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Miami GP Media Day: Team 'In Good Spirits'

There is a definitely a feel good factor about being in Miami. Now in its third year, the race around the Hard Rock Stadium has settled in well to its place on the F1 calendar.

For the first time, the circuit will host an F1 Sprint race this weekend - the second of 2024 after last time out in Shanghai.

The team learned the perils of the alternative weekend format the hard way in China two weeks ago, when a set up change between the Saturday morning Sprint race and Qualifying in the afternoon impacted W15.

Two weeks on, and the team are eager to make the most of another Sprint weekend opportunity, and repeat the P2 success from Shanghai.

"We are in a much better position now we have done those extreme setup options," said George.

"We know now where the car operates at its best, we just need to fine tune that and build upon those foundations," he added.

The start of that process will come in Miami with the first small update package of the season due to appear on W15.

"Time will tell if those cause a change in the order, but we are in good spirits ahead of the weekend," said George.

"We are trying to chase perfection and reach for the stars, and doing so in such a short space of time can really throw you off."

Five Reasons We're Excited for Miami
We have to keep believing we can make a jump. That is the challenge of F1.

George

"We have seen examples with Aston [Winter 2022] and McLaren [2023] that if you find that sweet spot it can bring a lot of performance.

"We have to keep believing we can make a jump like that. It won't take a lot to make that swing, but that is the challenge of F1."

For the second season in a row, Miami is the first in a trio of visits to the US, and Lewis and George were quick to acknowledge the development of the sport in North America.

"The sport has got super big here, there is so much more awareness, everywhere I go people are more excited," said Lewis.

"We are part of the culture here, and we are all so grateful to the US for embracing this sport and sharing the love and passion we have all shared since we were kids.

"I love being in Miami, especially on the water. The weather is always great and it is nice to have that consistency. It is so cool to meet as many people excited for the weekend ahead as I am."

Miami's vibrant colour scheme and energy definitely brings the paddock to life every May, and creates a unique spectacle for those watching around the world, too

"The great thing about these US races is that they are all so different," said George.

"Austin is such an electric atmosphere, and the crowd is fantastic. The weather in Miami is great, and all the A-listers who turn up really makes it feel like a show.

"Then there is Vegas, which is similar in feel but has that added dimension of racing at night which makes it enjoyable."

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