Formula 1’s quest to broaden its reach in the United States has made a notable change in recent days.
The organisation’s submission of trademark applications suggests plans for introducing a Grand Prix in Chicago. This development is part of the sport’s escalating popularity in the U.S., largely attributed to the Netflix series Drive to Survive and the recent events in Miami and Las Vegas.
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Key Takeaways:
- Formula 1’s increasing influence in the United States is evident, with the Drive to Survive series on Netflix playing a key role in drawing new fans. The introduction of the Miami and Las Vegas Grand Prix further illustrates this growth, complementing the already well-established United States Grand Prix in Austin.
- Formula One Licensing BV’s filing of trademarks for “Grand Prix of Chicago” and similar terms at the United States Patent and Trademark Office is stirring conversations about the likelihood of Chicago hosting an upcoming F1 event. While these filings might be precautionary, they hint at Formula 1’s interest in adding Chicago to its racing calendar.
- The potential selection of Chicago as a future venue aligns with Formula 1’s growing preference for street circuits, as seen in the recent launches of the Las Vegas and Madrid Grand Prix.
Similar to the early trademark registrations for the Miami and Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2017, the idea of a Chicago Grand Prix is now on the table. However, is the prospect of a Chicago GP materialising soon realistic?
As of now, the answer appears to be no. According to insights from PlanetF1.com, no active plans or negotiations are underway for hosting a race in Chicago. The trademark application might be more of a strategic move by Formula 1 to safeguard intellectual property rights and prevent other parties from capitalising on the Chicago Grand Prix branding.
This isn’t the first time F1 has taken such a prudent step. In late 2017, Formula 1 registered trademarks for a New York Grand Prix. Yet, more than six years have passed, and a New York race has not come to fruition. Interestingly, these New York trademarks were filed around the same time as those for the Miami and Las Vegas races.
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