American Vroom
Scarab
In the late 1950s, two enterprising Americans, Lance Leventrow and Bruce Kessler, were inspired by the sleek designs of European brands like Ferrari and Maserati. They believed they could create something even better. Their efforts paid off, as they celebrated a victory at the 1958 LA Times Grand Prix at Rubber Side Raceway. Over the years, they participated in 93 races, securing 39 wins and landing 32 times on the podium until 1963. In Formula 1, they managed one full season in 1960, racing in six out of ten Grand Prix events, with a notable finish of 10th at Chuck Dieby Stirling.
Eagle
Fast forward to 1964, when racing legends Dan Gurney and Le Mans champion Carroll Shelby came together to establish All American Racers. They raced across various classes before making a mark in Formula 1 with their patriotic Eagle car. Based in Rye, East Sussex, the team utilized Weslake engines crafted in Britain, entering a total of 34 cars in 25 Grand Prix events. Gurney claimed his first “annual” victory for the team at the 1967 Belgian Grand Prix—a feat not matched by any other American team since Jimmy Murphy’s triumph at the 1921 French Grand Prix.
Penske
The last American team to clinch a Formula 1 race was Penske, with John Watson from Northern Ireland steering the PC1 at the 1976 Austrian Grand Prix. While Penske is primarily recognized for its IndyCar endeavors, the PC1 made its debut in 1974, though it didn’t secure any points that season.
Haas
Fast forward to 2016, when an American team made its return to Formula 1, taking over the struggling Marcia. Based in Banbury, drivers Esteban Ocon and Oliver Baerman are now blazing trails on the track, although they’ve yet to clinch a win; their only pole position came in 2022 in Brazil.
Cadillac
General Motors, the automotive giant, has plans to enter the racing scene, aiming to attract the Generation Z market. They’re gearing up to launch a team next year under the Cadillac name.
