Alexander Rossi
The Question: This is a generic question, how do you create more enthusiasm in urban black America for Formula One? I know we’re up against football and basketball – how do you make Formula One as exciting for the urban kid in America?
Alexander, do you want to have a go at it?
What Alex said: Sure, I mean, from an American perspective, I think the biggest thing, leading onto what Daniel was saying, the excitement level needs to be there but beyond that I think the accessibility. Obviously motorsports is something that is quite difficult to get into – and that’s the same for any young kid trying to do it. I think the biggest thing is a direction where to go. I think that’s the thing that’s missing the most. Beyond that, kind of just… there’s always things that can be done in terms of making it expand to a different part of the States. I think it’s very much… Formula One is three locations and in America we’re trying to grow it as much as we can. I think once that happens it’ll appeal to a much broader mass.
What he might have meant to say: I think this question is unfair as I am clearly one of the whitest guys you’re ever likely to meet. Really, the closest I’ve come to black culture is eating truffles. Oh, hang on, I did once listen to Thriller, but that was recorded by a weird-looking white woman, right? On the other hand I can talk about Michael Bublé all day long. Now he really has got that finger-popping sweet soul sound down hasn’t he? Almost as good as Barry Manilow in his pomp.
