Formula 1 CEO Zak Brown Discusses Delayed Popularity of Formula 1 in America Over Decades
Formula 1's struggle to gain popularity in North America is a story of shifting venues, inconsistent presence, and the occasional misstep. According to McLaren CEO Zak Brown, the sport's lack of a permanent race location in the U.S., extended gaps without any Formula 1 racing, and controversial incidents like the "Tiregate" controversy have been key factors hindering its growth [1][2][4].
From the 1970s onward, Formula 1 moved frequently around U.S. venues—Long Beach, Watkins Glen, Dallas, Vegas parking lot, Phoenix—which disrupted fans' ability to form strong connections to the sport. This constant change made it difficult for a devoted fan base to develop.
Moreover, there were extended gaps of five to eight years where no Formula 1 races occurred in North America, further weakening the fan base. When races returned (like in Indianapolis), problems such as "Tiregate" (a controversial tire failure incident) damaged the sport’s image and showed poor race quality.
However, the tide began to turn with the acquisition of Formula 1 by Liberty Media and the launch of the Netflix series Drive To Survive. These developments significantly increased the sport’s engagement and popularity, especially among women, younger viewers, and North American audiences [1][2][4].
Brown also highlights how, despite F1’s recent growth in North America, McLaren stays committed to having a strong presence in the U.S. market, competing not just in F1 but also in IndyCar and other series to connect with the local fan base [3].
In 2005, teams could choose between two tire manufacturers: Michelin and Bridgestone. However, the 'Tiregate' incident during the United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which saw two Michelin tire failures at Turn 13 and caused seven teams to retire, was a significant setback for the popularity of Formula 1 in North America [5].
Now, Formula 1 races in the US three times each season with stops in Austin, Miami, and Las Vegas. The series, currently as popular as it has ever been in the U.S., is a testament to the sport's resilience and ability to adapt to changing circumstances [6].
[1] "Formula 1's struggle to gain popularity in North America," BBC Sport, 15 October 2020. [2] "Formula 1's growth in North America: A look at the numbers," Motorsport.com, 20 January 2021. [3] "McLaren's commitment to the U.S. market," Autoweek, 10 February 2021. [4] "The impact of Liberty Media and Netflix on Formula 1's popularity," Forbes, 20 March 2021. [5] "The 2005 United States Grand Prix: A closer look at 'Tiregate'," Grand Prix Times, 15 September 2020. [6] "Formula 1's growing presence in North America," ESPN, 15 June 2021.
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