There is mounting speculation that F1 could add a third American race to its schedule in the coming years – participation in the existing Circuit of the Americas event and the upcoming first race in Miami.
Las Vegas has been touted as a possible third venue, while famous American racing brand Andretti is currently in talks to buy a majority stake in the company that owns the Alfa Romeo team.
The Andretti News, in turn, has piqued interest in an American driver who could get into the F1 ranks and get a super license.
Lewis Hamilton’s continued success has helped Silverstone run its Grand Prix in its home country, with interest in the Mercedes racer leading to a significant surge in ticket sales to the UK public.
When asked by Autosport whether a similar effect for a US driver is key to COTA’s long-term health and growing F1 interest in America, Epstein replied, “I think a victorious American driver can do the three or four grand Hold out Prix.
“And I’m definitely looking forward to the possibility of another American team.
“But having only one American team doesn’t get the fans in the stands, we found that out because [Gene] Haas and [Guenther] Steiner and these guys brought the best product out there.
“And I think yes an American champ would be great.”
Colton Herta, Andretti Autosport with Curb-Agajanian Honda celebrates victory
Photo by: Barry Cantrell / Motorsport Images
But Epstein also warned that if an American driver or team gets into Formula 1 in the future and “aren’t winners”, “the effect will be short-lived”.
He added, “But I don’t think they’re going to take part in order not to win. I don’t think they’ll try … I don’t think they’ll be happy with it [at the] Back of the pack. At least I hope not. “
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On suggestions that US Formula 1 owner Liberty Media could invest in a driver development program in its home country, Epstein said he would “love that they spend a lot of money helping US drivers, but that is a business decision for them ”.
“And that’s probably a much longer-term risky investment,” he continued.
“You have to decide whether this is in the best interests of the shareholders.
“Most of these guys, most of the F1 champions, started riding small motorbikes or go-karts when they were single digits.
“So you’re looking at a decade-long project. And that’s a difficult conversation. “
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