Tom Garfinkel, Managing Partner of the FORMULA 1® CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX and South Florida Motorsports, announced that Katharina Nowak has been appointed President of the Miami Formula 1 Grand Prix. At 28 years old, Nowak becomes the youngest individual ever to lead a Formula 1® race and one of only two women currently holding such a position worldwide. This announcement marks a significant moment in the event’s leadership ahead of upcoming seasons.
Nowak’s Journey and Contributions to the Miami Grand Prix
Before her promotion, Nowak served as Vice President of Business Operations for the Miami Grand Prix, playing an essential role in shaping the race into a globally renowned event. Since joining the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium organization in 2019, she has advanced through various roles related to events, corporate partnerships, and business operations. Last year, she was promoted to Vice President at the Grand Prix, where she managed collaboration across departments, negotiated key partnerships, and directed strategic planning efforts. Originally from Vienna, Austria, Nowak graduated with a degree in advertising and public relations from Loyola University Chicago.
Previous Leadership and Legacy of Tyler Epp
Katharina Nowak succeeds Tyler Epp, who served as the second President of the Miami Grand Prix since 2022 and was instrumental in its growth during its first four years. Under Epp’s leadership, the event achieved consecutive sellout races and earned the 2024 Formula 1® Promoter of the Year award. His tenure saw significant increases in attendance, revenue, and sponsorships. Epp has now departed to pursue a new opportunity within the motorsports industry, leaving behind a strong foundation for Nowak to build upon.
Statements from Leadership and Nowak’s Vision
Tom Garfinkel expressed his confidence in Nowak’s capabilities, saying,
“I am excited to announce Katharina as our President. She is one of the most talented young executives I’ve been around and I know she will continue to build on what has been established here – that we are committed to innovating fan experience and delivering a world-class event for drivers, teams and fans.”
He also acknowledged Epp’s contributions:
“I also want to thank Tyler for his leadership. The Grand Prix simply wouldn’t be what it has grown into today without him.”
Katharina Nowak shared her enthusiasm for her new role:
“I am both humbled and excited to take on this new role as President,”
she stated.
“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. We have an incredible team committed to excellence, and I am eager to continue the work that has already begun.”
Broader Management Changes and Organizational Growth
Alongside Nowak’s appointment, Garfinkel also announced the promotion of John Murphy to Managing Director of South Florida Motorsports. Murphy will oversee all motorsport events hosted at the Miami International Autodrome, including operations for the Precision Drive Club. A native of Melbourne, Australia, Murphy has been involved with the Miami Grand Prix since its inaugural event in 2022, previously serving as Vice President of Sporting & Racing Operations. His background includes more than seven years at Motorsport Australia, where he managed business development and commercial activities, and experience with the North Melbourne Football Club as general manager of marketing and fan development.
Significance and Future Outlook for the Miami Grand Prix
Katharina Nowak’s appointment represents a milestone in Miami’s motorsport leadership, combining youthful energy with a proven track record of operational excellence. As the youngest President in a Formula 1® race’s history, her leadership is poised to drive continued innovation across fan engagement, business partnerships, and race organization. With a strong team behind her and strategic focus on delivering premium experiences, the Miami Formula 1 Grand Prix looks set to maintain, if not expand, its reputation as a premier global motorsports event. John Murphy’s elevation also signals strengthened operational capabilities at the Miami International Autodrome, supporting the growth of motorsport in South Florida.
