Plans for a Grand Prix on the streets of Miami next year have hit hit the skids after local lawmakers delayed a vote on whether to give the green light to the Formula One race.

It is the latest twist in a saga which has already seen F1 put the brakes on plans to hold the race in 2019 after residents complained about the route the 2.6 mile track would take. It was due to run down the palm-tree lined Biscayne Boulevard and pass through the peaceful Bayfront Park which fuelled the opposition.

In June last year a group of 11 Bayfront Park residents sent a cease and desist order to Miami’s City Hall demanding that it puts the brakes on negotiations over the race. It made an impact.

In July, F1’s commercial boss Sean Bratches said that the sport had scrapped plans for the 2019 race . Instead he said it had “decided, in consultation with the Miami authorities, to postpone sign-off until later in the summer, with the aim of running the first Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix in the 2020 season.”

At the end of September the Miami City Commission was due to vote on whether to approve the contract for the race and its organiser Stephen Ross, the billionaire owner of the Miami Dolphins NFL team. However, it was indefinitely deferred and a spokesperson for the City of Miami said there was a six-month window for the Commissioners to vote on the race again. They kept its hopes alive but left it to the eleventh hour as the vote was due to take place on 28th March which was just before the deadline expired.

F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Show all 36 1 /36 F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Bahrain Grand Prix David Beckham takes to the grid walk ahead of the race. Getty Images F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Bahrain Grand Prix A familiar face in Fernando Alonso watches on. Getty Images F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Bahrain Grand Prix Charles Leclerc prepares to start from pole. AFP/Getty Images F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Bahrain Grand Prix Sebastian Vettel takes the lead of the Bahrain Grand Prix. AP F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Bahrain Grand Prix Vettel turns into the first corner into the lead. AP F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Bahrain Grand Prix Leclerc was also passed by Bottas to drop to third. Getty Images F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Bahrain Grand Prix But Leclerc fought back and soon past Vettel for the lead. Getty Images F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Bahrain Grand Prix Leclerc built a healthy eight-second gap out in front. Getty Images F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Bahrain Grand Prix Sparks flew further down the field as Gasly fought with Magnussen. Getty Images F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Bahrain Grand Prix Hamilton went about catching Vettel for second. Getty Images F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Bahrain Grand Prix But Leclerc was clear out in front. AFP/Getty Images F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Bahrain Grand Prix Mercedes pitted Hamilton early for the undercut. AFP/Getty Images F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Bahrain Grand Prix Ferrari did not react in time and pitted Vettel two laps later. EPA F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Bahrain Grand Prix Hamilton took second through the stops. REUTERS F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Bahrain Grand Prix Vettel span out of the battle with Hamilton before a scary front wing failure. Reuters F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Bahrain Grand Prix Lewis Hamilton celebrates winning the Bahrain Grand Prix. AFP/Getty Images F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Bahrain Grand Prix Leclerc saw a first career F1 victory snatched from his grasp after late engine issues. Getty F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Bahrain Grand Prix Hamilton celebrates on the podium after securing his first win of the season. AP F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Bahrain Grand Prix Hamilton points out his fans as he celebrates. EPA F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Bahrain Grand Prix Hamilton celebrates alongside teammate Valtteri Bottas and Leclerc. Getty Images F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany steers his car into the pit lane after losing his front wing during the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sakhir circuit in Bahrain, Sunday, March 31, 2019. (Andrej Isakovic, Pool Photo via AP) Andrej Isakovic AP F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Qualifying BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - MARCH 30: Third placed qualifier Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP congratulates second placed qualifier Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Ferrari in parc ferme during qualifying for the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on March 30, 2019 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) Mark Thompson Getty Images F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Qualifying BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - MARCH 30: Pole position qualifier Charles Leclerc of Monaco and Ferrari celebrates in parc ferme during qualifying for the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on March 30, 2019 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) Mark Thompson Getty Images F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Qualifying epa07473507 Monaco's Formula One driver Charles Leclerc of Scuderia Ferrari reacts after he took pole position during the qualifying session for the 2019 Formula One Grand Prix of Bahrain at the Sakhir circuit near Manama, Bahrain, 