Since its inaugural season back in 1950, the United States has been a mainstay in Formula One, despite the prominence of other motor racing championships in the country such as NASCAR and IndyCar.
In the sport’s 73-year history, the US ranks 10th on the all-time list of Grand Prixs held, and that number will be further bolstered by the inclusion of three US-based Grand Prixs in 2023, the most in a single season since 1982.
The three races will be held in Austin, Miami and Las Vegas respectively, and are sure to be among the most star-studded races on the F1 calendar, with a host of A-list celebrities guaranteed to be on the grids.
Formula 1 Hospitality
United States Grand Prix
Date: Sun, 22 Oct, 20:00
Track: Circuit of the Americas
The United States Grand Prix has been held in Austin for the last 10 years at the Circuit of the Americas. The first race was held in 2012 in front of 100,000 spectators, as Lewis Hamilton claimed victory in what would turn out to be his last-ever win as a McClaren driver.
The high-speed runs have been compared to Silverstone whilst the S turns have been likened to the Suzuka circuit in Japan.
Now driving for Mercedes, British driver Lewis Hamilton has won the most United States Grand Prixs with six wins, however Max Verstappen of Red Bull has won the last two on his way to claiming back-to-back World Championships.
As you might expect from an American sports event, music concerts are often organised around the main spectacle. For instance, in 2016, Taylor Swift performed the evening before race day as 270,000 fans attended across the weekend.
The following year, former US President Bill Clinton presented the winning trophy to seven time World Champion Lewis Hamilton after his victory. That year, Justin Timberlake helped to further boost attendances with a pre-race performance. Other musical acts to have performed include Bruno Mars and Britney Spears.
The race in Austin is always one of the most popular on the F1 calendar, thanks to its status as one of the coolest American cities with its vibrant nightlife and much-loved food.
In 2022, Mr Austin himself Matthew McConaughey was among the attendees along with fellow actor Brad Pitt, pop star Ed Sheeran and hip-hop legend Pharrell Williams.
USA GP
Miami Grand Prix
Date: Sun, 7 May, 20:30
Track: Miami International Autodrome
From one party town to another, the F1’s inaugural Miami race was last year in 2022, when, you guessed it, Dutchman Max Verstappen claimed victory ahead of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, both of Ferrari.
The circuit itself probably most closely resembles Melbourne Park, giving the 19-turn track the feel of a street circuit, despite being held at the Hard Rock Stadium, home to NFL outfit the Miami Dolphins.
The 5.41km track consists of 19 corners, three straights and three DRS zones, so you can expect plenty of overtaking.
With six Super Bowls, two World Series and numerous music concerts under its belt, the Hard Rock Stadium is one of the elite venues in America. The state-of-the-art stadium combined with an intimate street-style circuit creates an ideal viewing experience for the spectators in the Sunshine State.
Predictably, there were stars galore at the 2022 Miami GP including basketball legend Michael Jordan, Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady and former England captain, and owner of MLS team Inter Miami, David Beckham.
Miami GP
Las Vegas Grand Prix
Date: Sat, 18 Nov, 06:00
Track: Las Vegas Street Circuit
Las Vegas will host its first Grand Prix since 1982 at an all-new circuit around the Las Vegas Strip, which will bypass famous landmarks like Caesars Palace, the Bellagio and the Venetian.
The 6.12km, 14-turn street circuit is expected to be one the quickest races on the calendar with speeds likely to exceed that of Italian track Monza, otherwise known as the ‘Temple of Speed’.
Despite being a completely new track, Las Vegas has hosted GPs on two separate occasions in 1981 and 1982, for the Caesars Palace Grand Prix. Williams driver Alan Jones claimed victory in 1981 and Michele Alboreto of Tyrrell won the 1982 race.
The 2023 race is scheduled for lights out on Saturday night and is one of the most highly anticipated F1 races of the year. New tracks always carry with them an air of unpredictability, which will only add to the entertainment value.
Off the track, there will be plenty to keep fans entertained as well, with Vegas band The Killers heavily rumoured to be performing.
Don’t be surprised to see a few Vegas locals such as Mike Tyson, Celine Dion and Floyd Mayweather Jr. show up for the main event too.
It’s going to be a blockbuster for F1 in the US, so which race will you choose?
