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The 2024 Formula 1 season comes to the United States for the first time in the 2024 season this weekend with the third annual Miami Grand Prix.
While there may be little in the way of controversy on the track, with Red Bull star Max Verstappen as the overwhelming face favorite, there’s plenty going on off of it.
Previous editions of the race brought out celebrities from all walks of life, including former US President Donald Trump.
This year, however, Trump may not be on hand. Race organizers recently sent a cease and desist letter to Steven Witkoff. Witkoff is a major fundraiser whose golf club advertised a trip to the race in a suite that would have been an event for Trump.
The Washington Post reports that the fundraiser will now no longer take place.
Trump Donor Hit With Cease And Desist From Miami Grand Prix Organizers
“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 per ticket, which clearly violates the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix suite license agreement,” a letter obtained by The Washington Post read. “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.”
The race weekend gets underway on Friday at 12:30 p.m. ET with the first and only practice session. Qualifying for Saturday’s sprint race follows at 4:30 p.m.
The sprint race is scheduled for noon followed by qualifying for the feature at 4 p.m. The feature race then goes green at 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Verstappen enters having won four of five races this season. The lone exception came at the Australian Grand Prix where he was unable to finish due to a mechanical failure.