After 75 Years Formula 1 Is Finally Big In The US

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.

Written by

George Howson

George Howson is an F1 Chronicle contributor and FIA accredited journalist with over 20 years of experience following Formula 1. A member of the AIPS International Sports Press Association, George has covered F1 races at circuits around the world, bringing deep knowledge and first-hand insight to every race report and analysis he writes.

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