30 March 2019. The 2019 Bahrain Formula One race will run on 31 March 2019. EPA/VALDRIN XHEMAJ VALDRIN XHEMAJ EPA F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Qualifying Formula One F1 - Bahrain Grand Prix - Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain - March 30, 2019 Ferrari's Charles Leclerc celebrates on the podium after qualifying in pole position alongside second placed Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel and third placed Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed HAMAD I MOHAMMED REUTERS F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Qualifying BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - MARCH 30: Sebastian Vettel of Germany driving the (5) Scuderia Ferrari SF90 on track during final practice for the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on March 30, 2019 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Charles Coates/Getty Images) Charles Coates Getty Images F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Qualifying BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - MARCH 29: Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner and his wife Geri walk in the Paddock after practice for the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on March 29, 2019 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images) Lars Baron Getty Images F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Qualifying BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - MARCH 29: Pierre Gasly of France driving the (10) Aston Martin Red Bull Racing RB15 on track during practice for the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on March 29, 2019 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images) Lars Baron Getty Images F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Practice Formula One F1 - Bahrain Grand Prix - Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain - March 29, 2019 Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel in the pits during practice REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani THAIER AL-SUDANI REUTERS F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Practice Formula One F1 - Bahrain Grand Prix - Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain - March 29, 2019 Williams' Robert Kubica in the pits during practice REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani THAIER AL-SUDANI REUTERS F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Practice Formula One F1 - Bahrain Grand Prix - Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain - March 29, 2019 Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton during practice REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed HAMAD I MOHAMMED REUTERS F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Practice Formula One F1 - Bahrain Grand Prix - Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain - March 29, 2019 Red Bull's Max Verstappen in the pits during practice REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani THAIER AL-SUDANI REUTERS F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Practice BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - MARCH 29: Sparks fly behind Alexander Albon of Thailand driving the (23) Scuderia Toro Rosso STR14 Honda on track during practice for the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on March 29, 2019 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Charles Coates/Getty Images) Charles Coates Getty Images F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Practice Formula One F1 - Bahrain Grand Prix - Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain - March 29, 2019 Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas in the pits during practice REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani THAIER AL-SUDANI REUTERS F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Practice Ferrari's Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc takes part in the first practice session ahead of the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sakhir circuit in the desert south of the Bahraini capital Manama, on March 29, 2019. - The Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix will be held on March 31. (Photo by Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP)ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP/Getty Images ANDREJ ISAKOVIC AFP/Getty Images F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in pictures Practice BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - MARCH 29: Alexander Albon of Thailand driving the (23) Scuderia Toro Rosso STR14 Honda on track during practice for the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on March 29, 2019 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Charles Coates/Getty Images) Charles Coates Getty Images

The outcome was a closely-guarded secret but it has been revealed in the minutes of the meeting. They show that there has been yet another delay as the vote “was deferred to the May 23, 2019 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting.” Miami is still in with a shout but its chances of hosting a Grand Prix in 2020 seem to be remote as it usually takes well over a year to get a race to the finish line once authorities have agreed to it. Testimony to this, a Grand Prix on the streets of Vietnam’s capital city Hanoi will join the calendar next year after the deal was signed in November 2018.

Miami got a taste of F1 in October last year when it hosted a fan festival which was first revealed by Independent Sport. The event featured a street demonstration of F1 cars, a line-up of supercars and a garage located in the hotly-debated Bayfront Park. According to F1 the event attracted 80,000 spectators compared to the 100,000 who reportedly attended the festival on the streets of central London in the run up to the 2017 British Grand Prix.

