MIAMI—Michael Jordan, David Beckham, and “The Rock” are among the celebrities expected to flock to Formula One’s first Miami Grand Prix as the sport’s popularity in the United States surges into new realms.
After a series of failed attempts to break into the American market in the 1980’s, the country looked a lost cause for the world’s most popular motor racing series, with fans preferring the familiar names of NASCAR and the domestic IndyCar open-wheel series.
Yet many in F1, including seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton, believe times have changed.
“Growing up knowing how amazing the sport is and seeing that there was still quite a disconnect between the U.S. and the rest of the world in terms of the passion for this sport, it’s really amazing to see that we’ve cracked it and there’s a growing love in the States,” said Mercedes driver Hamilton.
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