Parc Ferme: Formula 1’s Miami reset

However, the jury is still out on whether the “scalpel” handiwork carried out in the recent tripartite PU meeting removed all the infected fake racing tissue. 

The Miami circuit will represent a real test for the efficacy of these committee changes, and Parc Ferme suspects it is one that will fail.

The nature of the track – it’s long straights/gentle full speed curves will challenge the energy-starved engines, and despite the introduced power cap changes, we may still see cars running out of battery before the end of the straight.

The alternative is to moderate battery use elsewhere, but again, we would be faced with the driver or algorithms being forced to hold back. Much in the way of wearing tight shoes so you can feel the relief when you take them off.

Over and above PU issues, we do have some factors where the driver and set-up can make a big impact.

The hot weather and track surface at Miami Autodrome make effective tyre management a premium skill.

Achieving the right tyre choice and measure of gas on corner exits – in particular, Turns 7 and 16 will be key for qualifying and races.

Another looming question is: will there be a change in the performance standings of the teams?

Fred Vasseur has been talking up his Marenello outfit in the off–period, and Miami might be where we get to see Ferrari’s Macarena wing in race action.

The prancing horse has been keeping its powder dry on this one, and the break in proceedings may have given them time enough to get it race-ready. Will we see an Italian breakthrough?

One team that will remain static in the order is Aston Martin. Jonathan Wheatley will arrive at some point in the future to take over the reins. Although who from is another matter. The incumbent Team Principal position is now in the hands of shareholder and maverick designer – Adrian Newey.

However, Newey has attended only a few races in person this year and will not be seen at Miami. Mike Krack will be filling in for this Grand Prix, but like Newey, he is not a natural in such a role.

Whatever function Wheatley adopts, by the time he arrives, the good ship AMR may have already taken on too much water. Putting another hand to the wheel pump may not be enough to right the ship.

AMR’s “super team” structure approach is different to that of others on the grid and something they have been proud of.

However, maybe it’s time for AMR to be contrite, end the experiment, and adopt a more conventional, proven approach?

For Parc Ferme, the Miami Grand Prix comes as a welcome relief from the F1 ‘Instaslop’ and ‘PRgram’ news cycle of the previous four weeks.

The sprint weekend is a good way to kick things off, and next week we should have some more newsworthy subject matter.

So, put on your white t-shirt, roll up the sleeves of your pastel-coloured suit jacket, and unmoor the speedboat. Let’s go, Tubs.