Rick Abbott: “A second GP can only make us stronger”

How is the US GP doing?

Alright ! Despite the slightly cool temperature, the fans responded. In terms of attendance, we almost equaled the 2012 edition which benefited from the novelty effect.

The quality of the competition, since the start of the second half of the season, the return to form of the Ferrari, the excellent work of the ESPN channel on American soil, the Netflix series which was very well received, meant that there was excitement.

Where does your audience come from?

The beautiful thing about Austin, and the fact that we are still the only Grand Prix on American soil, is that we have a clientele from the United States but also from South America and Europe to 40%. Which is huge.

You are right to say “again” since Liberty Media is pushing hard for a second Grand Prix in the USA. What do you think of Chase Carey's efforts?

A second Grand Prix can only make us stronger. There F1 needs an increased presence in the USA to develop its fan base and we can only benefit from it. We are very proud of our facilities.

We have built this setting so that F1 can fully express itself. I'm not saying that running in the streets of Miami would be a bad thing, on the contrary. Miami organized in May or June on an urban route, and us in October on a road route, would be a great complement.

After 8 years of existence, is the Austin Grand Prix rooted enough to deal with a competitor on its own soil?

Once again, we hope more than we fear the organization of a second GP in the United States.

What are you missing to give another dimension to your Grand Prix?

An American pilot! Look at the way Max Verstappen woke up the Netherlands. Our fans are no different from European fans, they need a hero to cheer for.

What do you think of the current F1 show?

I appreciate all Liberty Media's efforts regarding social media, e-gaming... F1 faces the same problems as other sports. It’s all hands on deck to attract young people, which is increasingly complicated.