Formula One Management has registered trade names related to a Chicago Grand Prix as a precaution against outside parties claiming the names, despite having no plans to host a Grand Prix in Chicago, amidst discussions on the optimal number of U.S. races in the Formula 1 calendar.
Highlights
‣ Formula One Licensing BV registered trade names related to a Chicago Grand Prix, sparking speculation about a new F1 race in Chicago, despite Formula One Management (FOM) having no plans to host a Grand Prix there.
‣ The current F1 calendar is packed, and with races already established in Miami, Las Vegas, and Austin, adding another venue in the US would likely require removing an existing one. Stefano Domenicali, however, mentioned that three races in the US is the right number for the coming years, leaving little room for a Chicago GP.
‣ FOM registers trademarks for potential Grand Prix locations as a precautionary measure to prevent outside parties from capitalizing on the F1 brand by registering these names first, as seen with the Chicago GP and previously with the New York Grand Prix.
Ah, the world of social media, where secrets scatter like leaves in the wind. Recently, a buzz started swirling around. It was about Formula One Licensing BV, the big guns behind trademarks and logos, jotting down trade names for a Chicago Grand Prix. Makes you wonder, doesn’t it? What’s the real scoop with Chicago and F1?
Now, let’s not forget, the U.S. already plays host to a trio of F1 spectacles. We’ve got the Miami Grand Prix, Las Vegas Grand Prix, and the good ol’ US Grand Prix. Sure, the States are becoming a hotbed for Formula 1 action. But here’s the kicker: the F1 calendar’s already bursting at the seams. Adding another race means bidding adieu to an existing one. Miami’s locked down till 2031, with Las Vegas and Austin not far behind, their slots secured till 2025 and 2026.
### Domenicali thinks three US GPs is the right number
So, what’s the word from the top? Stefano Domenicali, the big boss, reckons three’s a crowd – a perfect crowd, that is, for the U.S. in the coming years. He’s not slamming the door shut on a new Grand Prix, but let’s just say he’s not rushing to open it either.
But wait, does this leave room for Chicago to join the party? GPblog did a little digging, and here’s the scoop: Formula One Management (FOM) isn’t planning a Chicago bash anytime soon. So, why the trademark hustle?
### FOM does not want to pay loads of money
Turns out, FOM’s playing defense. They’ve caught wind of folks possibly eyeing their brand names, aiming to make a quick buck. By registering these names, FOM’s essentially putting up a “No Trespassing” sign. It’s a move to avoid shelling out a fortune later on, should a Chicago Grand Prix ever hit the calendar. Remember the New York Grand Prix saga? Same story, different city. No plans for a race, but the name’s tucked safely in FOM’s back pocket, just in case.
So, there you have it. The tale of the Chicago Grand Prix is more about protecting turf than burning rubber. In the high-speed world of F1, it’s all about staying one step ahead, on and off the track.
