’m not Formula E, and I’m not involved in those governing bodies when it comes to deciding track layouts. But I hope there must be a reason for the track to be that short, even though I don’t know it, and I would like to see it a little longer.”
Adding fuel to the fire, it should be noted that this weekend will not feature the Pit Boost system, which typically spices things up in double-header events. The absence of this feature raises concerns about lapped cars and their potential impact on the race outcome. Da Costa reflected on this, indicating that with Pit Boost in play, some drivers could find themselves a lap down, complicating the race strategy even further.
As the anticipation builds, the question remains: is this layout truly suitable for Formula E? Da Costa, fully aware of the stakes, hinted that the championship is usually quick to recognize its missteps. “Yeah, with Pit Boost, you would have gone a lap down,” he noted. “I actually didn’t even think about that. I think everybody here – in terms of the FIA, Formula E teams and drivers – is very humble about whether we could have done better.”
With the race looming, da Costa emphasized a collaborative spirit among teams and drivers, stating, “We’re not here to criticize; we’re here to maybe constructively criticize, yes, and just help everybody – the series, the teams, the drivers – to create a better product for the fans.” He concluded with a sense of optimism, suggesting that whatever challenges arise this weekend, there will be an opportunity for improvement next year.
As the engines prepare to ignite and the world watches, the pressure is on for Formula E to deliver an exhilarating race that lives up to the excitement of Miami. Will the shortened track provide thrilling drama or fall flat? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the eyes of the motorsport community are firmly fixed on this weekend’s showdown.








