Could New Zealand Host a Formula 1 Race in Future?
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For a country with such a rich motorsport heritage, New Zealand’s absence from the Formula 1 calendar is a glaring omission. Home to legends such as Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme, as well as modern stars like Scott Dixon and Liam Lawson, New Zealand has long produced world-class racing talent.
Yet, while neighboring Australia has hosted the Melbourne Grand Prix since 1996, New Zealand has never staged a race in the world’s premier motorsport series. With a passionate fan base, breathtaking scenery, and a growing reputation as a global tourism destination, the nation presents a compelling case for a future Grand Prix.
A Formula 1 race in New Zealand would not only celebrate its motorsport legacy but also bring significant economic and tourism benefits. The influx of international visitors, media coverage, and global television exposure could provide a substantial boost to local businesses, hotels, and attractions. Moreover, a scenic circuit in locations like Queenstown or Auckland’s waterfront could rival some of the most iconic venues on the calendar, offering a spectacular backdrop for high-speed drama.
NZ’s Passion for Motor Racing
Since a 2021 study by Motorsport New Zealand found that the industry generated an impressive $1.1 billion annually, interest has continued to grow. The return of high-profile events such as the World Rally Championship and Supercars, along with rising stars like Liam Lawson, have boosted this passion for high-octane action even further.
This attraction for motorsport among New Zealanders is clear thanks to a “golden era” of talent driving interest and viewership. This can be witnessed in everything from the amount of talent the country is producing (for example, the 2023 Indycar Rookie of the Year Marcus Armstrong, and Supercars’ Matthew Payne) to its impact on pop culture such as mobile motor racing games being some of the most popular in NZ. Asphalt Legends Unite, Need for Speed No Limits, and Hill Climb Racing 2 have all surpassed 100 million downloads.
While the iGaming industry is still growing in New Zealand, motor racing pokies such as Mad Cars, Dead Riders, and Monster Wheels are helping to drive the market’s expansion with revenue expected to grow by 5.58% per year over the next five years. The demographic continues to broaden as more people learn about online pokies NZ with leading platforms not only featuring racing-themed games but other top sporting titles like Big Bass Splash and Big Bass Amazon Xtreme. Alongside bonus offers and free spins for new customers, the sector’s trajectory will not only accelerate but motor racing’s place in Kiwi pop culture will increase too.
Indeed, video games like MotoGP for PS4 and PS5 remain one of the biggest sellers on the PlayStation store, while Kiwi films like The World’s Fastest Indian about record-breaking speed bike racer Burt Munro, and McLaren, which celebrates the career of driver Bruce McLaren, serve an appetite to preserve the country’s rich racing history.
A Future Grand Prix Circuit in New Zealand?
A Formula 1 race in New Zealand would be a fitting tribute to the country’s deep motorsport roots, passionate fan base, and cultural influence in pop culture like gaming and film. With a history of producing world-class drivers and a proven ability to host major sporting events, New Zealand presents a compelling case for joining the F1 calendar in the future.
