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For the first time in two years, Formula 1 is returning to North America.
The US Grand Prix will take place on Sunday at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, when the F1 season comes to an end with seven races to go and six points between first place Max Verstappen (262.5) and the seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton (256.5) lie.
It is a welcome opportunity for F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali to return to the United States since the sport grew in popularity thanks to the emergence of the Netflix documentary series “Drive to Survive”, which runs the league throughout the season.
“For us, the US market is undoubtedly the largest market for potential growth,” Domenicali told USA TODAY Sports in an interview last week. “It will be great to see that excitement in Austin.”
The sold-out crowd means more than 120,000 people will be in attendance on Sunday, most of F1 has drawn in the US, Domenicali said.
Another sign of the growing popularity of Formula 1 in the US is the addition of a second race in the country – in Miami – on schedule for 2022. The two cities that F1 has selected for its races are no coincidence.
“There is direct vibes. There is direct energy,” said Domenicali, a former team boss at Ferrari. “We talk about emotion, a kind of lifestyle and presence.”
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And the US could line up for another Grand Prix in the future, said Domenicali.
In addition to the natural appeal of a rivalry at the top, there is the talented pool of drivers across the board, said Domenicali.
“We have an incredible number of drivers, so good, so young, so talented,” said Domenicali. “That is one of the reasons why Formula 1 is so successful today.”
Fans have invested in the other drivers thanks to the Netflix show, estimates Domenicali. In an effort to attract new fans who may not be interested in actual racing, the series relies on storytelling and behind-the-scenes access to attract the younger generation.
“We want to maximize the value of our product,” said Domenicali. “This is our mission.”
Gaining a stronger foothold in the US is the next step.
When is the US Grand Prix?
The Formula 1 race is planned for Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.
Where is the US Grand Prix?
The race takes place at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
Which broadcaster is broadcasting the US Grand Prix?
ABC the race will be broadcast in the USA. ESPN sports will have a Spanish language broadcast.
Is there a livestream from the US Grand Prix?
The race can be streamed on Watch ESPN and in the ESPN app.
Is there a pre-race show?
The pre-race broadcast begins at 1:30 p.m. on ABC and can be streamed on Watch ESPN and the ESPN app.
Follow Chris Bumbaca on Twitter @BOOMbaca.
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