As Formula One prepares to take its talents to South Beach for the inaugural Miami Grand Prix, driver Sergio Perez arrived at the track ahead of schedule. Like way, way ahead of schedule.
Due to a communication breakdown with Oracle Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner, Perez mishears “May” as “today” and hops in his F1 race car to make the trek from New York to Miami in record time.
Hilarity ensues in Race To Miami, released Tuesday on Oracle Red Bull Racing’s YouTube channel, documenting Perez’s epic journey from Manhattan, through the Florida Everglades and onto the field at Hard Rock Stadium.
“I loved taking part in my first Red Bull road trip,” Perez said in a release. “I remember seeing the one of Daniel (Ricciardo) crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and never thought I would get the chance to be part of it.
“I think Miami is the perfect place for Formula One, it’s a very fun city and there’s a good energy there. The track is looking awesome and I can’t wait to see all the fans there. Austin always feels like a home race for me and I think Miami will be similar.”
Perez gets help along the way from professional wakeboarder/barefoot water skier Parks Bonifay when he comes across an alligator in the Everglades and Miami Dolphins cornerback Byron Jones, who gives him directions to Hard Rock Stadium.
Tennis player Reilly Opelka plus professional skateboarders Jamie Foy and Zion Wright make appearances, too.
"Checo" also gets assistance from the Oracle Red Bull Racing pit crew, including helping him test out the (unfinished) track. Perez ends up parked on the football field of the Hard Rock Stadium where … well, I’m not going to spoil the ending.
The F1 season continues this weekend at Imola in Italy before the series makes the real trip to Miami, May 6-8.
