The interesting thing at the moment is that the Formula One group has a slight problem with its calendar choices at the moment because F1’s global expansion has meant that Formula One is struggling to meet its contractual obligations for the right balance of races. There is, would you believe, a clause in the various contracts that says that, unless the teams agree otherwise (and when did they ever agree on anything?) Formula One must present a calendar that has at least half the races in Europe and the United States.
But when you look at the races that are really struggling you see Austin, Germany, Italy and Brazil all in difficulties – and Ecclestone cannot afford to lose three European/US races, because the calendar would be well out of kilter, with the requirements. This is why there is so much talk of a mythical race in Las Vegas and work going on in California. The problem is that F1’s fees are too high for the US market, which is why previous negotiations have failed. This also explains the tenuous argument that Baku is in Europe. It’s not, but the teams have allowed Ecclestone to get away with that one, because the new race pays lots of money into the kitty.