Guenther Steiner thinks there is plenty of scope to add even more annual trips to the US to the Formula 1 calendar.
There are already three annual trips planned from next season. The Miami Grand Prix will return for its second year alongside the US GP in Texas, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this weekend at the Circuit of the Americas.
And, on top of that, a showpiece in Las Vegas will be added from 2023. No other country currently hosts more than one race per season, but even so Haas chief Steiner has advocated for the US to become the home of an even greater number of F1 grands prix.
"When the US Grand Prix in Austin was first held, it was something completely new," said Steiner, whose team is owned by American businessman Gene Haas. "Formula 1 hadn't been in the States for a long time and there were a lot of naysayers saying it wouldn't work. Thanks to Bobby Epstein, who kept on pushing, it's now a fan favourite after 10 years.
"Formula 1 without Austin is difficult to think about – Austin has become a classic. It has brought a lot to the fans as they can go to a great event, this season with 400,000 expected spectators and for the rest of the world, it's great racing in the States.
"COTA is for hardcore fans – they've been here now for 10 years and everybody loves to go there, it's a great race track, great event and a great city. Miami is Miami, we had a lot of people this year, more than a lot, and it's another great event but it was completely different, it was like a big festival. I don't know what Las Vegas will be but it will be big as well.
"We always have to think that the US is a big country and to have three races, it's still not enough, I believe. There is something for everybody and I think each event has something in particular about it. Two of them have done a good job and I'm sure Las Vegas will do a good job as well."
Steiner's words came as part of his US GP preview released by Haas. The team has already made the most of its home race by using it as an opportunity to announce American firm MoneyGram as their new title sponsor, and first since cutting ties with Uralkali in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine earlier this year.
At the press conference on that subject, reporters did not waste the opportunity to ask if it has any bearing on who will fill the seat currently occupied by Mick Schumacher next season. The answer was "no", with MoneyGram bosses more than happy to leave that choice up to Steiner.
"From our perspective we have full faith in Gunther," said Greg Hall. "This is not a decision for us. This is a racing decision, and we have full confidence in him, and we're excited about whatever decision they do make."
