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via Reuters

via Reuters

F1 tried to add as many races as possible to the 2020 F1 season as COVID resulted in many countries backing out of the race. However, it seems like F1 quite liked the idea and has been on a spree, adding any venue that they could find on top of the already existing ones. Max Verstappen has now proposed the idea of adding more American races to the calendar, as he suggests 2 possible U.S. tracks that F1 can go to. Despite already having 3 American races, let’s understand why Max Verstappen proposed 2 more venues. 

Ever since the Liberty Media takeover of F1, the focus of the sport has somewhat shifted towards making the race interesting while still keeping the core of the sport in place. As a result, F1 has become the fastest-growing sport. The F1 calendar has grown significantly, with many new venues added in the last 5 years. 2 news venues were in the States as the American audience gained interest in the sport. 

via Reuters

With Miami and Las Vegas being the latest American additions to the ever-expanding F1 calendar, Max Verstappen recently suggested Virginia and Road America as two possible venues that F1 could add to the calendar. However, as explained by Verstappen, Virginia International Raceway is more suited for GT racing. Road America is also an active racetrack hosting events like the NASCAR Xfinity Series and IndyCar. Both the tracks are FIA Grade 2, but with some changes can be made suitable for an F1 race. 

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According to motorsport.com, Max Verstappen said, “There are a few nice options in America. For example, I also like Virginia, although that track may be less in an F1 car and more something for a GT. Road America is also very nice, so there are a few circuits where you can go. Road America is of course fairly fast for F1. But like any circuit that holds Formula 1 games, they would of course have to make certain adjustments to the circuit.”

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While F1 is all for entertainment and increasing the showmanship aspect of F1, Max Verstappen has already explained how he doesn’t like the promotional stuff that comes along with the F1. In addition, the Dutchman was also not a fan of the driver intros performed at the Miami GP.

Max Verstappen on the Driver Introductions at the Miami GP. 

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Max Verstappen, along with many other drivers, did not like the driver introductions suggesting that it hampered their preparations for the race. Verstappen added that it’s a personality thing for someone to like it or not. For him, it did not make sense as he prefers to spend that time with his engineer and prepare for the race. The drivers need to be in full concentration mode before the race and something like this can divert the minds.

via Reuters

According to SkySports.com, Max Verstappen said, “Personally, I think it is just a personality thing. Some people like to be more in the spotlight, some other people don’t. I personally don’t, so for me I think that naturally what they did today is not necessary. I prefer to just talk to my engineers then put my helmet on and drive but of course, I understand the entertainment value.”

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What do you make of Max Verstappen’s idea? Should F1 consider adding more races to the American side of the calendar?