R&B Legend Mario Talks F1, Music, Cars, And Why Miami Is The Perfect Host City For The Race (Interview)

R&B fans and Formula 1 enthusiasts don’t often overlap, but for Grammy-nominated hitmaker Mario, the two worlds collide seamlessly. We sat down with the “Let Me Love You” superstar ahead of the 2024 Miami Grand Prix to chat about his unexpected passion for F1, his growing vintage and performance car collection, his evolving music career, and why the Magic City is the only U.S. destination that gets the F1 host city vibe right.

How Mario Fell in Love With Formula 1

Mario’s F1 journey started, like many fans’ did, during the 2020 pandemic shutdown. With live music tours canceled and sports schedules upended, he found himself flipping through TV channels late one Saturday night.

“I landed on a race in Austria, no volume, just watching the cars fly around the track,” Mario recalls. “I couldn’t look away. The precision, the team dynamics, the way the tires grip the asphalt at 200mph? It’s like watching a high-speed symphony. I’ve been hooked ever since.”

He now catches every race weekend, follows driver standings closely, and even plans tour dates around avoiding F1 conflicts when possible.

Music and Racing: Surprising Similarities

You might not think R&B songwriting and Formula 1 have much in common, but Mario disagrees. He says both require obsessive attention to detail, split-second timing, and seamless teamwork.

The Rhythm of Racing

“When I’m in the studio layering vocals for a new track, it’s the same laser focus I have watching a race,” he says. “Every millisecond matters in F1, every note has to hit at exactly the right time in music. A missed pit stop is like a missed beat—it throws the whole thing off.”

Mario even performed at the 2023 Miami Grand Prix after-party, blending his biggest hits with high-energy tracks he says match the speed of the sport. “The crowd was a mix of die-hard F1 fans and music lovers, which is exactly the kind of crossover I love to see.”

Mario’s Favorite Cars (F1 and Otherwise)

It’s no surprise that a race fan has a killer car collection. Mario breaks down his top three favorite rides, from vintage classics to F1 show cars:

• 1967 Ford Mustang GT500: His first classic car purchase, restored to original spec. “It’s got that raw, rumbling V8 power that reminds me of old-school muscle, but it’s still smooth to drive.”
• Two-seater Ferrari F1 show car: He got to ride in the official F1 experience car at Hard Rock Stadium ahead of the 2023 Miami race. “I hit 180mph in my own cars, but the G-force of an F1 machine is nothing like anything else. I was grinning for hours after that ride.”
• Tesla Model S Plaid: His daily driver, which he loves for its instant electric torque and 200mph top speed. “It’s the perfect mix of luxury and performance for getting around Miami.”

Why Miami Is the Perfect F1 Host City

This was a big part of our conversation: why does Mario think Miami stands out above other U.S. cities (like Austin or Las Vegas) for F1 races?

A Global City for a Global Sport

“F1 is a worldwide sport, and Miami is a worldwide city,” Mario says firmly. “You have fans flying in from Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, all over the U.S. The race weekend isn’t just about the 2-hour race on Sunday—it’s the pop-up parties, the art installations, the Latin fusion food, the live music. It’s a full cultural experience, which is exactly what F1 tries to deliver to new markets.”

The Track That Checks Every Box

He also praises the Hard Rock Stadium circuit layout, which mixes permanent track elements with temporary street sections and offers unrivaled views of the Miami skyline. “It’s visually stunning on TV, but even better in person. You can see the stadium, the ocean, the city lights all from the grandstands. No other U.S. race has that backdrop.”

What’s Next for Mario: Music, Cars, and More F1

Mario is currently working on a new studio album, with tracks inspired by his travels to F1 races around the world. He’s also launching a social media series showcasing his car collection, with behind-the-scenes looks at restoration projects and track days.

As for F1? He’s already booked his tickets for the 2025 Miami Grand Prix. “I never thought I’d be this deep into F1, but it’s become such a big part of my life. And Miami? It’s the only U.S. city that gets the vibe right. I’ll be there every year, cheering on my favorite drivers and making music that matches the speed of the sport.”