Bernie Ecclestone SLAMS F1 for ‘trying to be American’ with three Grand Prix’s in the US 

Formula 1 has grown massively in popularity over the last couple of years. The sport has gained millions of new fans globally, including the United States. Subsequently, the 2023 F1 calendar has three races in the ‘Land of the Free.’ Former F1 Supremo Bernie Ecclestone believes F1 is trying too hard to cater to the American audience.

Ecclestone admitted that F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is aware of the American market. However, the 92-year-old did not agree with F1’s recent attempts to cater to the US. So much so the Briton called the sport’s new races in the country ‘completely mad.’ He told the Daily Mail, “I think you can see that with the races in America that they are doing. Which I think is completely mad.

The Former F1 Supremo pointed out that the Miami GP was the best example of how F1 is attempting to be more American to gain popularity in the US. The Miami GP had the entire F1 paddock located in the Hard Rock Stadium, home to the Miami Dolphins. The 92-year-old reckoned that during his time in F1, he tried to take the sport into new regions with the same purity.

Bernie Ecclestone stated, “The one in Miami — the way they ran that was mad, trying to be American rather than the way I did it, which was trying to be pure Formula One as it was, rather than as it could be.”

Also Read: Formula 1 witnesses a fall in social media growth due to Red Bull’s dominance in 2023

Bernie Ecclestone unhappy with Netflix’s influence in F1

Netflix’s docuseries ‘Drive to Survive’ has led to hundreds of millions of new fans for Formula 1. However, Ecclestone was convinced that the sport had made the platform too big of a priority. The Briton mentioned that F1 tries to cater to Netflix more than necessary. Moreover, the 92-year-old claimed that the streaming platform would only remain with the sport as long it remains a profitable venture, unlike broadcasters who have stayed with F1 for decades.

The former F1 Supremo concluded, “Netflix has captured them a little bit and they follow that a bit too much. Netflix is in the entertainment business as long as it suits them. It’s not like our old broadcasters who have been with us forever.” As such, it is clear that Bernie Ecclestone is unhappy with the sport’s recent efforts to grow in the US.

Formula 1 has double-downed on its attempts to expand in the US. The sport’s media rights owner, Liberty Media, is organizing the Las Vegas GP. As such, millions of dollars have been invested for the upcoming race as F1 expects to earn big. However, it remains to be seen if the pinnacle of motorsport can keep a hold of its identity despite the rising integration with US-American culture.

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