Focus on F1 in Europe? 'Just great to go to new fans'
F1 News
- GPblog.com
The upcoming race weekend in Italy is the last of the 2023 season in Europe. After the Grand Prix at the iconic Monza circuit, only flyaways - as they are called in the paddock - are scheduled for the rest of the year. Although much of Formula 1's season still takes place in Europe, the number of long-distance trips is growing. Frequently to the dismay of nostalgia-hungry European fans.
'Europe cradle of F1'
Las Vegas, Qatar, Saudi Arabia. These are just some of the places that Formula 1 will visit this year. Relatively new places on the F1 calendar, by no means blessed with a rich history in the sport. Unlike, for example, Spa-Francorchamps, Silverstone and also Monza. "Europe is the birthplace of motorsport and has so many iconic and challenging tracks," responds Nico Hulkenberg, who will race for Haas F1 this season, when asked how important the European F1 market is to him.
But, he says: "Formula 1 has grown in popularity so much over the last few years, I’ve felt that myself after coming back into the sport. It’s great to be able to go to races with new fans who are learning about F1, and other places where there’s show and entertainment and big names from other sports wanting to come to watch us race. I think we’re in a good place in terms of locations currently," the German believes.
America more important for Haas
Hulkenberg is thus not expressing the view that Formula 1 - in his eyes - should have the focus on European circuits, as was the case in earlier times. Teammate Kevin Magnussen agrees: "I don’t usually call it the European market, but I think the most important races for us as a team are in America," the Dane says.
"Of course, it’s nice for me to do well at European races where there’s a Danish presence in the grandstands but in reality, racing for an American team means it’s really a joy to race in the US. I think I’ve scored points in the last two US races with Haas, in Austin last year and Miami this year, so it would be really nice to continue in Austin. I think in the European season we didn’t do as well as we did in the first half so I’m looking forward to getting to this second half of the season with some iconic tracks, and of course some races in the US," Magnussen concluded.