Talking Points: Jessica Hawkins on Tina Hausmann, car meets, secret parties and her love for the 305

As the Miami Grand Prix takes us Stateside for the first time this season, Aston Martin Aramco Head of F1 ACADEMY and Driver Ambassador Jessica Hawkins looks ahead to a pulsating weekend on and off the track in Magic City.

Set for its fourth running since joining the calendar in 2022, Miami is establishing itself as one of the most hotly anticipated Grand Prix weekends of the year – becoming as famous for an array of off-track activities as it is for the on-track action.

Ahead of the weekend, self-proclaimed Miami fan, Aston Martin Aramco Head of F1 ACADEMY and Driver Ambassador Jessica Hawkins, gives the lowdown on what we can expect in the coming days at the circuit and in the city.

What makes Miami one of the most exciting weekends of the year?

"It's a truly great event with so much happening. There's lots of glitz and glamour and it's very unique, being based at the home of the Miami Dolphins.

"The circuit and crowd are brilliant. I scored my first W Series podium in Miami and have very fond memories of racing there.

"Away from the track, the beaches are very iconic, the weather is lovely and I've done some really cool things with the team there. I've been to the Everglades and saw the alligators with the team, which was an amazing experience, and I've been to different sporting events too.

"Miami has it all, it's a very special place."

There's less margin for error, but also greater reward if you can take risks and pull them off.

What's the circuit like to drive and what's the key to going quick?

"It's a circuit that's got a bit of everything. There's the low-speed section in sector two where you need to be precise but there's also several high-speed straights and fast-flowing corners, so the car needs to be set up to deal with both. It's a circuit that can test drivers in a variety of ways.

"The heat is another challenge in Miami. It is probably one of the hottest races of the year and is usually quite humid, making it one of the most physically demanding races. The track surface temperature is often high so tyre management is an important factor to consider.

"To unlock laptime, you need good traction and strong exits out of the corner because the corners often lead onto long straights. You've also got to be pushing the limit but not get greedy; Miami has street circuit characteristics so there's less margin for error, but also greater reward if you can take risks and pull them off."

What's on your schedule with the team this weekend?

"It's Miami, so there are a lot of really cool things going on!

"On Thursday evening, I'll be at a Valvoline car meet. We attended a similar event last year and it was incredible, seeing loads of different tuned-up cars that were like something out of the Fast and Furious films.

"I had never been to anything like it. So many amazing cars arrived; it exceeded all my expectations. Valvoline is such a cool partner of ours – it's a brand with so much motorsport heritage and is helping us go racing with advanced lubricants. That combination of an iconic motorsport brand with Miami's vibrant car culture made for a fantastic event last year, and I'm excited be part of that again this week.

"The team's latest I / AM DROP landed this week. The House DROP brings together motorsport and House Music and the team has taken over a venue in Wynwood to build an immersive experience for fans: The House, Miami. I'll be there on Friday 2 May for The Secret Party and the surprise headline act, and I'm really looking forward to meeting I / AM members throughout the night.

"Throughout the weekend I'll also be taking guests of the team onto the circuit for Hot Laps but that's just the tip of the iceberg – I'm sure I'll be involved in lots more besides!"

You've been announced as an ambassador for our partner Elemis. What can you tell us about that?

"It's brilliant to be working with Elemis. I love their products and to be partnered with such an iconic British brand is incredible, and ideal for my skin too! I'm very thankful and very proud to be working alongside them. I'm sure we'll be doing great things together."

I'm very confident that there are more positive results to come. We know Tina's got the pace.

Tina Hausmann is back behind the wheel this weekend as F1 ACADEMY returns to Miami. What should we expect from Tina this weekend and what are your reflections on her season so far?

"Tina is familiar with the circuit in Miami so that will be of benefit to her. She showed great pace in pre-season testing, and had a good weekend in Saudi Arabia.

"I'm very confident that there are more positive results to come, including podiums, and I know that Tina believes that too; it's just a case of building on last time out in Saudi Arabia. We know Tina's got the pace. It's now about putting everything together."

Miami Grand Prix

Sprinting in the Sunshine State

Sweeping around the imposing Hard Rock Stadium, the Miami Grand Prix is a modern showpiece event on the F1 calendar. Get your essential guide to the weekend here.