In the round-up: The Miami Grand Prix promoter warned a supporter of Donald Trump not to proceed with plans to hold a fundraising event for the former American president who is seeking re-election.
In brief
Trump Miami GP fundraiser blocked
The Washington Post reported Steven Witkoff was warned by the race promoter in a letter that “it has come to our attention that you may be using your Paddock Club Rooftop Suite for a political purpose, namely raising money for a federal election at $250,000 [£200,000] per ticket, which clearly violates the… suite license agreement.”
“If this is true, we regret to inform you that your suite license will be revoked, you will not be allowed to attend the race at any time, and we will refund you in full,” it added.
Trump was elected president in 2016, lost his re-election bid in 2020 and is currently on trial in New York for allegedly falsifying financial records.
Magnussen eyes ‘even better Miami than 2023’
Haas driver Kevin Magnussen says he is eager to improve on his team’s 2023 showing at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix.
Magnussen secured his best grid position of the season in Miami in 2023 before taking one of his three points finishes in the grand prix. With Haas scoring five points already in 2024, Magnussen hopes to emulate that success this weekend.
“Miami is a big event for us, the first of three home races,” he said. “It’s a great event, great track, and I personally like the circuit – it’s a hybrid street, road course, track, but it has some really good high-speed parts there. It was one of our best weekends last season, and hopefully with our car this year we can have an even better race.
“It’s a good track for racing – you have the back-straight which is super-long and then a hairpin leading on to the main straight, so whatever battle you’re in, it tends to continue into turn one with another DRS zone there. Of course, the US races are busy for us as we’re an American team with a lot of American sponsors, so I’m looking forward to the whole week.”
McLaughlin was “a little mad” after mannequin moment
IndyCar Barber race winner Scott McLaughlin admitted he was initially upset after the caution was called while he was in a strong position Sunday’s race as he assumed it had been triggered by a mannequin on track.
A life-sized doll named ‘Georgina’, one of the many art installations around Barber Motorsports Park, fell onto the track during Sunday’s race. A caution period came out soon after, but was instead triggered by Sting Ray Robb crashing out.
“I was a little mad,” McLaughlin said. “Then I realised that someone else had hit the fence. That wasn’t what the yellow was for.
“I love the artistic stuff, but it probably doesn’t need to be above the track to cause a yellow like that. It’s probably what will change next year maybe. I do love that part of this. It’s unique. It’s just a fun track. I thought it was a matter of time.”
Eminem to headline US GP concert
US Grand Prix organisers have announced that legendary hip-hop artist Eminem and Police singer Sting will headline the concerts that will form part of the event’s festivities in October.
Sting will perform at the circuit’s amphitheatre on Friday evening, while Eminem will take to the stage after qualifying on Saturday night. Previous headliners for the event include Taylor Swift, Britney Spears, Bruno Mars and Billy Joel.
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