Alright, there’s an op-ed going around about this, but it doesn’t actually say much, so, uh, I’m not linking this time. Going rogue. I will share all the information you need to know.
And the information you need to know is this:
- F1’s only signed with Circuit of the Americas (where the Austin race is) through this fall.
- The State of Texas gives F1 $25M each year to have the race here in Austin.
- Some contract and/or law says the $25M only comes if the Austin race is the only F1 race in the United States.
- F1 just announced they’re starting a race in Miami next season.
- F1 has said they want to keep Austin and want to keep the races separate on the calendar so they each get some shine.
There. I actually gave you more information than the op-ed.
Anyway, sounds like F1 might not be back in Austin after this year, for a variety of reasons but possibly because of the state of Texas. I don’t know. We’ll see. But it’s on the table, and that’s something we should be aware of, and I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to threaten to stop being an F1 fan if this gets dramatic and I think F1’s at fault. Hopefully it doesn’t come to that, but be warned, powers that be. I’m watching. And I am prepared to use this platform for COTA. Because I had fun go-karting there and, I don’t know, it’s kind of fun to drive past it and be like, “Wow, big racetrack out here among the doublewides.” And while the racetrack would still exist if F1 left, my impression is that F1’s the reason the racetrack exists. Again, could be wrong. I became an F1 fan weeks ago. But that’s what I’ve got for you guys.
