Formula One’s popularity in the United States is set to soar even higher with the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix and an exciting F1 movie featuring Brad Pitt, according to McLaren chief Zak Brown. In an interview with Reuters, Brown expressed his enthusiasm about the rapid growth of Formula One in North America, attributing it to the success of Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” and the return of the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin since 2012.
“It’s fantastic that Formula One has finally gained traction in North America. The speed at which it has happened is beyond my expectations and incredibly encouraging,” remarked Brown.
The sport’s popularity suffered a setback in the U.S. after the exclusion of the U.S. Grand Prix from the F1 calendar in 2008. However, Formula One’s acquisition by Liberty Media in 2016 marked a turning point, leading to a more diverse fanbase. Brown is optimistic that the addition of a third U.S. race in cities like Miami, Las Vegas, and Austin, combined with a substantial TV contract investment, will significantly boost viewership.
Despite sold-out races and booming corporate hospitality, Brown acknowledged that Formula One’s TV ratings in North America are still relatively low compared to other major sports. He sees immense potential for growth in viewership, especially with the return of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, anticipated to draw more than 105,000 fans each day and inject approximately $1.2 billion into the local economy.
According to Brown, the Las Vegas Grand Prix promises to be a spectacular event, making it the hottest ticket not only in North America but also globally. The race, set to take place on the iconic Las Vegas Strip on November 18, is expected to captivate audiences with its electrifying atmosphere.
Additionally, Formula One enthusiasts can look forward to an upcoming film starring Oscar winner Brad Pitt, directed by Joseph Kosinski, renowned for his work on “Top Gun: Maverick.” Brown believes the movie will have a significant impact, drawing in new fans and fascinating viewers with the sport’s excitement. When combined with the new television contract and other developments, Brown believes that Formula One is still in its early stages of growth in America.
In conclusion, Formula One’s remarkable rise in North America, fueled by captivating TV shows, strategic race locations, and exciting entertainment ventures like the Brad Pitt movie, is poised to elevate the sport to new heights in the United States. With the Las Vegas Grand Prix and other initiatives on the horizon, the future of Formula One in America appears exceptionally bright.
