What Happened to Formula 1 Phoenix Grand Prix?
The Formula 1 Phoenix Grand Prix was a short-lived street circuit race held in downtown Phoenix, Arizona, for three seasons from 1989 to 1991. Despite featuring legendary drivers like Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, the event struggled with low attendance, extreme heat, and limited spectator views, leading to its cancellation. While Formula 1 has not returned to Phoenix for a sanctioned race, the city recently hosted a Red Bull F1 Showrun on March 14, 2026, sparking renewed interest in top-tier motorsport in the region.
Quick Answer
The Formula 1 Phoenix Grand Prix was held for only three years, from 1989 to 1991, on a temporary street circuit in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. It was canceled due to a combination of factors including low spectator turnout, the challenging desert heat, and limited viewing opportunities for fans. Formula 1 has not returned to Phoenix for a competitive race since, though the city hosted a Red Bull F1 Showrun on March 14, 2026, showcasing F1 cars and generating buzz for potential future motorsport events, including discussions for a Formula E race in 2027.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Initial Discussions for F1 in Phoenix
Former race car driver Guy Gonyea and Mayor Terry Goddard begin exploring the possibility of Phoenix hosting a Formula 1 race to boost the city's international visibility.
Detroit Declines F1 Contract, Opens Door for Phoenix
Detroit, the previous host of the United States Grand Prix, refuses to invest in facility improvements demanded by Bernie Ecclestone, leading them to drop F1 and opening the opportunity for Phoenix.
Phoenix City Council Approves Five-Year F1 Contract
The Phoenix City Council, led by Mayor Terry Goddard, agrees to a five-year contract to host an annual Formula 1 race, committing $9 million in taxpayer money for circuit infrastructure.
Construction Begins on Phoenix Street Circuit
Construction commences on the temporary street circuit in downtown Phoenix, involving resurfacing roads, installing barriers, and building temporary facilities, all completed within four months.
Inaugural Phoenix Grand Prix Held in Extreme Heat
The first Formula 1 United States Grand Prix in Phoenix takes place. The race is severely impacted by desert heat, with only 6 of 26 cars finishing. Alain Prost wins.
Race Date Moved to March; Ayrton Senna Wins
To avoid the summer heat, the Grand Prix is moved to March, becoming the season opener. Ayrton Senna wins the race, with Jean Alesi impressing in second.
Final Phoenix Grand Prix; Senna Wins Again
The last Formula 1 race in Phoenix is held on a slightly modified circuit. Ayrton Senna secures his second consecutive victory at the venue.
Bernie Ecclestone Cancels Phoenix F1 Contract
Bernie Ecclestone informs the City of Phoenix that Formula 1 will not return, effectively canceling the remaining years of the five-year contract without immediate explanation.
Formula 1 Returns to USA at Indianapolis
After a nine-year absence from the United States following the Phoenix cancellation, Formula 1 returns to the country with a new Grand Prix held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Phoenix City Council Approves Formula E Feasibility Study
The Phoenix City Council approves funding for an initial feasibility study into hosting a Formula E event, indicating renewed interest in top-tier motorsport.
IndyCar Announces Return to Phoenix Raceway for 2026
The NTT IndyCar Series announces its return to Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona, for March 7, 2026, marking its first visit to the oval since 2018 and sharing the weekend with NASCAR.
IndyCar Returns to Phoenix Raceway
The NTT IndyCar Series successfully holds its first race at Phoenix Raceway since 2018, with Josef Newgarden winning the Good Ranchers 250.
Red Bull F1 Showrun in Downtown Phoenix
Red Bull Racing hosts a free F1 Showrun event on East Jefferson Street in downtown Phoenix, featuring high-speed demonstrations of their championship-winning cars, generating significant public interest.
Phoenix Targets Formula E Race Debut
Phoenix city officials are actively targeting the opening months of 2027 for a Formula E race debut, with discussions ongoing and a preferred track around Papago Park initially considered.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Formula 1 Phoenix Grand Prix emerged in the late 1980s as part of a broader effort by Phoenix city officials to revitalize its downtown area and gain international recognition. After Detroit opted out of its Formula 1 contract, Phoenix secured a five-year deal in January 1989 to host the United States Grand Prix on a newly constructed street circuit. The city invested $9 million in taxpayer money for infrastructure, including resurfacing roads, installing barriers, and building temporary grandstands and pit garages.
The inaugural race in June 1989 proved challenging due to the scorching desert heat, with temperatures exceeding 100°F (38.3°C). Only six of the twenty-six starters finished the race, which was won by Alain Prost. In an attempt to mitigate the heat, the event was moved to March for the 1990 and 1991 seasons, becoming the season opener. Ayrton Senna dominated these later races, winning both.
Despite the presence of motorsport legends, the Phoenix Grand Prix struggled to attract significant crowds, with attendance figures failing to meet expectations or match those of European Grand Prix events. Bernie Ecclestone, then head of Formula 1, reportedly cited the circuit's limited spectator capacity and inability to provide good viewing angles for more than a small part of the race as a key issue. Local businesses also experienced mixed reactions, with some complaining about disruptions and road closures.
On October 7, 1991, Ecclestone informed the City of Phoenix that Formula 1 would not return, effectively canceling the remaining years of the contract. While no official explanation was given at the time, it was later suggested that a desire to add a South African Grand Prix and the financial underperformance of the Phoenix event were contributing factors. The cancellation marked the end of Formula 1 racing in Phoenix, and the sport did not return to the United States until 2000 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
As of March 14, 2026, there are no plans for a Formula 1 Grand Prix to return to Phoenix. However, the city remains a hub for other motorsports. IndyCar returned to Phoenix Raceway in March 2026 for the first time since 2018, sharing a weekend with NASCAR. Furthermore, Phoenix is actively in discussions to host a Formula E race, with city officials approving a feasibility study in October 2023 and targeting a 2027 debut for the all-electric series. On the current date, March 14, 2026, Red Bull Racing is hosting a free F1 Showrun event in downtown Phoenix, featuring high-speed demonstrations of their championship-winning cars. This event, while not a competitive race, has generated significant local excitement and is seen by some as a test of Phoenix's ability to support future top-tier motorsport events.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Formula 1 Phoenix Grand Prix made different choices?