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Sebastian Vettel: Miami Grand Prix’s Shaky Destiny in Climate Crisis

Sebastian Vettel: Miami Grand Prix’s Shaky Destiny in Climate Crisis

Sebastian Vettel at the 2022 Miami Grand Prix.

Photo: Dan Istitene – Formula 1 / Contributor (Getty Images)

We’ve all had our fun laughing at the fake marina constructed for Formula 1’s Miami Grand Prix. It’s been Social media is a place where you can be harmed to death.Sky Sports F1 reporter Craig Slater even did a pretend backstroke above the simulated waters with microphone in hand. But what if I told you that, within our lifetimes, it’s highly likely that there will be water inundating the Miami circuit? That’s the future reality Sebastian Vettel acknowledged with his bold choice of T-shirt during Wednesday night’s Opening Party.

The event is essentially an opening ceremony. It features glamorous introductions for drivers, team principals, and, in this instance, a concert headlined and hosted by Kygo, a Norwegian DJ and F1 fan. One moment stood out: Every other driver wore team attire on the podium. Sebastian Vettel walked up in a T-shirt that read “Miami 2060. 1st Grand Prix Under Water. Act Now or Swim Later.” Vettel’s T-shirt was only briefly acknowledged—host Naomi Schiff offhandedly commented that she “loved the shirt” at the end of her interview with the Aston Martin driver.

Sebastian Vettel in the “Miami 2060″ t-shirt
Gif: Formula One Management

The statement we saw on the four-time F1 champion’s chest is largely correct. Analyse by Climate Central leading into Miami’s 2020 Super Bowl, we learn that flooding of more than six feet over the local high-tide line could inundate Hard Rock Stadium with a foot and a half of water—and the Miami Grand Prix circuit Was built around Hard Rock Stadium. Such a flood event could occur “through a combination of sea level rise, tide, and storm surge,” the report states.

A rendering of Hard Rock Stadium under a foot and a half of flood water.

Hard Rock Stadium, as seen from below a foot and half of floodwater.
Image: Climate Central/Nickolay Lamm

Is it possible that a storm could create all three conditions? According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the sea level in southeast Florida will rise by 5%. By 2060, the elevation will increase by two and a quarter feetHard Rock Stadium is located at approximately five feet above sealevel on a flat, open area of land less that nine miles from the coast. It is susceptible to sea level rise and ocean tides.

Hurricanes are a possibility in South Florida. NOAA projectsThe climate crisis will make hurricanes more severe, leading to an increase in Category Four storms and Category Five storms.

Fulford-Miami Speedway

Fulford-Miami Speedway
Photo: Florida State Archives

This wouldn’t be a new occurrence for a Miami-area race venue. Carl Fisher, co-founder of Indianapolis Motor Speedway was also a realty developer. Fisher was instrumental in the development and construction of Miami Beach in 1920s. He also built. Fulford–Miami Speedway, a 1.25-mile board track. Six months after the track’s inaugural IndyCar race in 1926, the speedway was destroyed by the Great Miami Hurricane. The storm brought winds up to 150 mph and destroyed the entire area. What remained of Fulford-Miami Speedway was salvaged to repair homes ravaged by the storm.

Fulford-Miami Speedway after the Great Miami Hurricane of 1926.

Fulford-Miami Speedway, after the Great Miami Hurricane in 1926.
Photo: Florida State Archive

Although it might seem silly to discuss the fate of F1’s race, so many people live in areas that would be affected by this scenario. But Vettel’s sartorial statement helps put the threat of the climate crisis in concrete terms, painting a dire picture that’s hard for any F1 fan to ignore. Given the There are many controversies surrounding Miami Grand Prix, and F1’s Recent history of recent failureWith Statements on social and political issuesDrivers (including via T-shirt), Vettel’s decision took guts. Let’s see how F1 chooses to respond.

 



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