McLaren’s Zak Brown says F1 ‘doesn’t need’ a fourth race in US, advocates for a return South Africa and India

Rumors about a potential fourth F1 Grand Prix in the USA is a divisive topic in the garage.

McLaren’s Zak Brown says F1 ‘doesn’t need’ a fourth race in US, advocates for a return South Africa and India

Mclaren F1 CEO Zak Brown (Via IMAGO)

The Formula 1 schedule is packed, with 23 races across various countries. The United States conducts the most races this season (3) with the arrival of the inaugural Las Vegas GP. There has been some discussion about adding another US GP to the calendar in lieu of increasing sponsorship due to American involvement. But many individuals around the paddock feel that three races in the US are ‘sufficient’ for Formula 1.

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has commented on the excess of races in America. Brown claimed that the new television partner Paramount+ on Formula 1 and added that there will be a ‘big impact’ in North America. But the American is against adding another IN the USA. He believes an extra race could ‘compromise’ some other territory where Formula 1 could continue to grow.

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Formula 1 has held races in India and South Africa previously. However, due to some issues with the government, FIA had to put a halt to these locations. But Brown said he would ‘love’ to see another Asian GP, especially one from India, or a South American GP. He said,

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I still would love to see us in India, in South Africa, and another race in Asia...I don’t think we need a fourth race here
Brown said, as reported by Formula one.com

Guenther Steiner gives his verdict on American involvement in the sport

As team boss, Guenther Steiner had previously claimed that 24 races were the limit of races in a season. F1 ran the risk of ‘boring’ the fans by adding more races, according to him. But Steiner also talked about the greatness of American involvement in the sport. According to him, America is the ‘largest economy’ and hence crucial for Formula 1.

Gunter, Hulk and K Mag
Nico Hulkenberg, Gunter Steiner and Kevin Magnussen (Credits: Speed Week)

Being an American team, Haas is expected to speak in favor of American involvement. Steiner added that it was important to have three careers in the US ahead of the COTA GP. Hence, Steiner believed that another race in America would benefit the sport.

With the Chinese GP reportedly being added for next year, this would increase the number of races to the limit of 24. However, the teams feel that 24 races are more than enough. Adding one more race could hurt the sport, as the fans might be tired of it. Teams have already started to send different crew members to different races to build a little more time off for the employees.

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