Z Top Seven Things to Consider in Miami for F1 GP Week

On a beautiful sunny day in October of 1972 in a suburban hospital in Miami I entered this crazy world. A few years later I was zooming hot wheels cars around my house which was nestled in an area now known as South Miami. A few more years later my parents, who I bonded with over a love of cars, gifted me a 1967 convertible Mustang as my first car. I drove that drop top all over South Florida for many years getting to know the in's and out's of this iconic city. I wish I still I had it to be honest! Fast forward a few years, OK many, I've attended each of the three Formula 1 Grand Prix's and the accompanying events, dinners and parties hosted all over the magic city.

So as a service to anyone out there who is coming to my hometown for the event I'm offering my top seven things to consider in hopes to make it a more enjoyable, succesful and stress free experience. Let's go!

1. Let's get the main, not so great, thing out of the way. The track is in North West Miami and only 15 miles from downtown Miami and 18 miles from Ft. Lauderdale but the traffic is terrible going and leaving the track so allow for 1-2 hours if you are staying in downtown, South Beach, Brickell or Ft. Lauderdale plus you have to park and then walk a good amount to get into the facility but the trick is once you park- hire a rick shaw driver/rider bike to take you to the track. They are all over the parking lots and usually 10-20 dollars per person. If you can swing it hire a driver for the day ahead of time. DM me if you need referrals

2. It can be hot at the track so be prepared with sunscreen, hats and light clothing. This is especially true if you are in the grandstands with no shade. Make the right call with hydration during the day since you want to be ready to go out in the evenings, not wiped out from dehydration. Experience:/

3. Plan for extra time at the track to take in all the great sponsor activations and fan zones. They do a great job incorporating them nicely into the footprint and the Liquid IV and artists booths are my favorites.

4. Miami's best areas to go out at night: Brickell, Coconut Grove, Wynwood (busy, can be dangerous but has some gems), South Beach (primarily Purdy area and South of Fifth street). Expect long lines and wait times so reservations are a must! I repeat, make your reservations now. After midnight Miami can be a bit dangerous so be aware of your surroundings if you're in Wynwood, downtown or South Beach. I have private security recommendations as well if you need it.

5. If you're heading to the actual beach I prefer mid South Beach around 30th-50th streets and also 2nd-3rd streets. This is great for people watching and if you're an early bird the sunrises can be outstanding.

6. If you're looking to do something unique and rejuvenate from the track I suggest going to the Hurrem Hammam in North Miami. I'm not paid by them in any way but it's the antithesis of being in the noise, peoply environment and action of a race track. Google them, get there and relax. Thank me later.

7. OK, now the big one and the one I'll get into the most trouble for since I'll miss a few. My recommendations for restaurants. Miami's food scene is incredible and there are so many great places to pick from. Here are my go to's and good luck getting ressies: Forte dei Marmi, Mila, Pastis, The Surf Club Restaurant, Joe's Stone Crab. And here's where the locals really go: Sapore di Mare, Versailles, Le Petit Maison, Pura Vida, The Henry, Casa Tua or Casa Tua Cucina

If you're in town and find any of these tips helpful let me know and perhaps we'll bump into each other on track or out and about!