The support race billing for this weekend’s United States Grand Prix has much to offer those keen to watch racing cars of the past, but not those looking to see the young American racers of the future.
None of America’s junior racing series feature on the support race bill this weekend. The US Formula 4 and Formula Regional series will visit the track two weeks later.
Just three years ago, US F4 brought a 33-strong grid of cars to support what was the only American world championship round. But just six cars lined up for their last race at Mosport in Canada, while Formula Regional Americas had 10.
If Formula 1 wants its three American rounds to feature competitive local drivers in the future, this should give it cause for concern. Neither series is being led by an American racer.
American driver Logan Sargeant was still on the grid when F1 visited Miami earlier this year. But since Williams sacked him the chances F1 may have another US driver in the near future look slim.
Jak Crawford
Teenager Crawford from Charlotte, North Carolina, was a member of Red Bull’s junior team until last year and is now a development driver for Aston Martin. However the team’s F1 seats are full until at least 2026 and they already have a Formula 2 champion in their young driver scheme: Felipe Drugovich, who is due to drive their car again in practice at the Mexican Grand Prix next week.
Crawford is an outsider for the F2 title, 53.5 points behind leader Gabriel Bortoleto. However his DAMS team have already confirmed he will return to drive for them next year. If he can pull off a convincing championship win at his third attempt, that could boost his chances of reaching F1 – though it did little for Drugovich.
Juan Manuel Correa
The Ecuador-born driver’s career was disrupted by the terrible Formula 2 crash five years ago at Spa which claimed the life of Anthoine Hubert and left Correa with serious leg injuries. He eventually returned to F2 two years ago, by way of F3, but despite reaching the podium at the feature race in Catalunya he is only 17th in the standings with four races remaining.
Correa was previously part of Sauber’s junior team and tested an F1 car for them prior to his crash. Since his return he has also participated in sports car racing and that looks a more likely destination for the 25-year-old.
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and
Max Esterson
The only American to compete in Formula 3 this…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at RaceFans…