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In a move that has set tongues wagging in the motorsport community, Formula 1 has recently registered trademarks for a potential Grand Prix in Chicago, further expanding its footprint in the United States. With the addition of the Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2023, Formula 1’s interest in the American market continues to grow, and the latest trademarks for a race in Chicago have fueled anticipation for another exciting addition to the calendar.
Last year saw the introduction of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the first race fully promoted and organized by Formula 1’s parent company, Liberty Media. This complemented the existing races at the Circuit of The Americas (United States Grand Prix) and the Miami Grand Prix. The prospect of a race in Chicago adds a new layer of excitement to Formula 1’s American expansion.
Documents filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on January 19, 2024, reveal that Formula One Licensing has submitted applications for four race names based in Chicago: ‘Formula 1 Chicago Grand Prix,’ ‘Grand Prix of Chicago,’ ‘Formula 1 Grand Prix of Chicago,’ and ‘Chicago Grand Prix.’ If approved, these trademarks would grant Formula 1 exclusive rights to use these titles for marketing purposes in connection with a potential race in Chicago.
Formula 1 has a history of laying the groundwork for future events by registering trademarks well in advance, as seen with the precedents of the Miami and Las Vegas Grand Prix. Chicago, a major U.S. city with a population of 2.7 million, presents an enticing prospect for Formula 1, potentially rivaling or surpassing the excitement generated by its other American races. The motorsport world eagerly awaits further developments on the potential addition of the Chicago Grand Prix to the Formula 1 calendar.