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F1 News & Discussions => General F1 Discussion => Topic started by: Willy on April 04, 2022, 06:04:22 PM

Title: American Driver?
Post by: Willy on April 04, 2022, 06:04:22 PM

https://f1i.com/news/437201-f1-wants-real-and-fast-american-driver-on-the-grid.html
This may a hard sell to find an American driver who does not dream only of winning Indy or Daytona or any of the NASCAR events.
F1 is still seen as a European race series over here in North America and this is evident in the complete lack of F1 news or coverage on TV compared to everything NASCAR.

Title: Re: American Driver?
Post by: Jericoke on April 05, 2022, 03:42:45 AM

While I agree that many American drivers aspire to IndyCar and NASCAR racing, anyone seriously involved in racing knows that F1 offers a bigger pay day than the Brickyard or Daytona could ever. 

I think that the FIA really made sure that Americans had to leave America to earn their super license.  Leaving home for a long shot when you can stay home and do 'pretty good' suddenly sounds better.

That said... the USA has more billionaires than anyone else, not a single one of them has a kid who wants to race in F1?  Or even a family friend willing to put some kid onto the international stage?  Doesn't even have to be like Stroll, Latifi, Mazepin or Norris.  Perez  has a ton of support from Carlos Slim.

Larry Ellison has had Oracle involved in international sports, why not F1?  Mark Cuban loves sports and being on TV, how doesn't he have a stake in F1?  Jay-Z built his fortune on Hip Hop culture, where Ferrari is definitely an important status symbol.  Bringing a black American into F1, especially in the wake of Hamilton's success, would bring about as much 'street cred' as possible.

Title: Re: American Driver?
Post by: cosworth151 on April 05, 2022, 02:09:02 PM

I think Michael Andretti is still looking at getting Colton Herta into F1, possibly with McLaren.

Title: Re: American Driver?
Post by: John S on April 05, 2022, 02:36:35 PM

Quote from: Jericoke on April 05, 2022, 03:42:45 AM

While I agree that many American drivers aspire to IndyCar and NASCAR racing, anyone seriously involved in racing knows that F1 offers a bigger pay day than the Brickyard or Daytona could ever. 

Not sure you're correct about the payday for drivers Jeri, could be true if you reach the top echelons but most F1 journeymen will make smaller yearly wages than the average Indycar or Nascar driver in a permanent team.

Title: Re: American Driver?
Post by: Willy on April 05, 2022, 06:20:54 PM

I think Jeri may be on to something with a wealthy well known black American backer or team owner.
Lewis is very well known the world over and he will not be racing much longer so maybe he can be convinced to get involved in a team with black owners.
My apologizes to anyone who takes offence to my black statements as I am not sure what is the accepted nomenclature.