Miami GP Appoints Youngest President Yet Following Tyler Epp’s Successful Tenure

Katharina Nowak Steps In as Miami Grand Prix Welcomes a New Chapter

The Miami Grand Prix has entered a fresh era of leadership with the appointment of Katharina Nowak as its new president, officially making her the youngest figure to ever hold the role. The announcement was confirmed by Tom Garfinkel, managing partner of the Miami GP, who praised Nowak’s leadership qualities and potential to guide one of Formula 1’s most dynamic races into the future.

Nowak steps into the shoes of Tyler Epp, who oversaw the race from its inaugural year on the Formula 1 calendar in 2022 and helped transform the event into a mainstay of American motorsport. Epp is moving on to what has only been described as “an important role in the motorsports industry,” leaving behind a legacy of rapid growth, global attention, and record-breaking milestones for the Miami GP.

For Nowak, who previously served as vice president of business operations for the grand prix, this new role represents both recognition of her hard work and a responsibility to continue pushing boundaries. For the sport itself, it signals continuity with a fresh spark of youthful leadership.

A Quick Look Back at Epp’s Transformative Era

To understand the significance of Nowak’s appointment, it’s worth reflecting on what Tyler Epp accomplished in just a few years. When Miami joined the F1 calendar in 2022, there was no guarantee it would succeed. Formula 1 had seen American ventures before—some more successful than others—but Epp and his team knew Miami had to be different.

The result was a spectacle that went far beyond racing. The inaugural year saw a sell-out attendance of 242,955 spectators across the three-day weekend, turning the Hard Rock Stadium complex into a global stage for sport, entertainment, and culture. Celebrities, athletes, and F1 fans alike descended upon Miami Gardens, confirming that Formula 1 had found not just a host city but a new cultural epicenter in the U.S.

Momentum only grew. In 2023, the Miami GP delivered a record-breaking U.S. television audience of 3.1 million viewers on ABC, the largest for an F1 race broadcast in the country. Two years later, the 2025 edition smashed its own attendance record with 275,000 fans packing into the venue, cementing Miami as not just a novelty but a genuine powerhouse on the global calendar.

Perhaps Epp’s biggest legacy, though, is longevity. In May 2025, Miami secured a contract extension with Formula 1 until 2041, guaranteeing the race will remain a fixture for at least another 16 years. In an industry where hosting agreements are constantly shifting, that kind of stability is rare and speaks volumes about the confidence Formula 1 and its stakeholders have in the Miami event.

Enter Katharina Nowak: The Youngest President Yet

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes W16 and Oscar Piastri, McLaren MCL39 Mercedes

With such a solid foundation, the question now becomes: where does Miami go from here? That’s where Katharina Nowak comes in.

Nowak joined the broader Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium organization back in 2019, steadily working her way up the ladder. Her early roles focused on corporate partnerships and operational support, but she quickly established herself as a sharp operator capable of balancing commercial priorities with the logistical demands of staging world-class events.

By 2024, she was promoted to vice president of business operations for the Miami Grand Prix, where she oversaw critical elements of the race’s organization. Those who have worked with her describe her as hands-on, detail-oriented, and unafraid to make bold calls—all qualities that caught the eye of Garfinkel and the event’s ownership group.

In his statement announcing the appointment, Garfinkel called her “one of the most talented young executives” he’s ever worked with, underlining the confidence being placed in her ability to lead. For Nowak, the opportunity is both a reward and a challenge:

“I am both humbled and excited to take on this new role as President,” Nowak said in her first remarks after the announcement. “I want to thank Steve Ross, Tom, and Tyler for their vision, investment, and leadership. In this new chapter, our goals remain unchanged—we will continue to deliver an exceptional event for our stakeholders, with elite on-track action and fan-first experience at the center of all we do.”

What Makes Nowak’s Appointment Significant

There are a few reasons this leadership shift matters beyond just the headlines.

First, the fact that Nowak is the youngest president yet of the Miami Grand Prix signals a deliberate investment in the next generation of sports executives. Formula 1, like many global sports, is constantly trying to connect with younger audiences, and having a president who reflects that demographic is a statement in itself.

Second, her background in business operations—rather than purely marketing or sponsorships—suggests that Miami will continue to prioritize logistical excellence. Formula 1 events are notoriously complex to manage, especially ones built around temporary circuits like the Miami International Autodrome, which winds through and around the Hard Rock Stadium campus.

Third, Nowak’s experience within the broader Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium enterprise means she understands not just the race but the ecosystem around it. Miami GP is not just a motorsport event; it’s a festival of sport, entertainment, and culture. From celebrity appearances to corporate activations, from concerts to luxury hospitality, the event requires a leader who can balance multiple moving parts without losing sight of the core product: racing.

John Murphy Takes on a Bigger Role

Alongside Nowak’s appointment, the announcement also included news of John Murphy being promoted to managing director of South Florida Motorsports. Murphy, who had previously served as vice president of sporting and racing operations, will now oversee a broader portfolio of motorsport events at the Miami International Autodrome.

Murphy has been with the Miami GP project since day one, playing a key role in building the sporting infrastructure that allows the race to operate smoothly. His elevation ensures that the technical and sporting side of the event will remain in steady hands while Nowak focuses more on the strategic and commercial aspects.

Looking Ahead: The Road to 2041

So, what’s next for the Miami GP under Nowak’s leadership?

For starters, there’s the ongoing challenge of innovation in fan experience. Miami has already set a high bar with its unique hospitality spaces, waterfront-inspired campus, and immersive entertainment offerings. Nowak has made it clear that enhancing the fan-first approach will remain a central pillar.

There’s also the international angle. With Formula 1 continuing to expand in the U.S.—Las Vegas joined the calendar in 2023, and Austin remains a staple—the competition among American races is fierce. Miami will need to keep evolving to stand out, and Nowak’s youthful energy may prove crucial in keeping the event fresh and globally relevant.

Finally, there’s the long-term question of legacy. By the time Miami’s contract runs out in 2041, a whole new generation of fans and executives will have come of age. The groundwork being laid now will determine not just Miami’s place in Formula 1 but its role in shaping how Americans engage with the sport.

Conclusion: A Bold Move, A Bright Future

The appointment of Katharina Nowak as the youngest president yet of the Miami Grand Prix is more than just a change of names on the organizational chart. It represents a calculated step into the future—one that acknowledges the remarkable foundation built under Tyler Epp while embracing the energy and vision of a new generation.

With record attendances, groundbreaking TV audiences, and a contract that secures the race’s place until 2041, Miami has never been in a stronger position. The baton has been passed, and under Nowak’s guidance, the Miami GP looks set not only to maintain its place as a marquee event but to continue redefining what a Formula 1 race can be in the modern era.