Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore has revealed that US President Donald Trump was once involved in plans to bring a Formula 1 race to New Jersey, with hopes of creating a spectacular street circuit overlooking the Manhattan skyline.
The proposed Grand Prix of America was conceived after the United States Grand Prix left Indianapolis following the 2007 season. The vision was to stage an iconic race along the Hudson River with New York City as its backdrop.
Briatore recalled working alongside former Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone to pitch the project to Trump, believing his experience as a major promoter could help bring the event to life.
“I tried with Donald Trump to have a race in New Jersey,” Briatore said.
Although Trump admitted he knew little about Formula 1 at the time, Briatore described him as an exceptional promoter due to his experience in boxing and major entertainment events.
The trio even held meetings to identify the best possible location for the race, using video presentations to explore potential layouts around New York.
Despite the ambitious vision, the project ultimately failed to materialize, leaving Formula 1’s dream of a New York-area Grand Prix unrealized.
