The story of Formula 1's (F1) pursuit of a grand prix in New Jersey is a fascinating one, and it's all thanks to the involvement of a certain real estate mogul and TV personality. According to Flavio Briatore, the former Alpine team boss, the idea for a New Jersey street race was born out of a collaboration between himself and none other than Donald Trump. In a recent interview, Briatore revealed that after the Indianapolis/F1 partnership ended in 2007, he and Trump joined forces to pitch a new US GP to F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone.
Briatore described Trump as a "great promoter" who had experience in promoting boxing and other events in Las Vegas. Despite Trump's lack of knowledge about Formula 1, Briatore believed his promotional skills could be an asset. Together, they put together a video presentation for Ecclestone, showcasing the potential of a New York-based race. However, Trump's vision for New York was met with challenges, and he suggested New Jersey as the ideal location.
The plan for a New Jersey street race gained momentum, but it faced significant obstacles. F1 had already secured a new US home at Austin's Circuit of the Americas, and the sport was committed to adding a second US race, the Grand Prix of America, on the Port Imperial street track in New Jersey. Despite the efforts, the race never materialized, and its F1 calendar debut was repeatedly postponed. Briatore attributed this to the lack of recognition and value placed on Formula 1 in the US, contrasting it with the popularity of NASCAR and IndyCar.
Fast forward to the present, and the situation has changed dramatically. Liberty Media, who acquired F1 from Ecclestone in 2017, has brought a new dynamic to the sport in the US. Briatore noted the incredible attendance figures at races in Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas, indicating a shift in how F1 is perceived and valued in the country. He credited Liberty Media for opening up the commercial side of the sport, allowing for more marketing opportunities and fostering a better partnership with the teams.
The story of the New Jersey bid highlights the challenges of bringing Formula 1 to the US and the evolution of the sport's popularity in the country. It also showcases the unique collaboration between a former team boss and a real estate tycoon, resulting in a memorable chapter in F1 history.
