America: Why We Don't Need Them

The only thing bigger than the introduction of a brand new, F1 specific designed track was the emphasis from the shareholders about how much Formula 1 needed the commercial benefactors of America. But due to the recent demands of this 'teenage girl like country', I'm going to prove why Formula 1 doesn't need the States.

Schedule Conflicts

I would like to say from the offset, I love The Circuit of the Americas. It was an exciting race which provided a lot of exciting overtakes and defensive manoeuvres. I especially like the Maggots and Becketts style corners and the other replicas including Istanbul's Turn 8, The Senna S and the bends of Hockenheim. Even though they do take a lot of inspiration from these tracks, this is perfectly acceptable as it shows you the track organisers designed it with Formula 1 fans in mind. Something Tilke never even considered. It also shows their genuine desire to host Formula 1, even though we could be considered unworthy after 2005. 

I genuinely hope it stays on the calendar for years to come. The only issue I have with America, is their priorities. I've already discussed how disposable races are nowadays with Bernie throwing rights away year after year, so why be so ungrateful America? 

A Grand Prix is hosted once a year if you're lucky to get one. College American Football (to the extent of my knowledge because you needn't think I'm going to research that kind of sport) happens every year, almost every weekend I assume. Therefore you can go see amateurs throw a ball around any time you would like. A Formula 1 race with professionals risking their lives happens just the once. 

That point may be considered subjectional. This next one however is not. College American Football, is a national sport. We outsiders have no interest and you don't care about our apathy which is just fine. It's amazing that so much can be made of so little and it is something to be proud of. But because it's only national, therefore it's easily rescheduled. A Grand Prix is an international, world famous event. Millions will tune in to watch it, and die hard fans will travel from all over the globe to see the spectacle. The date is set well in advance so people can book flights on the cheap. To tell these people who are helping your economy through tourism that they should bow down to the needs of some college kids is just plain rude.

The sad thing is, Formula 1 will change the date. For some reason a lot of people within the sport are under the impression that we need the advertisement from America. But we we're doing FINE without it for four years, and even when we were in it, we weren't exactly the hot topic. Even this years race only made a few strips in national papers. America doesn't grasp F1, and that's fine. They only want to play their own sports and I say let them. They're brilliant at them and they seem content.

I hope Austin stays on the calendar, but Formula 1 needs to realise that America are not the home of motor sport, nor are they anything special.