Miami Grand Prix’s fake marina now comes with a $95,000 add-on after ‘first of its kind’ upgrade

Although the Miami Grand Prix is celebrating some of the finest and fastest vehicles on the planet, organisers couldn't overlook the US city's love for boats.

Formula 1 fans are gearing up for an action-packed weekend following a four-week hiatus, as its the first time that racing stars have been back on the track since the Japanese Grand Prix concluded.

Plenty of action had already unfolded by Friday (1 May) night, as Ferrari showed signs they could take the fight to Mercedes in Miami as Charles Leclerc topped practice ahead of sprint qualifying.

The Monegasque was just under three tenths clear of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, with Lewis Hamilton four tenths off the pace of team-mate Leclerc in fourth.

Teams up and down the grid brought extensive upgrades to the sunshine state - and the venue they are competing at, the Miami International Autodrome circuit, also recently underwent a makeover to prepare for the Grand Prix.

Katharina Nowak, the Miami Grand Prix's president, recently told how the crew who bring the place to life 'does the impossible' when transforming the 265-acre site.

She told Sky Sports that the team are 'continuing to lean into Miami more and more each year' and seek inspiration from the vibrant city.

"There's a lot of excitement around Miami, which we, of course, embrace and are excited to hopefully continue to deliver an excellent event," Nowak said.

This year, there's also a free fan festival in Miami Beach which people can check out for free, while food vendors and entertainment are on offer that are synonymous with the setting.

The 'fake' marina is making another appearance at the Miami Grand Prix this year - sort of.

It's taken on another form for 2026, as organisers have now turned it into a hospitality area known as 'MSC Yacht Club' - that is shaped like a yacht and boasts panoramic views of the racetrack, according to ESPN.

Taking a seat there will apparently replicate the experience of lounging on a yacht in one of Miami's picturesque marinas. It's said to be 50ft tall and 264ft in length, so it will be hard to miss.

According to MSC Cruises, the multi-level structure is 'the first of its kind' and 'will deliver premium hospitality with sweeping trackside views of turns 5-9'.

Nowak said: "In creating the MSC Yacht Club, we wanted to elevate that iconic space by providing something even more immersive, refined, and connected to racing. With a great partner in MSC Cruises, we have curated an outstanding guest experience while staying true to the energy of Miami that makes our race so unique."

It boasts multiple viewing decks, open-air terraces, refined lounges, shaded seating areas and pools, while fans also have a front row seat to the F1 action.

Suzanne Salas, EVP, Marketing, eCommerce & Sales for MSC Cruises USA said of the installation: "Bringing the MSC Yacht Club concept from our ships to the track is an unrivalled opportunity to transform one of our most exclusive and celebrated onboard experiences into a bold, first-of-its-kind destination.

"From the striking super yacht design to the elevated hospitality and unmatched views of the action, this experience captures the innovation and premium service that define MSC Cruises and gives Formula 1 fans a taste of our signature mix of European style and American comfort."

Ticket prices depend on whether you're opting for general admission or intending to lounge in a private cabana. Prices start at $95,000 for the three-day weekend.

The fake marina was previously a hit and Miami Grand Prix representative Tom Garfinkel explained it came to fruition as the team wanted 'shots of the yachts'.

Discussing how the idea was born, he told Autosport in 2022: "Initially, when we were looking at downtown, F1 had some ideas about wanting the shots of the yachts.

“When we moved here for a number of reasons, most importantly because we didn't think we could have a good racing circuit downtown, I told F1 that you're gonna get your yacht shots, you're gonna have your yachts.

"They looked at me like I was crazy. And then I came back and drew it on the whiteboard and said: ‘I want a marina with yachts here, and we're gonna make it happen.’ And so we did. And it's a lot of fun."

Speaking of the varying reaction the fake marina received online, Garfinkel added: "I think people are enjoying it. I think the people on the back of those yachts watching the race will have fun, and I think the people that are sort of poking fun at it, I think it's funny, and it's great."