Formula 1 US expansion succeeds following failed past attempts

Formula 1 is currently experiencing a surge in popularity in the United States, driven by Liberty Media's entertainment-focused strategy and successful races in Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas. This recent success contrasts sharply with previous failed attempts to penetrate the American market.

Flavio Briatore, an Alpine consultant, revealed that in the mid-2010s, he collaborated with Donald Trump to support a proposed Grand Prix in New Jersey. Briatore facilitated a video call between Trump and then-F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone to discuss locations. While Trump suggested New Jersey was a more viable option than New York, the project ultimately failed due to financial issues and the bankruptcy of the individual intended to build the track.

Before Liberty Media's acquisition in 2017, Formula 1 struggled to compete with established American racing series like NASCAR and IndyCar. Briatore noted that under previous leadership, F1 was not perceived as a premier event in the U.S. market, whereas Liberty Media has since transformed the sport into a global spectacle by integrating marketing, celebrity presence, and new race formats like Sprints.