Former Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey dropped a bombshell, revealing New York was on the shortlist for new US races right alongside Miami and Las Vegas after Liberty Media took over the championship. This isn’t just some historical footnote; it pulls back the curtain on how F1 mapped out its massive US expansion.
The Bold Vision for F1 in the States
Carey, who ran F1 as CEO from 2017 until Stefano Domenicali stepped in at the start of 2021, made growing the sport in the United States a top priority from day one. He laid it all out at the Autosport Business Exchange in New York: the US is important not just for the audience size, but because it drives global media and influences so many entertainment brands. Think about it: over half of F1’s three hundred-plus partners are US-based entities. That’s serious business. They already had a “fabulous” race in Austin, but the goal was to expand that footprint, to add more “iconic locations that wow people.” You can feel the ambition, right?
Three Iconic Cities, But Only Two Made the Cut
So, with that vision, Carey said there were only three locations that truly made sense for expansion at that point: New York, Miami, and Las Vegas. Can you imagine an F1 street circuit ripping through the Big Apple? Talk about wow factor! But here’s the kicker: they “realistically recognised” New York wasn’t going to happen. So, Miami and Las Vegas became the chosen ones to build out F1’s US presence. Miami joined the calendar in 2022, and Las Vegas followed in 2023. These aren’t just one-off deals either; both cities have signed long-term contract extensions. Miami is locked in until at least 2041, and Vegas will host races through the end of 2037. That’s a huge commitment, cementing the sport’s future in those vibrant locales.
It’s wild to think what an F1 race through the streets of New York could have looked like. While that dream faded, F1 clearly landed massive successes in Miami and Vegas. It just goes to show, the ambition for US motorsport is absolutely firing on all cylinders.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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