Horner backs F1 over third US venture

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has offered his backing to a third race in the United States after Formula 1 made a "big statement" in Texas.

After a year without racing in the US, the Circuit of the Americas saw 400,000 spectators in attendance across the three-day event.

Next year, F1 will add a second race in the country with the Miami GP and with rumours of further expansion, potentially a race in Las Vegas, Horner sees no reason why the sport should not capitalise on the increased level of interest.

“Yeah, why not," said Horner. "There are some great venues.

"We’re looking forward to going to Miami next year and the US is the biggest market in the world, the biggest economy in the world, so that’s important for us.

“Formula 1 has made a big statement in the US. A big crowd, maybe a record-breaking crowd for Formula 1 over a grand prix weekend so it’s fantastic to see the American fans and public engaging in Formula 1."

Whilst championship leader and Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has been critical of Drive to Survive for its 'fake rivalries', Horner credited the Netflix docu-series for the rise of F1 in the US.

“I think we have to thank Netflix but without great content, then it is not a great show and I think the racing really delivered and I think fans are really engaging with what Formula 1 can offer," Horner added.

Although the Circuit of the Americas currently features on the 23-race 2022 calendar, there remains an asterisk fixed to it that reads "subject to new contract".

After the mammoth turnout in late October, it would be a shock was a deal not to be agreed upon.

“I think it is a great venue, it’s a great city, it’s a good track," said Horner.

"It would be nice if it was a little less bumpy but I hope we will be coming back to Austin for a few more years.”

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