Donald Trump waves to crowd, salutes during national anthem at F1 Miami Grand Prix

Trump was seen at McLaren Garage prior to team's driver, Lando Norris, winning it all

Among the many celebrities who descended on South Beach for the Formula One Miami Grand Prix was former President Trump.

The 45th president and the 2024 Republican presidential candidate was seen waving to fans and saluting during the national anthem prior to the third annual Grand Prix starting. 

Trump was also seen walking through the stadium tunnels and taking time to acknowledge media as he walked through the venue. 

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Donald Trump claps on racetrack

Former President Trump stands on the grid prior to the Formula One Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome in Florida on May 5, 2024. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Trump’s deputy communications chief Margo Martin shared videos of him on X, one of which showed a crowd chanting "U-S-A" as he arrived outside the McLaren Racing garage on pit lane.

As the race began, Martin also showed Trump staring toward the racetrack while wearing his signature red "Make America Great Again" hat. 

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Trump was just one of many big names in Miami for the Formula One race, as Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk and Patrick Mahomes were among the celebrities on hand.

 Tom Garfinkel, Miami Dolphins CEO and managing general partner of the Formula One Miami Grand Prix, did not disclose if Trump or any other celebrities would be seen at the race due to security reasons.

Donald Trump speaks to Zak Brown of USA and McLaren F1 Team

Former President Trump and McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown are shown during the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome in Florida on May 5, 2024. (Song Haiyuan/MB Media/Getty Images)

"I’m not allowed to disclose the attendees for security and privacy reasons," Garfinkel said, per USA Today. "We don’t talk about communications with people, but I will say that there won’t be any fundraisers at the event."

Controversy did come prior to Trump’s arrival as one of his supporters, Steve Witkoff, wanted to sell his tickets to his suite at the Paddock Club for $250,000, which would go toward Trump’s 2024 campaign. However, that was shot down quickly by race officials, who sent Witkoff a letter.

"Political campaigning has its place, and it is not at our race," a letter released on social media reads. "We welcome you and your guests to attend our event and enjoy your suite. However, we respectfully request it be done in compliance with our very clear license agreement."

Donald Trump waves to crowd

Former President Trump is shown during the Formula One Miami Grand Prix on May 5, 2024. (Song Haiyuan/MB Media/Getty Images)

Trump and everyone else watched a thrilling race in which McLaren's Lando Norris upset the favorite, Red Bull's Max Verstappen, to win his first-ever Grand Prix. 

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

Authored by Scott Thompson via FoxNews May 5th 2024