Miami GP organizers bans Donald Trump fundraiser ahead of F1 race

Next weekend, Formula 1 will arrive in the United States, specifically in Miami, Florida. With the upcoming presidential elections in America and the expected large audience at the circuit, this weekend would have been an excellent opportunity for some publicity.

This was precisely the idea of Steven Witkoff, a significant donor to Donald Trump. The New York native, who has been fined in the past for financial fraud, reportedly purchased a Paddock Club Rooftop Suite and was charging $250,000 per ticket, according to the Washington Post.

Recent updates on the matter suggest that the Grand Prix organizers have become aware of this and, given that this “marketing maneuver” clearly violates the terms of the suite he purchased, if true, he will not be allowed to attend the event and will be refunded all the money spent. Here’s the official statement: “We have become aware that you may be using your rooftop suite at the Paddock Club for a political purpose, namely fundraising for a federal election at $250,000 per ticket, which clearly violates the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix Suite License Agreement. If this is true, we regret to inform you that your suite license will be revoked, you will not be allowed to attend the race at any time, and we will refund you in full.”

“We appreciate your support of the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix. Our race is a celebration of sport and culture. We are creating a place where everyone can come together and enjoy the thrill of Formula 1. Political campaigning has its place, and it is not at our race. We are delighted that you and your guests will be attending our event and enjoying your suite. However, we respectfully ask that this be done in accordance with our clear licensing agreement. A member of our team will be handling the next steps directly.”

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The Post also reported that Donald Trump will attend the race next weekend in Miami, and the Secret Service is coordinating his schedule with the racetrack. Steven Witkoff, on the other hand, described the claims as “false” but declined to elaborate.