Otmar Szafnauer Calls for Fourth F1 Race in the USA to Boost Sport’s Popularity

Otmar Szafnauer, the former Alpine and Racing Point team principal, believes that Formula 1 should consider adding a fourth race in the United States to further boost the sport’s popularity in the country. With three annual races already taking place in the US, including the Miami Grand Prix, Szafnauer sees an opportunity to capitalize on the growing fanbase in America.

The success of Netflix’s Drive to Survive series has played a significant role in increasing F1’s popularity in the US, attracting millions of new fans to the sport. Szafnauer emphasized the importance of keeping these fans engaged and growing the sport’s presence in the country.

Drawing inspiration from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who advised F1 team principals to capitalize on the sport’s current popularity, Szafnauer suggested that adding a destination race in the US could be a key strategy. By making the race a must-visit event, similar to races in Miami, Las Vegas, and Austin, F1 could continue to attract fans and expand its reach.

While some may argue that the dominance of Max Verstappen and Red Bull could pose a threat to F1’s popularity, Szafnauer believes that celebrating Verstappen’s success is essential. He acknowledges that champions come and go in the sport and that changes are inevitable.

As F1 continues to grow its presence in the US, the addition of a fourth race could be a game-changer for the sport, further solidifying its position in the American market. With the support of fans and key figures like Szafnauer, F1’s future in the US looks brighter than ever.