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Formula 1 (F1) racing is one of the most popular motorsports in the world. However, there’s a lack of American participation in the sport. Still, are any American drivers or owners in F1? Even with the lack of American participation, drivers like Logan Sargeant should have fans in the United States paying attention. 

Are there any Americans in F1?

Unfortunately for American fans of Formula 1 racing, there isn’t an American on the roster. Instead, racers hail from around the globe, like Zhou Guanyu of China and Sergio Perez of Mexico. Frankly, people from the United States don’t often occupy seats in F1. Over 50 American drivers have participated in F1 races over the years, around one-third the number of British F1 drivers throughout the sport’s history. 

Mario Andretti is just one of the American F1 drivers who drove over the years.
Mario Andretti in his Lotus-Ford 79 at the 1978 Grand Prix of the Netherlands | Bernard Cahier, Getty Images

Still, the United States’ entries aren’t without merit. For instance, two drivers from the United States won world championships: Phil Hill in 1961 and Mario Andretti in 1978. Depressingly, Andretti’s victory in the 1978 Dutch Grand Prix was the last time an American won an F1 race. Furthermore, Formula 1 standings says the last time a driver from the United States participated in an F1 race was in 2015 when Alexander Rossi drove in five races for Marussia Ferrari. 

Will there be an American in F1 soon?

Fortunately for domestic fans of F1, there might be a couple of familiar faces headed to the F1 roster soon. The greatest prospect is Formula 2 (F2) driver Logan Sargeant. Sargeant is a high-performing driver in F2 and has the attention of F1 fans. More importantly, though, Logan Sargeant has the attention of the Williams Racing team for a seat in 2023. While Williams isn’t a top-performing team, we’re sure that fans will be excited to see a driver from the United States on the roster.

Colton Herta, like Logan Sargeant is a top prospect for an American F1 driver in the future.
Colton Herta | David Rosenblum, Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Moreover, IndyCar driver Colton Herta was the subject of AlphaTauri’s interest for the 2023 season until just recently. Herta, a 22-year-old professional driver, has many wins in IndyCar and could potentially make a great addition to the sport’s limited roster. Unfortunately, Formula 1 reports that AlphaTauri won’t be able to sign Herta after the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) ruled that he doesn’t qualify for an F1 Super Licence. 

Who owns the Haas F1 Team?

While there isn’t a driver from the United States in the lineup yet, there’s some American representation. Haas Formula LLC, which races as the Haas F1 Team, is American-owned. Haas’ drivers are Mick Schumacher and Kevin Magnussen, who are German and Danish, respectively. 

Haas F1 Team might not have any American F1 drivers, but they are American-owned.
Mick Schumacher’s Haas F1 car | Stefan Klingberg, ATPImages, Getty Images

Moreover, Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren, hails from Los Angeles, California. Brown told CNBC that “the talents are there, the resources are there” when asked about the lack of an American F1 driver. Hopefully, Brown is correct, and we’ll see a driver from the United States in the near future. 

Should you get into F1?

In the United States, interest in Formula 1 is greater than its ever been. Thanks mainly to Netflix’s Formula 1: Drive to Survive, younger fans in the United States are taking a liking to the sport. Frankly, a driver from the United States will undoubtedly lead to further interest in F1 racing among Americans. There’s no time like the present to get into Formula 1, especially if American F1 driver prospects like Logan Sargeant or Colton Herta snag seats. 

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).