US GP PREVIEW: Finally a hit

The Formula 1 circus has been coming to Austin, Texas for the United States Grand Prix since 2012. After lean years, racing at the Circuit of the Americas has been a huge success. “Four races in America are easy,” says former driver Arie Luyendyk.

Formula 1 in America. Eleven years ago, there was not a single New World race on the calendar, in 2023 there are three. The entertainment and shows are brought to Formula 1 with the American rights holder. The sport has a long history, but has never really gained a foothold.

In the 1960s and 1970s, racing was done at Watkins Glen, then it was Phoenix’s turn from 1989 to 1992. At the beginning of this century another attempt at the famous Indy Speedway followed. But Formula 1 and the United States have never embraced each other in love, always remaining in the shadow of IndyCar and NASCAR.

If there’s anyone who knows the world of American racing, it’s Arie Luyendyk. The two-time Indy 500 winner knows the ins and outs of auto racing and has lived in the United States since 1984. Luyendyk believes the differences between Formula 1 and IndyCar are still significant and will never change. “Formula 1 is a sport in itself and will continue to be so Great works. One point can save millions for teams. In that respect, it’s very different from, say, IndyCar. You notice this in the decisions that are made sometimes. IndyCar is a bit more relaxed, the fans are very important to us. “So we try to keep the racing as attractive as possible.”

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Nice combination

It seems that Formula 1 has now landed in the United States. Since Austin has been on the calendar, not all has gone well. The department has also had bad years. However, demand has increased significantly in recent years. “There’s really nothing wrong with a track like Austin: great layout, a great combination of fast corners and enough overtaking opportunities,” says Luyendyk. “I like that. I’ve always said: I didn’t become a driver to take corners at 50 years old.

According to him, the growing popularity is not only due to the exciting conclusion to 2021. “I have also heard that there is new management for a few years now, and they must have done a complete upgrade. It is now attracting a lot of people and that is really nice to see. also Driving to survive “(The Netflix series) definitely played a role,” Luyendyk suspects. “Moreover, I think the exciting battle between Verstappen and Hamilton in 2021 has sparked something among many Americans.”

With three races on the calendar, America is the main supplier for Grand Prix racing this year. Luyendyk believes Formula 1 could increase the number slightly. “If they can hold a race in New York, they will do it,” he says. “I think they’ve been working on it for a while. A nice thing for the future for sure.” Formula 1 has raced at many different circuits in America in the past. Are there any other options? “Watkins Glenn? Maybe if they threw 50 million at him!”, laughs Luyendyk. “Four races can be done easily. America is a big country, isn’t it? So why not?”

Read all about the US Grand Prix here, including the full schedule

Special hero edition of Formula 1 Magazine It is now in stores. However, the magazine can now be ordered digitally, with free delivery throughout the Netherlands! Read all about Max Verstappen’s World Cup hat-trick, plus unique photography by our in-house photographer Peter van Egmond. This problem also includes:

• Exclusive interview with Dutch national team coach Ronald Koeman: Max reminds me of Messi
• Red Bull team boss Christian Horner continues to amaze: ‘I’ve run out of superlatives for Max’
• Photo series: Verstappen’s highway to a third world title
• The evolving Formula 1 track of Jan Lammers and his son Rene
• Gallery: The most beautiful photographs by resident photographer Peter van Egmond
• Columns Noel Omels and Nelson Falkenberg
• F1 Insider Graham Watson talks about FOM’s commercial interest in a new star
• And all about Max Verstappen’s championship weekend in Qatar!