As Formula 1 aims to strengthen its presence in the United States, one legacy track keeps coming back into the conversation. Before the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) took up the mantle of hosting the US GP, it was the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) that staged the race from 2000 to 2007. Though the iconic track could provide a great boost to F1’s efforts in the US, the circuit’s President, Doug Boles, cannot see it returning to the Grand Prix calendar anytime soon.
Speaking to Nate Spangle, Boles reiterated the circuit’s willingness to host a Grand Prix once again. However, F1’s financial expectations thanks to the precedent set by COTA, is a major deterrent.
“The State of Texas paid $45 million to get them [F1] to show up [at COTA in Austin]. For us, it just doesn’t make financial sense,” said Boles.
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From an administrative and regulatory standpoint, IMS has everything it takes to host a Grand Prix at the track. It is one of two purpose-built tracks in the US (the other being COTA) that holds the requisite FIA Grade One certification required.
Boles reiterated that he “would be happy to host them [F1]”. But he can’t imagine track owner Roger Penske being okay with losing millions knowing that breaking even is a remote possibility.
F1 does not make financial sense, said Boles, highlighting that they won’t be able to recover the money from ticket sales like COTA does.
The highest prices for Indy500 tickets range around $280 to $300. Meanwhile, the general admission tickets for the three-day race weekend at COTA have a pricing of around $390. And the Austin track has attracted spectators — 440,000 fans attended the weekend in 2022, and 432,000 in 2023 as per reports.
F1 is catching the fancy of the US fans, no doubt. However, the historical significance of the IMS makes it seem like Formula One is missing out on a heritage race.
Will F1 ever return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway?
Looking at the rich history of the IMS, it would be a surprise if F1 is not interested in cashing in on the legacy. The track held Grands Prix in the 1950s and then made a return to the F1 calendar in the 2000s.
However, the track is home to the stellar Indy500 event. And with Penske at the helm, there is a bit of politics that also comes into play as well.
On top of that, many would argue that F1 has already hit a ceiling with races in the US. Currently, the calendar boasts three races in America.
And the sport is now looking to branch out into other untapped markets such as Africa. That, and the finances involved, render F1’s return to Indianapolis in the near future improbable, if not impossible.
