Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has revealed he has doubts as to the organisation and planning behind the Miami Grand Prix, slated to take a spot on the 2019 Formula One calendar.
He claims that the difficulty in organising a street race in any city let alone Miami is a huge headache and that the current owners of F1, Liberty Media, may struggle to make the event a reality.
The project was greenlit by the Miami City Commission back in May, however, plans took a hit when the Biscayne Neighbourhood Association (BNA) voiced their concerns over costs that would land on the taxpayer as well as disruption to local life.
Not only that, but original plans for the circuit to loop around the AmericanAirlines Arena were scrapped after being denied permission to use the land for the event.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Ecclestone said that the challenges Liberty Media will have to make the event a success were now huge.
"We looked bloody hard at getting a race in Miami in my time, and we encountered various obstacles.
"These guys might manage to get the deal done, but it will be tough. It is not just about money, but about other issues.
"Street races are always hard work."
And Miami's powerful BNA has no intention of giving Formula 1 a free pass.
"We are now waiting for the contract the City Manager will present to the City Commission," BNA president Andres Althabe told Forbes.
"But if we don’t have a clear understanding of the benefits the race will bring to Miami, we will consider opposing the City Commission approving the contract."