Amanda Golka of Swell Entertainment's Grand Prix Guide: What to Know Before Hitting the Track This Weekend
- adriana
- May 2
- 5 min read
With the Miami Grand Prix in full swing, we caught up with motorsports aficionado and returning F1 attendee Amanda Golka of Swell Entertainment. A familiar face at the races, Amanda is back this year and ready to dive into all things Formula 1. Whether you’ve had your tickets for months or just decided to join the action last minute, Amanda shares insider tips, personal insights, and practical advice to help you make the most of your Grand Prix experience, especially if it’s your first time.
Miami Living (ML): As someone who lives and breathes motorsports, what makes the Miami Grand Prix stand out from other F1 events you've attended?
Amanda: It’s definitely something of a sports spectacular versus just a Formula 1 race weekend, if that makes sense. With the Suzuka Grand Prix you can feel the history of the track and the Suzuka Circuit has a whole motorsport theme park attached. The Austin Grand Prix is very "‘Murica!", but also has the history as the current longest running United States based Grand Prix. The Las Vegas Grand Prix is all spectacle and glamour of Formula 1 and the Las Vegas nightlife scene. The Miami Grand Prix takes place on a semi street track surrounding the Hard Rock Stadium home of the Miami Dolphins, so we have a blend of American football and international motorsports with Formula 1, F1 Academy, and the Porsche Carrera Cup all having events this weekend.
ML: What are your must-know tips for someone attending the Miami Grand Prix for the very first time?
Amanda: Please bring sunscreen! I may be a lifelong California girl but I do not burn anywhere else in the world than I burn in Miami. And it’s never fun to get toasted on the first day of the race weekend and then have to be uncomfortable the rest of the time. Also regardless of which race track you are at, definitely explore! The Miami circuit is vast and a bit confusing but you will have a blast exploring and finding cool activations, paddocks, and views of the tracks.
ML: Race day can be long and action-packed — what's in your bag when you head to the track? Any beauty or wellness essentials?
Amanda: For race weekend I am all in on sports sunscreen along with my standard face SPF. This year I opted to bring a mini rechargeable fan with me as well because the heat is no joke, same reason I bring a mini brush (my hair is long and tangles so easily) and a hair clip in case I need to throw my hair up. I am also trying to make SPF lip products sexy again because so often people forget how easy ALL of your skin can burn, lips included.
ML: How do you balance your fashion-forward style with the heat and energy of a day at the races in Miami?
Amanda: Luckily I have practice of doing action packed weekends with my event reviews for Swell Entertainment, and conventions and race weekends are no different. Knowing your own limits is definitely a big help. For instance I love a heeled bootie but if I wear one to the track I will be miserable by hour two. I definitely go for the dressy-comfy combo with lighter made dresses and skirts and comfortable sneakers that I know I can put twenty-thousand steps in a day on. And if you are worried about photos just take them early in the day so you can not stress about getting the perfect photo later in the day.
ML: Off the track, what are your top three favorite things to do in Miami when you're in town for the Grand Prix?
Amanda: I love the food scene here! I always make a point to try at least one new food spot when I’m in town. Sorry I must confess I rarely am in town for things other than events so I don’t often get time to experience Miami as much as I would like.
ML: What’s your go-to spot in Miami for a celebratory post-race dinner or cocktail?
Amanda: I don’t drink so I usually skip the post race cocktail. When I’m here for races I am working so usually after the race I spend some time at the track with other fans enjoying the vibes, then head back to my hotel to order food off of Doordash (typically tacos) and get cracking on filming my video on the race.
ML: As a female voice in motorsports and business, what does it mean to you to see the sport growing in popularity, especially among women, in places like Miami?
Amanda: As an American fan on top of being a woman, it’s great. I am still the “crazy motorsport fan” in my friend group who many still think Americans don’t care about Formula 1, so seeing it grow in popularity is amazing, maybe I can eventually wear them down haha. I also just love seeing the sport grow and evolve in general as I just love it so much, and getting to experience the all women series F1 Academy here is so cool. To see everyone going to their paddock and excited to see their drivers after sessions is amazing.
ML: Which driver or team has been the most exciting to watch in this year’s F1 season, and why?
Amanda: I like multiple teams and even more drivers, but I’m a McLaren girly and though I’m so excited Oscar Piastri is leading the championship, I can’t wait to see how Lando Norris goes about fighting for the lead back this weekend since this race last year was where he got his first win. McLaren is a powerhouse again this season so I can’t complain. I’m also so excited to finally see Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull!
ML: If you could design your dream Miami Grand Prix experience — from the seats to the after-party — what would it include?
Amanda: I’ve been able to do a variety of tickets at different races now which is such a blessing. I really enjoyed my experience with the Champions Club in Suzuka because not only were we on the start/finish line, we were above the pit lane so I got to see pit stops and all the teams working throughout the weekend, which I love. For Miami I would kick it up a notch and go for the Paddock Club.
Ideally I would love to be a guest of a team and be in team hospitality, but I’m trying to be semi reasonable in this dream scenario. I love being near the start/finish line of a race, it’s electric. Also this area is super close to the F1 Academy paddock which is open to the public so I can still go check them out too. Obviously the perfect after party would be with McLaren after a Mclaren 1-2 finish, but I would settle for anything with good vibes and good people who are somehow still wanting to dance even after an exhausting race weekend.
Credits:
Photographer: Ben Cope
Stylist: Anna Schilling
Hair/Makeup: Blondie