Austin and Mexico City may lose their status on the F1 circuit.
According to the Associated Press, two of the three Formula 1 racing events could be eliminated from the calendar as soon as six months to a year. Races in Austin, Texas and Mexico City, Mexico might be cut from the race calendar.
Circuit of the Americas, Austin TX (photo, Business Insider)
In the States, it would be the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), which is located just southeast of the state’s capital. The site has hosted a U.S. Grand Prix event since 2012.
Revenue from last year’s race was lost due to a paperwork gaffe. Texas organizers missed a state-mandated filing deadline. It was a $20 million dollar mistake. Paperwork was eventually submitted, but only after the filing deadline. The state then rescinded a letter of temporary approval.
According to the Austin American-Statesman, access to state funds requires that organizers have anti-human trafficking plans in place to help combat spikes in prostitution. John Wittman, a governor’s office spokesperson, said that the state had no choice but to hold the money, but is now in talks with race organizers regarding the 2019 race, which is scheduled to take place on November 3rd. If an arrangement can’t be reached, the race could be taken off the calendar.
“The state of Texas and COTA have a productive partnership that has produced tremendous economic impact for the city of Austin and the state as a whole,” Wittman said. “Our office is already working with COTA on next year’s race.”
In Mexico’s Hermandos Rodriguez circuit in Mexico City, Mexico, the problem is tepid support from the country’s recently elected president.
President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said that government money for the race could be reduced or eliminated because of a competing priority–a 1,000-mile railway.
“If it does not imply money, I will endorse it.” the president told reporters. “But I’m a little penny-pincher in these cases. I don’t know how the Formula 1 contracts are but, if they are not signed already, we can’t do it. In many cases, they were paid by the tourism fund, and now those funds are going to be used for the Maya Train (the proposed railway).”
Sergio Perez is hopeful things can be worked out (photo, Motorsport)
One of the drivers–the only Mexican in F1–believes that the race could be taken off the calendar. Racing Point’s Sergio Perez told the press that “it does not look good, but I think it’s important for our country to keep it.”
“There are a lot of countries that want to host a Grand Prix,” Perez continued, “but once you lose your spot, it’s very hard to get it back. It cost us so much to get it and, if we lose it now, it’s probably the end. We might have to wait 30-50 years to get it back. It would be a shame.”
For both Texas and Mexico–as well as for F1 and race fans everywhere–losing two Grand Prix weekends would have major league implications.
