Formula 1’s popularity in the United States has surged dramatically, a phenomenon fueled by Liberty Media’s stewardship and the captivating “Drive to Survive” series on Netflix. This growth was clearly evident at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, which drew record-breaking crowds. Broadcasting plays a crucial role in sustaining this momentum, with F1 events airing globally through various networks, including their own F1 TV subscription service. The recent US Grand Prix was broadcast on F1 TV and ABC in the USA. However, ABC’s terrestrial television coverage became a point of contention for many viewers.
According to F1 journalist Peter Windsor, speaking on his YouTube livestream, ABC’s broadcast ended abruptly as soon as the race concluded, leaving fans frustrated and missing crucial post-race moments.
US GP Broadcast Issue: Fans Miss Post-Race Interviews
Windsor highlighted that the American network chose to cut live coverage immediately after the chequered flag. This decision meant that viewers were unable to witness the immediate reactions and interviews from race winner Charles Leclerc, championship leader Max Verstappen, and McLaren’s Lando Norris, especially after a race filled with drama and close finishes.
“I have a few friends in the US and all of them are irate that the live TV coverage of the US GP from Austin was cut off before the podium ceremony, so they didn’t get the interviews,” Windsor stated. He further emphasized the detrimental impact of such broadcasting choices on F1’s burgeoning presence in the American market, adding, “If F1 is trying to make it big in America, that is a really bad thing and I’m just amazed that happened.”
Charles Leclerc leads during the United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas
Photo by Celal Gunes/Anadolu via Getty Images
Taylor Swift’s Role in Revitalizing US Grand Prix
Historically, the United States Grand Prix has incorporated entertainment elements beyond racing, with the Circuit of the Americas introducing the ‘Super Stage’ in 2015, featuring performances from major artists. This initiative became particularly significant in 2016 when the US GP faced financial instability due to declining F1 interest in the pre-“Drive to Survive” era.
To combat this, organizers made a strategic decision to book Taylor Swift for an exclusive US performance that year. Swift’s concert proved to be a turning point, attracting a diverse audience and injecting much-needed vitality into the event. This move broadened the appeal of the US Grand Prix, contributing to its resurgence and eventual sustainability. The 2023 race weekend saw an impressive attendance of 432,000, and expectations are for even greater numbers in subsequent years, demonstrating the lasting impact of initiatives aimed at expanding F1’s reach in the United States.
