Formula One’s new commercial rights holders, American firm Liberty Media, have affected a number of changes to the sport since taking full control last year.
New look
American motorsport has some of the best fan/on-screen coverage of any in the world. Liberty is quick to implement changes they feel are better for the fans’ experience.
F1 gained a new logo and on-screen information during a race has been ratcheted up several notches so viewers are well aware of what’s going on at all times.
Expanded calendar
To gain more exposure the 2018 season features 21 races, the most ever in the F1 calendar. For 2019 Liberty Media is aiming to host another race on its home soil. The other US event is the race in Austin, Texas.
Talks have already started with the aim of hosting a race in Miami, Florida. Earlier this week the Managing Director Commercial Operations, Formula 1, Sean Bratches had this to say:
“The City of Miami Commission took an important step by adding an item to their upcoming agenda, that if approved, will make way to bring Formula 1 to downtown Miami next season. We appreciate the community’s interest in hosting a Formula 1 race and look forward to working with local officials and stakeholders to bring this vision to life.
“With over half a billion fans worldwide, Formula 1 is the greatest racing spectacle on the planet, and Miami’s status as one of the world’s most iconic and glamourous cities, combined with its robust tourism infrastructure, makes Miami the perfect destination for Formula 1 and its fans.”
Timing and venue
At this stage, it is unclear if the race will take place on a street circuit, a new facility or an existing racetrack. The most likely time of year for a Miami race would be in October.
A street circuit would allow the American hosts to emulate the glitz and glamour usually reserved for the Monaco GP, which has been a staple of the calendar from the very start of the F1 World Championship.
There’s no word on an official theme song for the event, but our vote goes to this Will Smith track:
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