With the arrival of Las Vegas on the Formula 1 calendar from the next 2023 season, the highest category of motorsport will have three races on American soil, something understandable after seeing the economic potential of this country.
The market in the United States has grown exponentially thanks to the premiere of Drive to Survive , which has attracted millions of onlookers to enjoy the grand prizes every Sunday, although China could be a tough rival.
The arrival of its first ever starter, Guanyu Zhou, and Mercedes’ interest in customers from this region could mean an increase in racing there, as proposed by the German team’s boss, Toto Wolff .
“In addition to the appointment in Shanghai, I would love to have the Beijing Grand Prix,” said the head of the silver arrows in the Asian country’s news agency, Xinhua . “We already have three races in America, and if we had the same number in China it would be great.”
Wolff is one of the most influential people in the paddock, as he has directed the most successful group in the entire history of the Great Circus. Under his leadership, Mercedes won eight consecutive constructors’ titles, all since the start of the hybrid era, and only the 2021 drivers’ title escaped, which went to Max Verstappen, after an all-or duel. nothing against Lewis Hamilton.
It is not unreasonable to think that the star team would like to see China return to the calendar, since it is the place where they have historically dominated. At the Shanghai track they have claimed six victories, more than any other Formula 1 team, and there they broke their 57-year winless streak in the category, when Nico Rosberg climbed to the top of the podium in 2012.
However, it seems difficult for Mercedes to continue imposing its law in the Great Circus, since the introduction of the new technical regulations has caused them to suffer a significant drop in their performance, something that Wolff himself has admitted.
“We were able to win eight constructors’ titles in a row, but after the change in regulations we started the season poorly. Now we are only third in terms of speed, but we will find out how to get back to the top, you just have to admit that others did a better job.” sentenced the head of the Germans.
