F1 United States GP 2023 History, Background, Crowd Capacity And More

The Formula 1 calendar is a treasure trove of iconic races that have etched their mark in the annals of motorsport history. One such jewel in this high-speed crown is the United States Grand Prix. As we gear up for the 2023 edition of this exhilarating event, let’s take a deep dive into its storied past, diverse background, crowd capacity, and everything else that makes it a must-watch race on the F1 calendar.

A historic journey

Racing on American soil dates back to 1908, when the American Grand Prix, adhering to Grand Prix rules, roared to life at the Savannah Automobile Club in Georgia. A modest field of 14 European and six American entries competed, setting the stage for an enduring connection between American motorsport and European-style racing.

Fast-forward to 1959, and the first official United States Grand Prix took place, making its debut in the F1 World Championship. The venue was Sebring, Florida, an airport converted from World War II use in the isolated central Florida town. The event took place nearly three months after the previous race at Monza and saw Bruce McLaren take his first career F1 win for Cooper. It was an exciting finish to the season, but the remote location made it a challenging event for organizers.

In 1961, the race moved to Watkins Glen Grand Prix Race Course in New York, and here it found a home for the next 20 years. The Glen became known as the ‘Mecca’ of American road racing, with loyal crowds and a favorite among teams and drivers. The likes of Jim Clark, Mario Andretti, and Jackie Stewart graced this iconic circuit.

A tragedy struck in 1973 during a race at Watkins Glen when Francois Cevert lost control during qualifying, resulting in a fatal accident. The event was overshadowed by this devastating incident, and team manager Ken Tyrrell withdrew his team. Jackie Stewart, who had planned to retire after the race, did so immediately after winning his third Drivers’ Championship at Monza.

The Phoenix Interlude

After a hiatus, Formula 1 returned to the United States in 1989, this time at the Phoenix Street Circuit in Arizona. The inaugural event was held in June, attracting substantial attendance. Alain Prost claimed victory for McLaren, but the sweltering temperatures in Phoenix posed a challenge.

The F1 Odyssey at Indy

In 2000, the United States Grand Prix found its way to the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. An initial crowd of over 225,000 marked this event as one of the largest in F1 history. Michael Schumacher secured the win, starting a new chapter in American Formula 1 history. The event continued through 2007, even holding a race soon after the September 11 attacks, where drivers and teams paid tribute.

The Austin Era

While the US Grand Prix took a brief hiatus, efforts were made to bring a race to the New York City region. Plans emerged, including a circuit to be built in Jersey City’s Liberty State Park. However, Austin, Texas, secured a 10-year contract in 2010 to host the race. The Circuit of the Americas was designed on 800 acres of land east of the city. Notable moments at this circuit include Lewis Hamilton’s dominant streak from 2014 to 2017, which was interrupted by Kimi Raikkonen’s victory in 2018.

With the Formula 1 championship gaining popularity in the United States, the race has become an important market for the Liberty Group, which owns the commercial rights to the sport. This is evident in the addition of the Miami Grand Prix and a brand-new event in Las Vegas, further solidifying the sport’s presence in the United States.

The Present and Future: 2023 United States Grand Prix

As we prepare for the 2023 United States Grand Prix, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. The race is scheduled for the weekend of October 20–22 and is set to be the 19th race of the Formula 1 season. The venue for this high-octane spectacle is the 5.5-kilometer Circuit of the Americas track.

While history paints a vivid picture of the US Grand Prix’s legacy, it is equally important to look to the future. In recent years, this event has experienced a resurgence in popularity, partly due to the captivating duels between drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. With these two titans battling it out on American soil, it’s no wonder that crowds are flocking to the Circuit of the Americas to witness history in the making.

One aspect that sets this race apart is the diverse and passionate crowd that it attracts. Formula 1’s growing fan base in the United States is evident in the increasing attendance at the US Grand Prix. Nearly 270,000 fans attended the event in 2016, driven by the gripping title fight between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.

The 2023 United States Grand Prix promises to carry on this tradition. As the sound of roaring engines fills the Texas air and the tires screech around the Circuit of the Americas, fans from across the United States and around the world will unite in their shared love for high-speed racing.

The road ahead

As Formula 1’s popularity continues to surge in the United States, the United States Grand Prix remains a pivotal event on the F1 calendar. It’s a race where history, speed, and passion intersect, creating an electrifying atmosphere that can only be experienced in person.

So mark your calendars for the 2023 United States Grand Prix, where the engines will roar, tires will screech, and champions will emerge. It’s not just a race; it’s a celebration of motorsport, a homage to the past, and a glimpse into the future of Formula 1 in the United States.

With a storied history, a diverse background, and an ever-increasing crowd capacity, the United States Grand Prix stands as a shining example of the global appeal and relentless excitement that are Formula 1. It’s not just a race; it’s an experience like no other, and it’s ready to captivate us once again in 2023.