Christian Horner believes it is only a matter of time before an American driver is crowned as World Champion again, with the true scale of F1's rise in popularity in the United States having been felt in Miami. The inaugural Miami Grand Prix attracted a packed-out crowd, as well as appearances from some of the world's biggest celebrity names, including Michelle Obama, David Beckham and Venus Williams. In terms of the on-track action, there was plenty of excitement on offer, with Max Verstappen catching and passing Charles Leclerc before a late-race Safety Car left him fighting to protect his lead. But, despite some complaints from drivers over both the layout and grip levels at the Miami International Autodrome, the event seemed to show that F1 is continuing to expand in North America.
Horner: Andretti is great; US driver would be even better
As previously reported by RacingNews365.com , it is understood that F1's commercial rights holders, Liberty Media, want four races in the US. The fourth could arrive on the west coast of the country, in California, joining Austin, Miami and Las Vegas on the calendar in the years to come. There could also soon be a second American team alongside Haas, with Andretti Autosport claiming to have everything they need to become F1's 11th outfit by 2024. Yet it is an American driver that the sport is truly lacking if it plans to grow even further in the United States, says Horner, with Mario Andretti being the last driver to win under the US flag in 1978. "The drivers are the stars," said Horner, speaking to US outlet The Athletic in Miami. "Yes, it would be lovely to have the Andretti name in Formula 1. But an Andretti driver - if Mario made a comeback - would be way more powerful. "There will be an American World Champion in the future, for sure. It's just a question of when."
Miami GP weekend proves a success for F1
While it proved a spectacular event for those who secured tickets to the Miami International Autodrome, the race was a relatively quiet affair until a late Safety Car sparked some drama. Verstappen held on to win an encounter "good enough" to excite the fans, says Horner, who has branded the weekend a success. Speaking to select members of the media, including RacingNews365.com , Horner explained: "It's been great, the reception that we've had here, the passion that has been here. "The interest in Formula 1 is sky high, you can see that from the reception that we got. "Americans certainly know how to host an event, and they've done a great job with that. "I think it was a good enough race to get everybody excited."
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