The financial impact of Alexander Rossi’s victory at Indianapolis
For his first attempt, Alexander Rossi was able to win the Indianapolis 500. Beyond its sporting importance, this success will have a financial impact for the American driver.
Deprived of an F1 seat due to Rio Haryanto’s financial backing, Alexander Rossi has decided to compete in a full season of IndyCar to maintain a racing program.
It must be noted that this strategy is proving to be rewarding in more ways than one. Indeed, thanks to a bold fuel-saving strategy, he was able to win the 100th edition of the Indianapolis 500.
Such a victory allowed him to immediately gain notoriety, which was close to zero in the United States since he had chosen to start his career entirely in Europe in order to reach F1. Following his victory, he toured American TV shows. He also rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, which helped promote his sponsor for this race, NAPA, as well as Verizon, the title sponsor of IndyCar.
But this triumph will also translate into hard cash. Indeed, the check given to the winner exceeds 2.5 million dollars, including 50,000 dollars for being the best rookie of the race.
The perception from the F1 paddock when he returns as a reserve driver for Manor should therefore be significantly different, especially since he can now leverage such a victory with potential sponsors, particularly American ones. Similarly, an F1 team could then boast to the American public that they have the American winner of the greatest single-seater race in the United States.
If Alexander Rossi were able to finally find a seat, F1 could therefore find itself with a 24 Hours of Le Mans winner (Nico Hülkenberg) and an Indianapolis 500 winner, both on their first and only participation.
With the participation of www.racingbusiness.fr
