Austin would seem to be the obvious choice, but Indianapolis might be in the cards, too. Either way, it is a BIG if.
With races on the 2021 Formula 1 calendar already canceled, that may open options for other sites to come forward to fill out the 23-race program. Singapore, which is scheduled for early October, has already announced that the race will be canceled. So, who will get that position? Could it be the United States?
Bobby Epstein, founder & chairperson, Circuit of the Americas © Moy/XPB Images
There is already a plan to have not just one but two races at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. However, a final decision has not been made. Circuit boss Bobby Epstein is ready if the FOM gives Austin the green light. “As long as I put the word possible in front of it, then we’re good,” Epstein said. “‘The second race in Austin is possible.’
Although it is a done deal, it would be relatively easy to make it happen. As Epstein put it, “We’ve (got) thousands of people who work these events, people who work concession stands, direct traffic, clean up, set up, whatever it is. So the demand we know is here, thanks to some great growth in the sport in its popularity, the demand would be there, and it could be pulled off.”
It is still unclear whether Japan, the country that will host the Summer Games in just a few weeks, will go ahead with the planned F1 event in Suzuka near Nagoya in October. After the Olympics, that decision will be made when it is clearer how Japan is faring with the pandemic and vaccine availability.
If Austin does not work out as the host for a second U.S.-based F1 race, Indianapolis might be possible–even though Indiana has not hosted an F1 race in 14 years. Epstein is okay with that if things turn in Indianapolis’s favor. “If that’s what’s best for them, that’s what we want. If the numbers look better for F1, as a shareholder, they should do what’s best for the sport both in the long and short term.”
Either way–Austin or Indianapolis–of one thing, there is no doubt: a second race would boost F1’s popularity stateside.
