F1 managed to beat the absolute record of attendance at a Grand Prix, in Austin last weekend: 380,000 spectators, over the three days, flocked to the capital of Texas to see the beautiful duel between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
It is a symbolic and significant success for Liberty Media, which seeks to develop F1 in the USA with a 2nd Grand Prix next year, in Miami, and perhaps a 3rd soon, in Las Vegas or Indianapolis.
Obviously, Ross Brawn, the motorsport manager for Liberty Media, is delighted with this success, which has proven the usefulness of Netflix to conquer new audiences, and which bodes the best for the development of F1 at Uncle Sam. F1 is no longer a second-class discipline in the USA…
“It was a sensational weekend, with huge crowds every day, great weather, great atmosphere and great vibes. “
“We’re seeing a very strong engagement with the American fans now. For years F1 was an elite sport in America, but today we are seeing a real progression in engagement. The fans know the drivers, they know the personalities, they know the nuances of F1. “
“It’s very exciting and I think it shows that F1 can comfortably have two races in the United States – and maybe more – because of the fan passion we have had this weekend. “
The animation of Austin was successful, the Grand Prix becoming a kind of folk festival with its concerts and many guests. An atmosphere that Ross Brawn considers useful for the promotion of sport in the USA.
“There were so many great things over the weekend, like basketball player Shaquille O’Neal coming to the podium with the trophies in a great Longhorn car. He came to talk to me after the fact and it turned out that he was passionate about motorsport. “
“It was a very American weekend and it was even better that way. We love races like this. It’s great to be so close to a big city like Austin, and it’s great to see 380,000 fans coming around throughout the weekend and creating a great atmosphere. “
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