Serena Williams, Kevin O'Leary, Rafael Nadal among stars at Miami Grand Prix as Kimi Antonelli leads F1 standings

Key facts

• The 2026 Miami Grand Prix took place on May 2 around Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
• Serena Williams, Jimmy Fallon, Kevin O'Leary, Rafael Nadal, and Luis Suarez were among celebrities in attendance.
• Kimi Antonelli leads the F1 point standings and competed in the race.
• Lewis Hamilton, rumored to be dating Kim Kardashian, also participated.
• Palm Beach Post reporter Hal Habib took a practice ride in an Aston Martin reaching 166 mph.
• The ride was driven by Darren Turner, a 24 Hours of Le Mans winner.
• Mika Hakkinen, two-time F1 world champion, joked with Habib before the ride.

Celebrities flock to Miami Gardens for Formula 1 spectacle

The 2026 Miami Grand Prix transformed the area around Hard Rock Stadium into a nexus of sport and celebrity on Sunday, May 2. Tennis legend Serena Williams, a Palm Beach County resident, joined late-night host Jimmy Fallon, Shark Tank star Kevin O'Leary, tennis great Rafael Nadal, and Inter Miami forward Luis Suarez among the luminaries watching the race. The event, officially the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix, drew fans and stars alike to the home of the Miami Dolphins. The convergence of high-speed racing and high-profile attendees underscored the Grand Prix's status as a premier cultural event in the Sunshine State.

F1 title contenders Antonelli and Hamilton on track

On the circuit, Kimi Antonelli, who currently leads the Formula 1 point standings, competed in the race. Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion and subject of rumors linking him romantically to reality star Kim Kardashian, also took part. The presence of both drivers added competitive tension to the event, with Antonelli seeking to extend his championship lead and Hamilton aiming to close the gap. Their rivalry, combined with the celebrity wattage, made the Miami Grand Prix a focal point of the racing calendar.

Reporter’s 166-mph ride with Le Mans champion

Palm Beach Post sports reporter Hal Habib experienced the Grand Prix circuit firsthand during a practice ride on May 1. He was driven by Darren Turner, a driver who helped win the 24 Hours of Le Mans, in a sleek Aston Martin. They blasted through the entire 19-turn circuit, reaching a top speed of 166 miles per hour. Before the ride, Habib was warned he would experience 1g forces as the car whipped around corners — far less than the 5g that actual racers endure. Mika Hakkinen, winner of F1 world titles in 1998 and 1999, joked to Habib, “I just hope you haven’t had a big breakfast.”

From clay to speed: Nadal’s appearance highlights crossover appeal

Rafael Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam tennis champion, turned heads at the Miami Grand Prix, marking another instance of the event's ability to attract stars from beyond motorsport. His presence, alongside Serena Williams, underscored the Grand Prix's role as a meeting ground for elite athletes from different disciplines. The crossover appeal of the Miami Grand Prix has grown since its inception, drawing figures from tennis, football, entertainment, and business. The 2026 edition continued that trend, with Luis Suarez and Kevin O'Leary adding to the diverse guest list.

A weekend of speed and spectacle

The Miami Grand Prix has become a fixture in South Florida's social calendar, blending high-octane racing with celebrity culture. The 2026 race week featured multiple events leading up to Sunday's main event, with stars like Robert Downey Jr. and Meryl Streep also attending related functions in the region. For fans, the Grand Prix offers a rare chance to see Formula 1 cars and drivers up close, while for celebrities, it provides a platform to be seen at one of the world's most glamorous sporting events. The combination of speed, star power, and Miami's unique atmosphere ensures the Grand Prix remains a highlight of the F1 season.

What comes next for Miami and F1

As the 2026 Miami Grand Prix concludes, attention turns to the remainder of the Formula 1 season. Kimi Antonelli's championship lead will be tested at upcoming circuits, while Lewis Hamilton seeks to rebound. The event's success in drawing celebrities and fans alike reinforces Miami's position as a key venue on the F1 calendar. Organizers will likely build on this year's momentum, aiming to attract even bigger names and more spectators in future editions. For now, the images of Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, and others mingling at Hard Rock Stadium will linger as the defining memory of the 2026 Miami Grand Prix.

The bottom line

• The 2026 Miami Grand Prix on May 2 attracted a wide array of celebrities including Serena Williams, Jimmy Fallon, Kevin O'Leary, Rafael Nadal, and Luis Suarez.
• Kimi Antonelli leads the F1 point standings and competed alongside Lewis Hamilton, who is rumored to be dating Kim Kardashian.
• A reporter's practice ride in an Aston Martin reached 166 mph, driven by Le Mans winner Darren Turner.
• Two-time F1 champion Mika Hakkinen joked with the reporter before the ride, highlighting the event's blend of competition and levity.
• The Grand Prix continues to serve as a crossover event for elite athletes from tennis, football, and other sports.
• Miami's role as a premier F1 venue is solidified by its ability to draw top drivers and global celebrities.