Promotor US Grand Prix: "An American owner does not create American fans"

Next year Formula 1 has two Grand Prix's in America on the calendar with races in Austin and Miami. With the increasing popularity of the sport in America, a third American Grand Prix is welcomed.

Good for the sport

Bobby Epstein, the promoter of the race at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin is also pleased with the arrival of the Miami Grand Prix. " I think it would be good for the sport to have more races in our time zone," Epstein told Autoweek.

Epstein does believe that the two races should not be held right after each other. "I don't think the impact will be very big then. Miami will sell out easily the first year and probably in the second year as well, but after that, the public would divide if we are on the calendar shortly after each other."

Popularity of F1 increasing

In recent years, Formula One has become increasingly popular in America, largely thanks to the Netflix series Drive To Survive. "There was excitement when Formula 1 was bought by an American company, but having an American owner doesn't create American fans." Netflix brought everything to a head. "Especially with women and the fact that they have to appeal to the whole family and that teenagers are watching the show. We've seen a huge increase in the younger demographic, which we were all hoping for."

Third Grand Prix in America

As a result, Epstein believes there will be enough interest among American fans for a third race in America. "I think there are a number of other places where it could work. Las Vegas is on everyone's list now and I think it would be good for the sport if that becomes a reality."