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“Formula 1, what is that?”- F1 journalist reveals how immigration at Miami Airport had no idea what Formula 1 is

Somin Bhattacharjee
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"Formula 1, what is that?"- F1 journalist reveals how immigration at Miami Airport had no idea what Formula 1 is

An F1 journalist revealed that immigration at Miami airport had no idea what Formula 1 and thought it involved horse racing.

Over the last few years, F1 has grown a lot as a sport. The number of people watching races is substantially increasing every year, and it’s made the sport a global spectacle.

In particular, we’ve seen a sharp increase in viewership in the United States. Netflix’s superhit docu-series, ‘Drive to Survive’ plays a major role in the promotion of F1. Until 2021, there was just one American race on the calendar, but that changed this year.

F1 travels to Miami for the first time ever this weekend. It is one of the two races that will be held in the US this campaign, and Las Vegas will also be added as a venue next season onwards.

It’s a testament to just how popular the sport has become over the last few years, especially in the USA. In fact, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali does not rule out adding more American races to the calendar if need be.

Also read: “As an American he’s 100% correct”- F1 fans respond to Alex Albon and his comments on the American cuisine

Has F1 really grown in the USA as much as we think?

On his Twitter account, F1 journalist Christian Menath revealed how the Miami airport immigration had no idea what F1 is. The officer asked him what his purpose of visit was, to which he answered,  “Reporting for Formula 1.”

Menath then revealed how the immigration officer asked him what that was. Even when he told him it was racing, the immigration officer was puzzled and questioned if it was ‘horse racing’.

No one can doubt how much F1 has grown in the US over the last few years. In the 2021 campaign, we witnessed the biggest ever audience in an F1 race in America at the COTA in Austin. However, when organizers an F1 insist that there’s still room for a lot more growth, they mean it.

Historically, series like NASCAR and IndyCar have been more popular in America. But Formula 1 is gaining ground, and they will grow a lot more in terms of viewership and fan following over the next few years.

Also read: “What you sayin’ @NBA @MiamiHEAT?”– Lando Norris up for basketball game ahead of Miami Grand Prix

About the author

Somin Bhattacharjee

Somin Bhattacharjee

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Basketball Editor Somin Bhattacharjee first discovered the game during the 2014 FIBA World Cup. Not long after, he turned to the NBA and found himself drawn to the Golden State Warriors — right at the start of Stephen Curry’s rise. Over time, the admiration turned into full-blown support for the team, one that continues even as the Curry era approaches its twilight. A true hoophead, Somin also follows EuroLeague basketball closely and enjoys exploring the game beyond the NBA. Though holding a bachelor's degree in marketing, Somin discovered his true calling in writing. Since 2021, he has penned over 3,000 articles for TheSportsRush, covering everything from breaking news to sharp opinion pieces and detailed exclusives. He thrives on writing about in-game moments and the reactions that make basketball a uniquely emotional sport. Beyond basketball, Somin plays different sports including soccer and remains a passionate fan of Spanish football giants Real Madrid

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