Toto Wolff: Three US F1 Races is the Limit, New York Would Be 'Awesome'

Mercedes F1 CEO and Team Principal Toto Wolff believes that three Formula 1 races in the United States is the optimal number, aligning with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali's stance. While expressing enthusiasm for a potential New York City Grand Prix, Wolff suggested such an event would be challenging to organize.

Why it matters:

Formula 1 has significantly expanded its presence in the US, adding Miami and Las Vegas to the long-standing Austin Grand Prix. The discussion around a fourth US race highlights F1's aggressive growth strategy in a key market, while Wolff's comments underscore the importance of balancing expansion with the sport's global footprint and maintaining event exclusivity.

The Details:

• Current US Presence: The US currently hosts three F1 races: the United States Grand Prix in Austin, the Miami Grand Prix, and the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which debuted in 2023.
• Rumors of Expansion: Reports had suggested a potential fourth US race, with cities like Chicago or New York being rumored as possible venues.
• Wolff's Stance: During the Autosport Business Exchange New York event, Toto Wolff stated that "three is the max" for US races, emphasizing the need to balance the sport's global geographical footprint.
  • He praised Stefano Domenicali for effectively managing this balance, ensuring expansion in the US doesn't negatively impact other regions or races.
• New York Ambition: Wolff expressed a desire to race in New York City, calling it "awesome." However, he voiced skepticism about its feasibility, recalling a previous event where a Mercedes F1 car driven by Lewis Hamilton on Fifth Avenue did not impress local police.
• Domenicali's Confirmation: F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali also confirmed in 2024 that three US races are considered the "perfect" number, dismissing rumors of a fourth.

The Big Picture:

Formula 1's surge in popularity in the United States, fueled by initiatives like Drive to Survive, has made it a crucial market for the sport. While expansion has been rapid, both Wolff and Domenicali's remarks indicate a strategic pause, prioritizing the quality and exclusivity of existing events over further rapid growth in one region. This approach aims to sustain long-term engagement without oversaturation.

What's next:

With both key figures agreeing on the three-race limit for the foreseeable future, attention will remain on the existing US races, particularly the upcoming United States Grand Prix in Austin. Teams like Mercedes will continue to focus on their performance, with Mercedes currently holding second place in the constructors' championship, ahead of Ferrari.