Circuit of The Americas chairman Bobby Epstein says he would have the ability to guarantee Daniel Ricciardo nonetheless has a significant presence on the upcoming United States Grand Prix regardless of having misplaced his race seat.
Crimson Bull opted to interchange Ricciardo with Liam Lawson at RB for the remainder of this season, successfully signaling the top of Ricciardo’s racing profession in System 1. With COTA the following race on the calendar in late October, Epstein says Ricciardo’s reputation in North America — and particularly on the Texas occasion — ensures he would nonetheless be an enormous draw for followers just by his presence at COTA even when he isn’t driving.
“Daniel, he could possibly have simply as huge of an influence out of the automobile as he has in it at our at our grand prix,” Epstein stated. “I’m unsure that essentially individuals are shopping for tickets to come back see him race if he’s not in a aggressive automobile, proper? So should you’re coming as a result of he’s a part of the the F1 neighborhood, I feel he can nonetheless be a part of the F1 neighborhood in a fairly significant means.
“He’s actually, actually beloved in Texas, and I feel he likes it right here. And so I’d hope that he makes himself out there extra to the followers than he would in any other case be if he had an obligation within the automobile … I hope he’s nonetheless coming right here, as a result of we acquired lots of people that will like to shake his hand or get his autograph or take an image. Simply see him round city. We’ll preserve him busy.”
Crimson Bull has knowledgeable Ricciardo that it could like him to stay concerned with the staff in an ambassadorial function, however as of but there is no such thing as a settlement about such a partnership.
Ticket gross sales for the grand prix at COTA began slower than in recent times however have been strengthened by the unfolding championship battle as Max Verstappen has did not win in eight races, and Epstein doesn’t imagine the addition of a 3rd U.S. race in Las Vegas notably damage gross sales given the main focus it has delivered to the game.
“It’s most likely a wash… when it comes to our tenants, it brings some extra consideration to the game, after which it competes for ticket gross sales to some extent, however not a lot, as a result of they’re so uniquely totally different occasions and with the timing of that race, it’s powerful.
“I prefer it [Vegas GP], as a result of it’s a spectacle. I feel it builds the game globally. Whether or not it builds it as a lot within the U.S. as Miami… I feel Miami does extra for constructing the U.S. viewers due to the time that it’s on, however I like the spectacle of the Vegas race, and I hope extra individuals watch it. I’d love for them to rebroadcast it in the midst of the afternoon.”
