Amid Tense F1 Environment, American Team Principal Disregards Impact of Driver From the States

Colton Herta was supposed to graduate to the big stage in 2023. The IndyCar series sensation, holding the record for the youngest winner of an IndyCar race, was on the verge of joining F1. But things did not go as planned. 

F1 as a sport has been making massive gains over the last couple of years in terms of viewership (figures are for the 2021 season). With respect to the USA, it has witnessed a 58% year-on-year growth for a cumulative season audience. Add to that a 53% year-on-year growth for unique audience growth.

But there hasn’t been an American driver (racing full-time) for 15 years, and it has been 7 years since the last American raced in a GP. Mario Andretti was the last American to win a GP and the title, which was 44 years ago. 

Zak Brown, an American himself, believes “I think it would be great for both [American driver and American team] of them to happen, it would further enhance Formula 1 here. But we don’t have either today, and look how popular Formula 1 is now in America. So I’d love to see it happen, but I don’t think it has to happen. Because Formula 1 is hot today without it.”

Read More: “They Don’t Want Us… They Want U.S Companies Money”: IndyCar Star Lashes Out on “Elitist” F1 Regarding Colton Herta Mess

The statistics do back up Brown’s statements as the USA has been one of the fastest growing markets for F1. The 2023 season will be hosting 3 races, from the usual single one at Miami. There is bound to be even greater growth.

Why does F1 not have an American driver in 2023?

Herta was supposed to break the drought for American drivers in F1, as he was poised to join AlphaTauri. He was going to replace Pierre Gasly on the Enstone-based team.

But his dream was cut short by the FIA’s application of its Super Licence regulations. Herta fell short by 8 points for a Super Licence; FIA denied granting an exemption.

Several people spoke against the FIA’s decision. Brown points out that Max Verstappen and Kimi Raikkonen, in their debut seasons, too, did not have the requisite Super Licence points.

Alexander Rossi, the most recent American to race in F1, called it a result of “past decisions, whether out of greed or necessity.”

Watch This Story: Red Bull and McLaren Quarrel Over 2022 F1 Cars

F1 has been growing at a great speed for the past few years. A number of factors have contributed to the growth, including the collaboration with Netflix. However, the short-sightedness to not involve the American stakeholders might come back to bite the men making these decisions.