The United States and Formula 1, a special story

IndyCar, NASCAR, etc… Fans of transatlantic motorsports have nothing to fetch. In a country where the rise of automobiles was at its peak, it is impossible to dodge Formula 1 from its historical place in American motorsport.

Since 1950 and the first edition of the Formula 1 World Championship, the famous 500-mile Indianapolis has been part of the European calendar mostly. While Formula 1 was intended to be global, this legendary race endorsed the Formula 1 report in the United States. The story continues today.

Tortured beginnings between F1 and HUnited States of America

For 11 seasons, the Indianapolis 500 was on the World Championship calendar. While the race is on schedule, there are very few European drivers in the race. In fact, the singles seats are inappropriate compared to Americans who are used to the paddock. Only Maserati makes the journey, but it finds itself very quickly separated from the other teams. Inevitably, very few Europeans travel to the United States, given the discrepancies between European and American circuits and cars. Unlike the pilots of the Old Continent, the Americans do the same for the other races on the calendar. A special relationship means that none of the American drivers or teams perform well in the Formula One rankings.

The history of F1 with Indianapolis ended in 1960, after the establishment of the United States Grand Prix, at Sebring, in 1959. On this date, European teams came in droves to Uncle Sam’s country. In the first edition, young New Zealander Bruce McLaren won the copy at the wheel of his Cooper-Climax. Australian teammate Jack Brabham has become the first non-American driver to shine in the United States in Formula 1.

F1 – Miami Grand Prix: The Complete USA Weekend TV Show

Ironically, since the withdrawal of the Indy500 from the Formula 1 calendar, European drivers have begun to take an interest in this race. In 1965, Jim Clark, with Team Lotus, won the most legendary race on the oval track. He would be followed the following year by Graham Hill at the wheel of his Lola Cars. The same goes for the Americans who, for the first time, entered a full Formula One season with the Eagle team in 1966. After a mixed start, they would be able to win the 1967 Belgian Grand Prix with Daniel Gurney at the wheel. Seating.

After obtaining only one copy at Sebring, and then at Riverside the following year, in 1960, the United States Grand Prix moved to Watkins Glen in New York state for 14 years. This circuit becomes the emblem of the Formula 1 race in the USA and sees the legends of Formula 1 impose themselves, Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart and Niki Lauda distinguished themselves there and made the legend of this circuit. The name US Grand Prix would disappear from 1976 after a new US circuit was introduced into the Formula 1 calendar. Watkins Glenn would become the US Eastern Grand Prix until 1980, and Long Beach, California would be the US Western Grand Prix.

From Las Vegas to Austin, American circuits are at the heart of Formula 1 in the 1980s

From 1980 to 1991, the United States was a major destination for Formula 1 each season. The strategy of Bernie Ecclestone (former head of F1 management) is clear: to develop Formula 1 with Uncle Sam. Between Las Vegas, Detroit and Dallas, F1 travels across the Atlantic at least once a year, two or even three depending on the season. To make up for the disappearance of Watkins Glen from the calendar, the Las Vegas Grand Prix was born in the parking lot of the very famous Caesars Palace Hotel. Only two versions will take place on this circuit, in 1981 and then in 1982, and it’s extremely stressful for pilots due to the sweltering Nevada heat.

From 1982 to 1988, the Detroit Street Circuit was in the program. Then in 1984 F1 would see a major fiasco by going to Dallas, where the Grand Prix took place under a temperature of around 50 degrees, making the job very difficult for the pilots. Of the 24 entered, only 8 will mark the finish line including Keke Rosberg, the race winner.

This period shows a certain prosperity for F1 in America, a sign of Ecclestone’s strategic success. Moreover, while many racetracks are on the calendar, American drivers shine in Formula 1. However, despite the good performances of Mario Andretti and Eddie Schaeffer, very few drivers are betting on Formula 1. The teams are also in places Others are hesitant and remain around the world. Atlantic although with the exception of the Haas Lola team, which raced in 1985 and 1986 in this category.

After absence, rebirth

After a very brief return to the US Grand Prix in Phoenix, from 89 to 91, F1 has been absent from the American continent for nearly a decade. A long absence marks a certain break from F1 with this country he’s been in so much. And after nine long years without a US Grand Prix, F1 has decided to return to its roots by returning to Indianapolis.

After 40 years without racing programming on its calendar, Indianapolis returns with a track that was specially placed in the center of the oval and filled part of the racetrack.indy 500. From 2000 to 2007, Ferrari would dominate the debates globally with 5 wins out of 8 for Schumacher. The last driver to win Indianapolis in Formula 1 was none other than Lewis Hamilton, at the time with McLaren, during his rookie year in Formula 1. But after this return to Indianapolis, she will no longer follow the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix. , at least not immediately.

F1 – A breath of fresh air in Haas

After three long years without going across the Atlantic, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has announced the United States’ return to the calendar with the Austin Circuit in Texas. A track originally created specifically for F1. After trying many twists and turns before the grand prix was scheduled, the race actually happened towards the end of the 2012 season and saw Lewis Hamilton win again in America, again with McLaren. The Briton will win another four in Austin, this time with Mercedes.

Today, Formula 1 is about to launch in Miami. A new stage in the relationship between F1 and the US as promoters are increasingly interested in financing Grand Prix projects on US soil. Las Vegas will also return to Formula 1 in 2023 with an all-new circuit. While Miami and Las Vegas have just appeared on the calendar, Austin has extended his contract with Formula 1 until 2026. Las Vegas will remain in Formula 1 at least until 2026 but could extend to 2033. Miami will also be on track to stay in F1 beyond 2030.

Contracts that establish Formula 1 in the United States for the long term. Having Liberty Media at the helm of Formula 1 does not seem to be fruitless as the company appears to want to pursue its marketing strategy in the US and breathe new life into the category. A very special story between F1 and the US that seems to be going on more than ever.