Szafnauer Believes Fourth Race in the US Could Prevent F1 Fanbase Waning

Max Verstappen’s dominance in Formula 1 this season has raised concerns about the impact on the sport’s fanbase, but former team principal Szafnauer believes there is a solution on the horizon.

Verstappen has been unstoppable so far, winning four out of the five races this season. However, Szafnauer, who has experience leading teams like Aston Martin and Alpine, is confident that the Dutch driver’s reign will not last forever.

“We have seen dominant champions like Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton in the past, and Max is no exception. We should celebrate his brilliance rather than criticize him for winning all the time,” Szafnauer said.

With fears that Verstappen’s dominance could drive fans away, Szafnauer believes that expanding the F1 calendar to include more races in the United States could help maintain interest. He pointed to the success of F1’s new Netflix series and the popularity of races in Miami, Las Vegas, and Austin as evidence of the potential for growth in the American market.

Szafnauer also emphasized the importance of retaining fan interest and suggested that adding a fourth race in the US, possibly in New York or on the West Coast, could be a game-changer for the sport.

In addition to his insights on the future of F1, Szafnauer also advocated for Red Bull to keep Sergio Perez on their team. He praised Perez’s contributions to Verstappen’s success and highlighted the Mexican driver’s resilience and skill on the track.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Verstappen and his quest for a fourth world championship, but Szafnauer’s vision for the future of F1 offers hope for a more competitive and engaging sport for fans around the world.