Formula 1 Drivers Reveal Their Top Places to Visit While at the F1 Miami Grand Prix (Exclusive)

Skyler CarusoThu, April 30, 2026 at 12:57 PM UTC

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Pierre Gasly of France and Alpine F1.Credit: Mark Sutton - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty

Beep beep! Make room in your Formula 1 weekend schedule!

As the 2026 Miami Grand Prix arrives at the Miami International Autodrome at full speed, be sure to take time to soak up the sun — and sights! and sounds! and dining! and nightlife! — that Miami Beach has to offer in the days leading up to the main event on Sunday, May 3.

Ahead of the three-day, adrenaline-filled racing event, PEOPLE caught up with Formula 1 drivers Pierre Gasly of BWT Alpine F1 Team and Sergio "Checo" Pérez of Cadillac, who are no strangers to The 305 and want to ensure you’re spending your energy in the best ways.

F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome in May 2025Credit: Hector Vivas/Getty

When he’s not globetrotting during the F1 season, Pérez — a Mexican F1 driver whose debut with Cadillac follows his tenure with Oracle Red Bull Racing, alongside Max Verstappen — spends time at his residence in Miami Beach, so he knows a thing or two about the palm tree-filled scene.

"Miami has a great food scene. I really enjoy going out for dinner there," Pérez, 36, tells PEOPLE exclusively ahead of the F1 Miami Grand Prix. “I like to go to Carbone – it’s retro and you feel like you’ve gone back in time, and the menu has some classics too."

He adds, “Cipriani is a bit more modern, but it’s a great Italian. Then COTE in the Design District if you want a steak. Love the atmosphere – it’s like going to a theatre and restaurant at the same time!"

Similarly, Gasly — a French Formula 1 driver who raced on behalf of Red Bull in 2019 — raved about the dining when dishing on his go-to Miami hot spots while in town for race week. He even shared a favorite with Pérez!

Sergio PérezCredit: Joe Portlock/Getty

"I do enjoy visiting Carbone when I’m here and having my favorite spicy rigatoni during the race weekend," Gasly, 30, tells PEOPLE of what fuels him during the three-day whirlwind on the East Coast, which also includes a sprint race on Saturday, May 2.

The 2026 Formula 1 season has 24 races on the calendar and kicked off with the Australian Grand Prix in March. The season will conclude with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December. However, two races — Bahrain and Saudi Arabia — were canceled this year due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

For Gasly, the stop in the Sunshine State ranks among his favorites — so much so, he’s even bought a place there.

"I always love visiting Miami,” he tells PEOPLE. “I just love the energy of the city with its unique scenery and very special, iconic vibe. "I’ve even bought myself a place in the Design District where, in the future, I’ll be able to spend some downtime in the city and get to know the place even more!"

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Pierre GaslyCredit: WILLIAM WEST / AFP via Getty

While there are several pre-race happenings, the Miami Grand Prix will shift to full gear starting Friday, May 1. The festivities begin with a practice round and sprint qualifying, followed by Saturday's sprint race and qualifying, with the main event set for Sunday.

Carbone, the Italian hot spot mentioned by both Gasly and Pérez, will see the return of its famed Amex x Carbone Beach. The hot-ticket event, presented by American Express, will revive its three-night supper club on the sand for a fifth edition.

The Miami party will also feature surprise performances across its three nights, and if the artists are anything like previous years — Andrea Bocelli, Pitbull, Jelly Roll, Lauryn Hill, Kygo, The Chainsmokers, T-Pain, Diana Ross, among others — invitees are in for a treat.

Past attendees included Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, David Beckham, LeBron James, Derek and Hannah Jeter, Kevin Love, Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade, Serena and Venus Williams, Jamie Foxx, Hailee Steinfeld, along with industry titans such as Jeff Bezos.

If you’re looking to get active, Reserve Padel at the Miami Seaplane Base is Miami’s go-to destination for the fast-growing sport. The luxury club offers professional glass-enclosed courts for padel, wellness amenities and a rich social scene across its scenic waterfront.

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American Express Presents: Carbone Beach.Credit: Romain Maurice/Getty

Oh, and while you keep one eye on the ball, keep your other eye out for F1 stars in the days leading up to the Miami Grand Prix! Gasly, Pérez, Charles Leclerc, George Russell, Carlos Sainz Jr. and Lando Norris have been spotted hitting the courts, making it a buzzy pre-race stop.

Looking for the music scene?

The Miami Grand Prix is teaming up with Hard Rock International once again, marking their five-year celebration with epic live music at the iconic trackside Hard Rock Beach Club. Headliners include Kane Brown, Marshmello, Zedd, Nelly, DJ Diesel (Shaquille O’Neal) and more. The performances will be broadcast throughout the Miami International Autodrome campus, too!

Other Miami hot spots making a splash during Grand Prix weekend include The Paddock Club, E11EVEN Miami, Gekko, Bagatelle, Queen Miami Beach, Marion Miami, Sweet Liberty, 400 Vinyl Room, GAIA Miami, Cactus Club Cafe, Yamashiro Miami, CATCH Miami Beach and more.

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