This July, I visited the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Detroit for the first time in my life. I felt like a little kid the entire time, completely entranced by the beauty of the automobiles there. After admiring the history of the presidential vehicles on display, I beelined toward the racing section. I saw items related to NASCAR, the IndyCar Series and the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, I was bewildered by the lack of Formula racing history present in the museum, given that Detroit hosted several Grand Prix races during the 1980s.

This disconnect between Detroit’s rich automotive history and its past involvement in Formula racing only highlights the potential for a resurgence. Detroit — often referred to as the Motor City — has a long past in motorsports, making it a prime candidate for the revival of a Formula 1 race. As the city undergoes a remarkable economic and commercial revitalization, hosting such an event could serve as a catalyst for economic growth and infrastructure improvement.

By leveraging its unique identity as the heart of the American automotive industry, Detroit can attract a global audience, create temporary jobs and enhance local businesses. With a strategic approach focused on community involvement, bringing F1 back to Detroit is not only a feasible endeavor but also a vital opportunity to reinvigorate the city’s motorsports legacy.

Of course, bringing F1 back to Detroit wouldn’t be easy. The city would need to invest in major infrastructure upgrades and secure sponsorships. Logistically, organizing an F1 race involves complex coordination between city officials, race organizers and various stakeholders. But, these challenges are not insurmountable. By learning from other cities that have successfully hosted F1 races and leveraging public-private partnerships, Detroit officials can mitigate these costs and logistical hurdles.

Hosting an F1 race in Detroit could lead to significant economic and social advantages. The influx of tourists would provide a substantial boost to the local economy, filling hotels and restaurants. Temporary job creation in areas like race organization, hospitality and transportation would further stimulate the local economy, providing employment opportunities for thousands of residents.

Such economic benefits are well-documented in other cities. Take the Circuit of the Americas race as an example, which reportedly generated over $400 million for Austin, Texas. A similar impact in Detroit could accelerate the city’s ongoing revitalization efforts. Beyond the economic boost, the race would enhance Detroit’s global image, showcasing the city’s progress since the 1980s.

Such a venture is entirely possible. The IndyCar Detroit street race was revived in 2023, showing that the city can successfully host major racing events. Although IndyCar and F1 don’t share the same tracks, the old F1 track — last used in 1988 — can be revisited and updated to meet modern standards.

Beyond the thrill of the race, the necessary resurfacing and street improvements would benefit the city long-term. Better roads and infrastructure would enhance quality of life for residents and improve the experience for visitors. Additionally, hosting an F1 event could lead to improved public transportation systems to handle the influx of spectators. Such improvements would likely last into the future, providing the city’s residents with better and more efficient public transportation options.

An F1 race could also serve as a platform for Detroit to showcase green initiatives. With the automotive industry increasingly shifting toward sustainable practices, Detroit, the historic epicenter of American car manufacturing, has a unique opportunity to lead by example. F1 itself is committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 and hosting a race would give Detroit the opportunity to follow that example and accelerate local green projects.

Detroit could incorporate eco-friendly measures into the F1 event, like using electric vehicles for transporting spectators and fans, promoting recycling and utilizing renewable energy sources. These initiatives would not only reduce the event’s carbon footprint but also set a precedent for future sporting events in the city. The city could partner with F1 to create educational programs focused on sustainability, engaging the community and raising awareness about environmental issues. This would align with local sustainability efforts and position Detroit as a forward-thinking, eco-friendly city.

It’s true that the F1 calendar is congested even without a race in Detroit, with the 2024 seasonp being the longest in its history. This high number of races places mechanics and drivers under heavy strain. Adding another American race could exacerbate this issue, as the U.S. already hosts races in Austin, Texas; Miami, Fla.; and Las Vegas, Nev., the most of any other country. Adding Detroit to the calendar could be redundant and logistically challenging. The financial and logistical costs of hosting an F1 race are fairly significant.

Additionally, concerns about potential disruption to the city’s daily life cannot be overlooked. Some locals might oppose the idea, as they did with the Belle Isle circuit, fearing the temporary inconvenience and long-term costs.

However, sustainability needs to be a priority in the current F1 calendar, and this goal can still be achieved by adding a race in Detroit. The geographic layout of the current calendar often results in inefficient travel schedules, with teams crisscrossing the globe in order to compete.

Max Verstappen, the current leader in the driver’s championship, has pointed out that improving travel logistics is crucial to increasing sustainability. A geographical clustering of races would reduce some issues with moving tons of equipment around the world. A Detroit race, strategically placed in the calendar, could fit into a more efficient and sustainable schedule. Detroit could replace the Miami Grand Prix; while it is a new addition to the race calendar, there’s not much to it other than the backdrop of the Hard Rock Stadium and tacky pre-race introductions.

A well-executed F1 event could bring significant returns on investment, positioning Detroit as a premier destination for motorsports and bringing global exposure to the city. By involving local businesses and the community in the planning process, Detroit can ensure that the benefits of hosting an F1 race are widely distributed. This inclusive approach could garner local support and mitigate potential opposition.

Bringing a Formula 1 race back to the Motor City is not only feasible but can also contribute to the city’s ongoing revitalization. Hosting such a world-class event could benefit both the city and the sport, far outweighing any logistical costs associated with planning the event. With careful planning and a focus on long-term benefits, Detroit can reclaim its place on the global motorsport stage, driving forward with lessons learned from the past and an eye on a sustainable future.

Jovanna Gallegos is an Opinion Columnist from Lansing. She writes about technology, healthcare and things she finds interesting. She can be reached at jovanna@umich.edu.