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IMS and F1 not yet talking for 2021
Formula 1 is exploring the possibility of two races in the U.S. this year, but the topic of one of those being at Indianapolis Motor Speedway has yet to be discussed.
Following the cancellation of the Singapore Grand Prix on Friday, RACER understands that one of the potential options that is being explored involves two races at Circuit of The Americas in Austin. That would involve further movement of the calendar and there is also the possibility of rescheduling China or Turkey in October, but should there be two events in the U.S., then the only other venue that can host a race is Indianapolis.
While IMS owner Roger Penske and F1 hold regular talks about future collaborations, an IMS spokesperson told RACER that those talks have yet to include being an option later this year if needed.
“While we have an ongoing dialogue with F1, we’re not currently discussing a race in 2021,” the spokesperson added.
IMS, which staged the United States Grand Prix (pictured above in 2001) from 2000-07, held the Indy 500 last weekend with over 135,000 spectators -- the biggest sporting attendance since the COVID-19 pandemic began -- and is still to host the second of two IndyCar races on its road course in August. It also has an event scheduled for the weekend prior to COTA's USGP, with the Indianapolis 8 Hour taking place from Friday to Sunday, October 15-17.
F1 is already set to hold two races in the U.S. in 2022, when Miami is set to make its debut and join COTA on the calendar.
Chris Medland
While studying Sports Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire, Chris managed to talk his way into working at the British Grand Prix in 2008 and was retained for three years before joining ESPN F1 as Assistant Editor. After three further years at ESPN, a spell as F1 Editor at Crash Media Group was followed by the major task of launching F1i.com’s English-language website and running it as Editor. Present at every race since the start of 2014, he has continued building his freelance portfolio, working with international titles. As well as writing for RACER, his broadcast work includes television appearances on F1 TV and as a presenter and reporter on North America's live radio coverage on SiriusXM.
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