Briatore said the proposal took shape while the championship was searching for a stronger foothold in the United States following the loss of Indianapolis from the calendar after 2007. “Sure, Donald had no idea as well about Formula 1 – but he’s a great promoter,” Briatore told The Race. “And I made Donald talk with Bernie [Ecclestone]. “And Donald [told] us New York is very difficult for a million reasons, but New Jersey was the place. F1 has since expanded to three American events, with Miami and Las Vegas added alongside the United States Grand Prix in Texas.