Austin expects 440,000 fans

In recent years, interest in Formula 1 has grown considerably in the States. The organizers of the US Grand Prix expect 440,000 fans in the stands of the COTA circuit this race weekend, a new record for Austin.

“This has been the best year for us so far – we sold out almost all tickets in the first days after sales started,” said US Grand Prix promoter Bobby Epstein. – We are very proud of what we have achieved and that the fans appreciate our efforts.

The Indianapolis circuit is the home of the Indy 500 and all of IndyCar, and we have built a Formula 1 circuit. Over the past 30-40 years we have become the first home of Formula 1 in the US. I hope this is the reason for the current success. I don’t think anyone else was ready to build a circuit exclusively for Formula 1 in our country. There was a lot of talking, but only we were crazy enough to carry out this project!”

Next year in Formula 1 there will be another race in the United States – in Las Vegas. Epstein is not afraid that this will reduce the number of fans in the stands in Austin: “It is great that the race is being held in Las Vegas. It will be a unique stage – show, night, light and fun.

We are proud to host the US Grand Prix. Like I said, there’s going to be a unique show in Vegas, but it’s completely different from what we do.”

At the same time, Epstein added that it is now premature to talk about holding the fourth race in the United States: “This is possible, but the economic model of Formula 1 is built on the principle ‘How much can we make from the race?” Shareholders want to know that running the race will increase profits, but building the track and organizing the stage is very expensive, and perhaps more could be made in other places, such as the Middle East.

I think it’s too early to talk about the fourth race. First you have to make sure that the current three get a foothold in the championship.