F1 isn’t the only European sport which has struggled to find a home in Miami. Since 2013, David Beckham (pictured above) has been negotiating with authorities there about building a stadium for his Inter Miami Major League Soccer franchise. After years of setbacks it finally came to a head last week when the nearby city of Fort Lauderdale agreed to let Beckham’s group begin demolition of a local stadium so it can finally begin construction.

If Miami gives the red light to the Grand Prix as well it would make a much bigger dent in F1’s plans than those of the city. In 2017 F1 was sold to American investment firm Liberty Media and it soon announced that one of its priorities was boosting the sport’s tally of races in the United States. F1 currently only has one race there – the US Grand Prix in Texas – and this has led to the sport trailing in popularity behind the home-grown NASCAR and IndyCar series.

F1 2019 cars unveiled Show all 21 1 /21 F1 2019 cars unveiled F1 2019 cars unveiled Mercedes Mercedes unveiled their F1 W10 EQ Power+ that will look to defend both titles in 2019. PA F1 2019 cars unveiled Mercedes Reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas have been retained for 2019. PA F1 2019 cars unveiled Mercedes The world champions tested the car at Silverstone. PA F1 2019 cars unveiled Ferrari Ferrari were the last team to unveil their car as they launched the SF90. AFP/Getty Images F1 2019 cars unveiled Ferrari Sebastian Vettel will be joined at Ferrari this year by Charles Leclerc following his move from Sauber. PA F1 2019 cars unveiled Red Bull Renamed as Aston Martin Red Bull Racing, the RB15 was unveiled at Silverstone. Getty Images F1 2019 cars unveiled Red Bull Max Verstappen remains with Red Bull with Pierre Gasly promoted from Toro Rosso. Getty Images F1 2019 cars unveiled Renault Renault launched the RS19 at the start of the week. AFP/Getty Images F1 2019 cars unveiled Renault Daniel Ricciardo joins from Red Bull to team up with regular Nico Hulkenburg. Getty Images F1 2019 cars unveiled Haas Renamed as Rich Energy Haas F1 Team, the US-based team were the first to unveil their 2019 challenger. REUTERS F1 2019 cars unveiled Haas The new design features the biggest change to a car's look from 2018. REUTERS F1 2019 cars unveiled Haas Haas retain Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen for 2019. EPA F1 2019 cars unveiled McLaren McLaren released the MCL33 that will feature an all-new line-up of Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz. PA F1 2019 cars unveiled McLaren The new McLaren features blue front and wear wings. PA F1 2019 cars unveiled Racing Point Racing Point, formed from the ashes of Force India, unveiled the RP19. Getty Images F1 2019 cars unveiled Racing Point Sergio Perez remains with the team where he is joined by Lance Stroll, who arrives from Williams and will drive for his father's team. AP F1 2019 cars unveiled Racing Point Racing Point have retained the pink design used by Force India last year. AP F1 2019 cars unveiled Toro Rosso Toro Rosso drivers Alexander Albon and Daniil Kvyat standed next to the STR14. Getty Images F1 2019 cars unveiled Williams Remaned as ROKiT Williams Racing, the FW42 was unveiled earlier this week. PA F1 2019 cars unveiled Williams The team features an all-new driver line-up of Robert Kubica and reigning GP2 driver George Russell. PA F1 2019 cars unveiled Williams The Williams FW42 features a brand new design. PA

Liberty has said it is targeting “destination cities” such as New York and Las Vegas and in a bid to drive interest in F1 it will host fan festivals in Chicago and Los Angeles this year. Adding to the pressure on Liberty, five of its 21 race contracts expire before 2020 so even though Vietnam will join the calendar then, the overall tally could still be down.

The races that are at risk are in Britain, Germany, Italy, Mexico and Spain and together they pay Liberty an estimated £100m annually in hosting fees. Several of these organisers have said that it could force them out of F1.

