According to Christian Horner, Formula 1 needs an “American Max Verstappen”
For the boss of the Red Bull team, Christian Horner, a high-performing American driver would further boost Formula 1 across the Atlantic. What will it be like in the years to come?
For the past few years, Formula 1 has been enjoying an undeniable success in the United States. Viewership continues to increase, and this season, the calendar will include three North American races (Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas). Furthermore, this year, for the first time since 2015, an American driver will be a regular in Formula 1. Logan Sargeant will make his debut with Williams alongside Alex Albon.
In an interview with the New York Post, Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner doubts that the appointment of the Floridian can have a major impact on the newly won American audience.
« It’s good to have him in F1, he is young and talented but he will be limited in what he can do,” said the Englishman referring to Williams’ last place finish in the constructor’s championship last season.
The problem is that, if you finish 14th or 15th, it won’t excite people. I think that if he were fighting at the front in a competitive car, then we could see in the United States what happened with Alonso in Spain or Pérez in Mexico. The Spanish and Mexican drivers have greatly contributed to making their sport popular in their respective countries.
When will an American be fighting to win?
The Briton has well observed the jubilation that a driver can provoke in his country. Max Verstappen unleashes the crowds in the Netherlands, just like Lewis Hamilton in England. America could then rush into the stands to see one of their own fight at the front.
« Imagine if we had an American Max Verstappen! What we need is a young, talented and competitive American driver. A driver who can fight for victories and championships. It will happen with time. The key is to generate enough interest in the sport to make people want to participate, adds Horner.
From 2026, Red Bull will have very close ties with the United States as the Austrian team will manufacture its future power unit with Ford. It remains to be seen whether the American manufacturer will then choose a driver from Uncle Sam’s country.
