History of F1 Racing in the USA: From Sebring to 2024’s US Grand Prix
Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport, has a long and fascinating history in the United States. From its humble beginnings in Sebring to the upcoming triple-header in 2024, the journey of F1 in America is a testament to the nation’s love affair with world-class level motorsports.
The First Roar: Sebring 1959
December 12th, 1959. A grid of sleek, front-engined machines prepares to make history. Sebring International Raceway, a former WWII airbase, hosted the very first United States Grand Prix.
The inaugural race was not only a milestone for American motorsport but also the season finale of the 1959 F1 World Championship. New Zealander Bruce McLaren clinched his first F1 victory, becoming the youngest winner at that time, while Australian Jack Brabham secured his first World Championship title.
Legends are Made: Riverside & Watkins Glen (1960 -1980)
Following Sebring, F1 sought to establish a foothold in the U.S. by experimenting with various venues:
Riverside International Raceway (1960)
The 1960s saw F1 move to Riverside in California, a challenging circuit that tested the limits of both car and driver. Located in California, this circuit hosted the 1960 U.S. Grand Prix, marking F1’s brief stint on the West Coast.
Watkins Glen International (1961-1980)
Nestled in upstate New York, Watkins Glen became a beloved fixture on the F1 calendar, hosting the U.S. Grand Prix for two decades. The circuit was renowned for its challenging layout and vibrant autumn scenery, attracting fans and drivers alike. This fast and flowing track became synonymous with American F1, hosting the USGP for two decades. Names like Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart, and Emerson Fittipaldi etched their names into the annals of Watkins Glen, battling wheel-to-wheel for glory.
American Heroes: Hill, Gurney, Andretti (1961)
While European drivers dominated the early years, American talent soon began to shine.
Phil Hill, a Californian with a natural feel for speed, became the first (and only) American F1 World Champion in 1961.
Dan Gurney, a true innovator, not only won races but also designed his own iconic “Eagle” F1 car.
And who could forget Mario Andretti, the versatile legend who conquered F1, IndyCar, and NASCAR? These were the heroes who inspired a generation of American racers.
The Long Beach Era: Glamour and Grit (1976 – 1983)
The streets of Long Beach, California, echoed with the sound of F1 from 1976 to 1983. This iconic street circuit, with its tight corners and unforgiving walls, produced some of the most thrilling races in F1 history. The atmosphere was electric, a blend of Hollywood glamour and raw racing passion.
Street Circuits in the 1980s
The 1980s saw F1 experimenting with urban settings, including races in Las Vegas, Detroit, and Dallas. These events aimed to bring the sport closer to urban audiences but faced challenges related to track quality and logistics.
The Brickyard Beckons: Indianapolis (2000-2007)
While many tracks have hosted the USGP, one stands out with its legendary status: the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Home of the Indy 500, this iconic venue welcomed Formula 1 from 2000 to 2007. A new infield road course was constructed, incorporating part of the famous oval and providing a unique challenge for F1 drivers.
Michael Schumacher dominated the era, winning five times at Indy. The 2005 race, however, was marred by controversy when Michelin tire issues led to multiple teams withdrawing, leaving only six cars to start. Despite the drama, Indianapolis proved that F1 could thrive at America’s most hallowed racing ground.
The Modern Era: Circuit of The Americas and Beyond (2012)
After a hiatus, F1 returned to the US in 2012 with the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. This purpose-built track, with its challenging elevation changes and high-speed corners, has become a modern classic.
COTA has reignited America’s passion for F1, attracting huge crowds and showcasing the sport’s technological advancements. Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, and Kimi Räikkönen are among the drivers who have claimed victory at COTA. And let’s not forget the incredible 2021 race, where Max Verstappen held off Lewis Hamilton in a last-lap showdown!
The sport’s popularity in the U.S. surged with the advent of the Netflix series “Drive to Survive,” which provided an intimate look into the world of F1, attracting a new generation of American fans.
A Historic Milestone: Three U.S. Grands Prix in 2024
The year 2024 marks a significant milestone with the U.S. hosting three Grand Prix events:
Miami Grand Prix
In 2022, the Miami International Autodrome joined the F1 calendar, bringing the sport to the vibrant heart of South Florida. This street circuit, with its unique layout and stunning waterfront views, offers a different flavor of F1, blending high-octane racing with the glitz and glamour of Miami.
The Miami Grand Prix, with its artificial marina and beach club atmosphere, has generated a buzz unlike any other race on the calendar. Max Verstappen took victory in the inaugural race, but the event itself was the real winner, capturing the attention of fans and media alike.
United States Grand Prix at COTA
Continuing its tradition, COTA remains a staple on the F1 calendar, offering challenging turns and elevation changes that test drivers’ skills. COTA has reignited America’s passion for F1, attracting huge crowds and showcasing the sport’s technological advancements.
The track itself is a masterpiece, with its challenging elevation changes and high-speed corners inspired by iconic circuits around the world. Think of the sweeping curves of Silverstone combined with the elevation changes of Spa-Francorchamps. COTA demands precision, bravery, and a car that can handle it all.
Las Vegas Grand Prix
Set to take place on November 21-23, 2024, the Las Vegas Grand Prix will feature a unique night race along the iconic Bellagio, T-Mobile Grand Stand Sphere, and Caesars Palace under the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip, promising a spectacle of lights and speed.
The Las Vegas street circuit, with its long straights and high-speed corners, is designed to deliver thrilling racing action. The race is scheduled to take place at night, adding to the spectacle and creating a unique atmosphere. Las Vegas is poised to become a crown jewel in the F1 calendar, attracting a global audience and further solidifying America’s place in the world of motorsport.
The Stars and Stripes Fly High in F1
Beyond the races themselves, American influence in F1 runs deep. Haas F1 Team, owned by Gene Haas, proudly represents the USA on the grid. Andretti Autosport, led by racing legends Mario and Michael Andretti, is actively seeking entry, aiming to add another American team to the mix.
Perhaps even more surprising is the significant presence of American businesses in F1. A record-breaking 100 US companies are now partnered with the sport, exceeding any other nation. This highlights the global reach and commercial power of Formula 1, making it an even more attractive arena for aspiring American racers.
And speaking of experience, our very own Allen Berg made his Formula One debut at the 1986 US Grand Prix in Detroit! We have a deep understanding of what it takes to compete at the pinnacle of motorsport.
The Road Ahead
The expansion of F1 in the U.S. reflects the country’s growing enthusiasm for the sport. With multiple races and a burgeoning fan base, the U.S. is poised to play a central role in the future of Formula 1. This presents unprecedented opportunities for aspiring drivers to engage with the sport on home soil.
Fuel Your Passion
Do you dream of following in the footsteps of Hill, Gurney, and Andretti? Do you envision yourself battling for victory on the streets of Miami, navigating the challenging corners of COTA, or conquering the bright lights of Las Vegas? Allen Berg Racing Schools can help you turn that dream into reality.
Our comprehensive programs, expert instruction, and state-of-the-art facilities will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the world of motorsport. Our experienced instructors, many of whom have competed at the highest levels of motorsport, will guide you on your journey to the top.
The American dream is alive and well in Formula 1. Are you ready to be a part of it?
Other Recent Developments in U.S. Formula 1 Racing
