Formula 1 has grown in popularity in recent years, thanks in large part to the Netflix documentary series Drive to Survive. Viewers are able to not only see some of the race action but also get in-depth knowledge on the inner workings of each team.
In addition seeing behind the scenes happenings of each team, the documentary is doing a fantastic job of showcasing its stars and young drivers to a broader audience. Part of the attraction of Formula 1 is seeing which destinations will be added to the schedule.
As one of the most famous cities in motorsports, Indianapolis feels like a natural fit for Formula 1. It was even home to a staged F1 race via the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from 2000 to 2007. Is there a chance that Formula 1 could ever return to the mecca for auto racing?
IMS and the Biggest Issue
As mentioned, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) staged the race from 2000 to 2007. The track is one of the most iconic in all of racing and could make for the ideal spot to boost F1’s efforts to grow in the United States.
IMS’ President, Doug Boles, does not foresee a return to the Grand Prix circuit any time in the near future. The biggest issue? The State of Texas forked over $45 million to get Formula 1 to bring a circuit race to Austin.
“It just doesn’t make financial sense,” Boles said.
It is unfortunate because, from a regulatory and administrative standpoint, IMS has everything necessary to host a Formula 1 event. It is one of just two purpose-built tracks in the United States that holds the IFA Grade One certification that is required for an F1 race. The only other entity that holds the requisite certification is the Circuit of the Americas (COTA).
Boles made note that he “would be happy to host them” but that he can’t imagine track owner Roger Penske being all that comfortable with potentially losing millions. Boles believes that breaking even on an event is, at best, a remote possibility.
Boles said that hosting an F1 event doesn’t make financial sense. He also noted that IMS wouldn’t be able to recover their financial investment from ticket sales in the same way that COTA is able.
A Historical Track
Indianapolis Motor Speedway is home to the Indy 500, arguably the most famous race in the sport. In fact, the Indy 500 is one of the most famous events in all of sports, not just motor racing.
Though ticket sales are similar between IMS and COTA – the former has tickets around $300 at the high-end, while the latter can top out around $400 – there is one major difference. The track in Austin can bring in hundreds of thousands of spectators for an event like F1.
The event brought in 440,000 fans during the 2022 race weekend, and 432,000 fans for the 2023 event.
Will F1 Return to Indianapolis Motor Speedway?
As Formula 1 continues to try to gain a foothold in the United States, it feels like a natural fit would be with Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Given the history of the track, Formula 1 may find a way to make this kind of event happen in the future despite the financial concerns held by Boles.
The legacy of this partnership alone may be worth trying to work something out. IMS was home to several Grand Prix races back in the 1950s, ultimately returning to the F1 calendar in the early 2000s.
With the Indy 500 as the premier event at IMS, Team Penske can remain patient when it comes to a potential relationship with F1. As is the case with high-level racing, politics also come into play, muddying the waters even further.
Another challenge is the current Formula 1 schedule. There are currently three races held in America, and some feel that that is already too many for the Formula 1 schedule. If an event were to be removed, Formula 1 may be more open to the idea of coming down on price and making that partnership happen again.
Nonetheless, you can still bet on F1 events in the state of Indiana. Don’t know how?
Check this guide here: youbet.com/sports-news/how-to-bet-on-sports-in-indiana/
Formula 1’s Expansion Efforts Present a Big Challenge
While the organization is looking to grow its presence in the United States, that isn’t it’s only aim. It is now looking to reach into previously untapped markets like Africa. Between that and the financial aspect, Formula 1’s return to the famous Speedway may not be a possibility for a long time.
For the foreseeable future, Formula 1 and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway may be the forbidden relationship. Though each has its own rich history, it just doesn’t seem like a return to the famous raceway is in the cards. As Formula 1 continues to grow, its desire to make things work may grow as well.