Bobby Epstein, the Founding Partner at Circuit of The Americas, confirmed that he is “pretty optimistic” regarding th possibility of signing a new deal in order for Austin to continue on the Formula 1 calendar, despite the fact that Miami has been confirmed to next year’s schedule and there is talk about a possible race in Las Vegas in two or three years’ time.
The United States Grand Prix first took place at was first held at Circuit of The Americas back in 2012 after the venue had been awarded a 10-year contract which expires this year, even though the 2020 edition was unable to take place due to the pandemic.
Yest the Austin event will not be dropped due to the popularity of the event, as Bobby Epstein feels that the Formula 1 weekend from October 22-24 is set to be “the biggest event on the planet this year” in terms of the attendance.
Also, Stefano Domenicali, the Formula 1 CEO, confirmed he wants to see more Grands Prix in the United States in the future, with the European-based action more likely to be scaled back.
Regarding negotiations about a new Formula 1 contract, Epstein told Autoweek: “I have a non-disclosure so I can’t really say too much, but I’m pretty optimistic we’re going to get there.” – he explained.
Bobby Epstein is not concerned regarding Circuit of The Americas’s role into the roster, marking the last of what are expected to be three trips across the Atlantic in 2022.
The first rumors about the calendar for the 2022 Formula 1 season show the new Miami Grand Prix will take place in May – which the event themselves have confirmed – followed by a separate journey to Canada the following month and then the usual United States/Mexico/Brazil sequence in October/November.
Asked about the fact that the first Miami Grand Prix will take place next year in May, the COTA chairman explained: “I think where it sits on the calendar, it’s a nice bookend for us. Both events are so uniquely different that I think we’ll be complementary. I’m happy about the date. I think we’ll deliver so much more Formula 1 to the fans. And I think we are pretty comfortable in our skin at this point. I can’t believe how fast time has gone but we’ve developed a tradition and a history. It was [nearly] a decade ago we had our first race and we’ve seen fans come back year after year and camp in the same spot in the campgrounds, and we’ve seen the campgrounds grow with new people who come in, and I don’t think that atmosphere will change. I think we could have just kept selling tickets if we had room. Even so, I think it will be the biggest event on the planet this year since the Olympics couldn’t have fans. I think we are well over 350,000 people for the weekend.” – Bobby Epstein concluded.
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