In August last year Angelo Sticchi Damiani, president of the Automobile Club d'Italia (ACI), said that the 2017 Italian Grand Prix made “a strong loss, and the 2018 budget will not be different either. It is clear that such a situation is not sustainable in the long term. The ACI is ready to do its part, but not under any conditions.”

Money could also fuel the demise of the British Grand Prix. Its contract is coming to an end because its organiser, the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC), has broken it seven years early. The race, which is held at the BRDC’s Silverstone circuit, was the first on the F1 calendar when the championship launched in 1950. It holds a special significance as seven of the ten teams are based in Britain along with F1 itself.

In 2017, when the BRDC announced its decision to drop the race, its chairman John Grant said “it is not financially viable for us to deliver the British Grand Prix under the terms of our current contract.” He added that “by running the British Grand Prix we sustained net losses of £2.8m in 2015 and £4.8m in 2016 – that’s £7.6m over two years. We expect to lose a similar amount this year. To continue on this path is not only unsustainable, it would put at risk Silverstone, the home of British motor racing.”

F1 US Grand Prix in pictures Show all 17 1 /17 F1 US Grand Prix in pictures F1 US Grand Prix in pictures Friday Practice Lewis Hamilton can win a fifth world championship at the US Grand Prix. Getty Images F1 US Grand Prix in pictures Friday Practice Brendon Hartley climbs into his Toro Rosso ahead of practice. Getty Images F1 US Grand Prix in pictures Friday Practice Kimi Raikkonen has four races left before he leaves Ferrari. Getty Images F1 US Grand Prix in pictures Friday Practice Daniel Ricciardo's Red Bull shoots sparks into the air as it hits a bump. Getty Images F1 US Grand Prix in pictures Saturday qualifying Max Verstappen was forced out of qualifying with broken suspension Getty F1 US Grand Prix in pictures Saturday qualifying Lewis Hamilton celebrates taking pole position for the US Grand Prix Getty F1 US Grand Prix in pictures Saturday qualifying Lewis Hamilton waves to his fans after sealing pole Getty F1 US Grand Prix in pictures Saturday qualifying Lewis Hamilton starts on pole for the US Grand Prix with Sebastian Vettel in fifth Getty F1 US Grand Prix in pictures US Grand Prix Lewis Hamilton greets the fans on race day Getty F1 US Grand Prix in pictures US Grand Prix Daniel Ricciardo arrives for the US Grand Prix Getty F1 US Grand Prix in pictures US Grand Prix Sebastian Vettel waves to the fans during the drivers' parade Getty F1 US Grand Prix in pictures US Grand Prix Kimi Raikkonen passes Lewis Hamilton at the start of the race Getty F1 US Grand Prix in pictures US Grand Prix Sebastian Vettel spins on the first lap after hitting Daniel Ricciardo Getty F1 US Grand Prix in pictures US Grand Prix Lewis Hamilton pitted early to switch to a two-stop strategy Getty F1 US Grand Prix in pictures US Grand Prix Kimi Raikkonen was able to stay out of reach from Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton Getty F1 US Grand Prix in pictures US Grand Prix Kimi Raikkonen celebrates winning the United States Grand Prix Getty F1 US Grand Prix in pictures US Grand Prix Kimi Raikkonen celebrates winning the United States Grand Prix Getty

Not only has Liberty failed to secure Miami as a fall-back option but its efforts there have actually exacerbated the situation with the other races. Typically, the running costs of a Grand Prix are paid by the organiser and covered by ticket sales whilst the government foots the bill for the hosting fee as the race promotes their country. Hosting fees come to an average of £22.5m annually but the agreement with Miami makes no mention of a payment. Miami doesn’t need F1 to drive tourism so if the authorities had been asked to pay the going rate it could have sent the race straight to the pits.

It is believed that instead of the organiser being liable for the running costs, as is usually the case, the risk and reward of the Miami Grand Prix will be shared between Liberty and Ross, who has an estimated net worth of £5.8bn.