The Miami Grand Prix has one of the stricter bag policies on the North American F1 calendar. Security actually checks. People get turned away. The security line is not where you want to find this out.
You can bring one of two things:
Option A — Clear plastic bag
No larger than 12" wide × 6" deep × 12" tall. A standard clear zip tote, not a clear backpack.
Option B — Small non-clear bag
No larger than 4.5" wide × 6.5" tall. Roughly the size of a paperback. A small fanny pack or compact crossbody qualifies. Your normal handbag almost certainly doesn't.
You can bring both — one clear tote plus one small non-clear bag. Most people end up doing exactly this.
The clear tote holds the bulk of your day: water bottle, sunscreen, ear defenders, snacks, rain poncho, portable fan. Everything goes through security quickly because they can see it all without opening anything.
The small crossbody or fanny pack holds your phone, cards, ID, and anything you want quick access to without digging through a bag every time.
If you only bring one bag and it's your regular backpack, you're either checking it at a bag drop near the gates or walking back to your car. Neither is how you want to start race day.
If you arrive and realise your bag doesn't comply, Guest Experience bag check locations are near Gates 3, 5, 8, and 14. There is a fee to check a bag, paid by credit card only — the exact amount isn't published in advance and varies by bag size. Budget for it, because cash isn't accepted.
Note: You have 60 minutes after the gates close to collect your bag. After that, the venue is not responsible for what's left. This is a paid backup, not a plan.
Enforcement varies by day and gate. The general pattern: on race day (Sunday), it's tighter. On Friday practice, it's more relaxed. Don't plan your bag around the relaxed version.
The trick that gets people through fastest: pack everything in your clear bag so nothing needs to be taken out or explained. If security can see your stuff through the bag without unzipping it, you move through quickly.
These won't make it through regardless of what bag they're in:
Outside alcohol is a firm no. The venue is cashless and the drinks inside are priced accordingly — set your expectations there.
You can bring water — but only in a factory-sealed plastic bottle, and only up to 20 oz (590 ml). One bottle.
The smarter move is bringing an empty reusable bottle or Camelbak and using the free cold water refill stations inside. The lines get long by midday, so fill up early and often. A collapsible bottle takes up almost no space in your clear bag.
If you don't already own a clear stadium bag, you don't need to spend much. A basic clear zip tote in the right dimensions does the job. The ones with a small built-in zippered pocket inside are useful for keeping smaller items from floating around.
If you want to be practical and not look like you're carrying a grocery bag, some brands make clear totes that are structured enough to not flop over every time you set them down. Worth the small upgrade if you're going multiple days.
| Bag type | Max size / status | Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Clear plastic bag | 12" × 6" × 12" | ✓ |
| Small non-clear bag | 4.5" × 6.5" | ✓ |
| Both together | Allowed | ✓ |
| Regular backpack | Won't get in | ✕ |
| Umbrella (any size) | Confiscated | ✕ |
Bring the clear tote. Bring the small crossbody. Pre-pack everything visible. Get through the gate fast. You've got a race to watch.
The 2026 Miami Grand Prix runs May 1–3 at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida.