The United States Grand Prix took place last weekend at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. After a year of absence, the highest category of motorsport returned to the American continent, and boy did the fans miss the category. The statistics for this round of the 2021 Formula 1 season in terms of spectators have already been released, and they are surprising. The United States GP had an average of 1.23 million spectators, this means that there was an increase of 43% compared to its last edition in 2019. With this we can say that it was the most watched United States GP in more than a decade. What was the reason for this? Bobby Epstein, head of COTA, has commented that Netflix was most likely the main factor.

During an exclusive interview with GPFans Global, Bobby stated that there was a new attendance record in the three days of on-track action, which was almost 400,000 people. The 2021 edition was the last race that is present in their 10-year contract, so they will be looking for a new contract as soon as possible.

"The fans showed up, gave it energy and life, and that's what makes the difference." Bobby Epstein commented. "You have all the things planned and you imagine what could happen, but until the fans come and bring the energy, it is incomplete."

"I'm not sure it was the biggest F1 event in history, but I'm sure it was one of the most important F1 events in history."

Welcome back everyone! 🙌

It was fantastic to see over 400,000 fans join us across the weekend for some brilliant racing 🎉

We're blown away by the support, and we hope you all enjoyed the show 🤘#USGP 🇺🇸 #F1 pic.twitter.com/wqlBetMYQX

— Formula 1 (@F1) October 25, 2021

“What happened was phenomenal. It really exceeded our expectations. For every person who works here, it is overwhelming that he feels so good. "

We all know that Netflix released a documentary-series three seasons ago that is based on the current F1 season. "Drive to Survive" is its name, and of course it has attracted a lot more fans to this category. It has had a great reception within the streaming platform, and even, much has been said about the rumor that Netflix has considered obtaining the rights to transmit it. When Bobby was asked if he thinks they would have had all this success of the 2021 edition without the help of Netflix, he was unable to come up with a clear answer.

“Netflix just put rocket fuel on a fire that was already burning, and besides, you have a real battle  on the track. I think everyone who came to this event, at least I hope, feels really good about what it was and contributed to making it such a special day for everyone. " The manager of the Circuit of the Americas affirmed.

Regarding his new contract to have the Formula 1 Grand Prix for a certain number of years, Epstein commented that Stefano Domenicali, CEO of the category, was delighted with the whole event and shows his joy to know that the Italian will liking.

“He shares a lot of pride in what happened. We are close [to signing a new contract], we are very close. It doesn't end here, for sure. " The American added.