Hamilton's hunch seems to be working, F1 might come to Miami in 2019

About twelve months ago, during the last season, F1 drivers were asked a question at a press conference, "Where would you wish for F1 to hold a Grand Prix?" Replying in quintessential easy-going vibe, four-time world champion and current defender Lewis Hamilton replied, "Say Vegas or Miami?"

Perhaps not many would've taken Lewis' response that seriously. Maybe not even the Stevenage-born himself. Now that F1 is indeed deliberating about hosting a Grand Prix at the 2019 season, you may want to hail Hamilton's clairvoyance; even if it was uninitiated.

The showbiz-dominated land of United States has fancied a checkered history with motor racing events. It's an affair that continues to enjoy great reverence. Daytona is indeed the darling of all tracks and an unmissable home to arguably the most prestigious NASCAR event, the Daytona 500. On the other hand, we have the United States Grand Prix, held in the Owen Wilson-land in Texas: the lair of the cowboys and blazing heat. Little wonder then why the expression often at the conclusion of the race is 'wow'.

Now that F1 is considering hosting a race in Miami, arguably the party capital of Florida, there's reason to be excited. Should a Grand Prix indeed be held in the vibrant city of Miami, would be decided basis a vote conducted by the Miami City Commission- in common parlance, the city's own government.

That will decide whether to strike a deal with the FIA and F1 or not. But here's why this seems an exciting proposition. For starters, the Grand Prix at Miami would be another street circuit race, perhaps if not of the same density of competition at Monte Carlo then closer to the mouth-watering prospects of seeing another narrow track riddled with sharp turns and high-speed corners.

Thus far, the process of the Miami local government body agreeing to go for a vote seems to be a 'bright prospect', in the words of Sean Bratches, F1 managing director, commercial operations. In what many are labeling as 'an important step' toward ascension of the sport in different corners of the United States- no stranger to motor racing- lies the important build-up to the show-stealing F1 event in the country: the Grand Prix at Texas.

Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya at the Miami Street Circuit

But if the event does come to fruition, it will offer the tantalizing prospect of witnessing United States' first street race since 1991. Back in the day- and we're talking over two and a half decades in the past- the first street race, part of the US Grand Prix was held at Phoenix, Arizona.

Although back to F1, Miami may certainly offer a new platform to engage in wheel-to-wheel action having some of the best names in the business - Vettel, Hamilton, Alonso, Ricciardo- go flat out in the American heartland.In hindsight, it actually shouldn't be all that tough to host a Grand Prix at Miami, particularly from the standpoint of logistics. Not only does the city boast of a robust tourism infrastructure, it is also a destination that keenly anticipates motor-racing events- having hosted the iconic Le Mans back in 2002, 2003 where on both occasions one saw an Audi triumph.