After 75 Years Formula 1 Is Finally Big In The US

Motor Racing Formula One World Championship United States Grand Prix Sprint Qualifying Day Austin, Usa
Alexander Albon (THA) Williams Racing FW46. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 19, United States Grand Prix, Friday 18th October 2024. Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, USA (image courtesy Williams F1 Team)
Motor Racing Formula One World Championship United States Grand Prix Sprint Qualifying Day Austin, Usa
Alexander Albon (THA) Williams Racing FW46. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 19, United States Grand Prix, Friday 18th October 2024. Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, USA (image courtesy Williams F1 Team)

Motorsports fanatics in the US have always had their focus predominantly on IndyCar and NASCAR, with Formula 1 taking a backseat. But, thanks to Netflix’s Drive To Survive, the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have become household names. The country is also home to three races on the calendar, hosted in Las Vegas, Miami, and Texas.

And while most of the world has enjoyed Formula 1 since 1950, America is finally catching on.

Ten years ago, the idea of Formula 1 enjoying popularity in the US seemed highly improbable. The sports had struggled to build a lasting fan base despite ongoing attempts. In the past, races held in Phoenix and Long Beach, and a brief visit to Caesars Palace in Las Vegas failed to attract many viewers. Races in Indianapolis in the early 2000s saw some success, but not at the level that the F1 executives had hoped for.

All this changed in the mid-2010s with the arrival of Liberty Media, an American company that acquired Formula 1 in 2017. This marked the start of a new era for the sport in the US, which has since then grown its presence significantly. Drive to Survive was another game changer, captivating a new generation of fans by showing the behind-the-scenes training, passion, and drama.

The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Texas hosted its first Grand Prix event in 2012. Although it first struggled to fill the stands, it was the start of a relationship between American fans and Formula 1. By 2021, the Austin race track saw record numbers, attracting more than 400,000 spectators for the weekend.

The Texas race is the base of Formula 1’s expansion in the US, drawing both local fans and international visitors to the track. As the sport has become more popular, it has also attracted sports bettors in America. Bettors could bet on their favorite drivers, teams, or those most likely to stand on the outcome. Card Player shares some of the best odds before each race, including the COTA Grand Prix, helping punters make wise wagers.

Miami followed in COTA’s footsteps with its debut race in 2022, expanding Formula 1’s US reach even more. But, the real gem in America’s F1 crown was when the Las Vegas street race debuted in 2023, with the cars racing down The Strip at night. This over-the-top event blended motorsports and entertainment, all under the watchful eye of the Las Vegas Dome.

It is not just race attendance that has increased over the years. TV viewership also surged. According to ESPN, the 2023 averaged more than half a million viewers per race. ESPN’s ongoing partnership with F1 has been key to the sports growth in the US, since the network broadcasts all the races and pre- and post-race content that attracts new viewers each weekend.

F1’s growth in the US is also due to its growing commercial presence. American-based companies are sponsoring teams and drivers, and Haas itself is an American team. The 2024 season saw American Logan Sargeant drive the Williams, until he was replaced by Franco Colapinto.

It seems likely that F1 has found a permanent foothold in American sports, with the country hosting three races and a growing fan base.

From F1 news to tech, history to opinions, F1 Chronicle has a free Substack. To deliver the stories you want straight to your inbox, click here.

New to Formula 1? Check out our Glossary of F1 Terms, and our Beginners Guide to Formula 1 to fast-track your F1 knowledge.

Comments

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

More in News

F1 Grand Prix Of China Sprint & Qualifying

Verstappen Rumours To Intensify, Marko Predicts

Dr Helmut Marko thinks speculation about Max Verstappen's future will ...
F1 Grand Prix Of Abu Dhabi

Amid Sabbatical, F1 ‘Doors Open’ For Sergio Perez

Sergio Perez has strongly hinted that he intends to return ...
Large 2024 Miami Grand Prix Friday

Wheatley Era Pushes Beat Zehnder Out Of F1

Monday is Sauber stalwart Beat Zehnder's last day in a ...
2025 Australian Grand Prix, Saturday - George Russell (image courtesy Mercedes)

Russell-Verstappen Lineup ‘Wouldn’t Work’

Despite his highly impressive current form, George Russell could be ...
Yuki Tsunoda

Yuki Tsunoda Says Red Bull Handling ‘Right Fit’ For Him

Dr Helmut Marko admits Max Verstappen opposed the "unanimous" decision ...

Trending on F1 Chronicle