Mercedes F1 team is holding a demo run in Puerto Rico this weekend

Pretty cool to see this, though I wish I could be there to see it. https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/news/adidas-originals-bad-bunny-and-the-mercedes-amg-petronas-f1-team-bring

In an unprecedented cross-cultural moment, adidas Originals announces a groundbreaking three-way collaboration with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, adidas Originals partner and 3x GRAMMY Award-winner Bad Bunny. In a first-of-its-kind event, these global forces come together to bring the pulse of Formula 1 racing to Puerto Rico.

At 9AM local time on August 2nd, the streets of San Juan will roar to life as a Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 car makes a landmark demo run across the iconic Puente Dos Hermanos, with the team's driver Esteban Gutiérrez at the wheel. The free event is open to the public, with all welcome to watch the action unfold. This will be the first time in history that a Formula 1 car has touched Puerto Rican soil - a milestone made possible by the collective drive of Bad Bunny, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS and adidas Originals.

In an unexpected new role for the already boundary-pushing Global phenomenon, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS announces Bad Bunny as the newest member of the team in celebration of the partnership. Rooted in the artist's fearless approach to breaking new ground and adidas Originals commitment to culture across sport, heritage, and lifestyle, the partnership brings Formula 1's precision and technical excellence to the forefront of contemporary culture.

This moment will also mark the sneak preview of a forthcoming product collaboration between adidas Originals, Bad Bunny, and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team.

Following the demo run, fans will have the opportunity to get up close with the team's F1 car and view a curated exhibit of authentic, historical racing gear from the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS archives, including authentic race suits, gloves, and boots, that pay tribute to the legacy of motorsport excellence at the Coliseo.

As Bad Bunny continues his Historic, sold-out residency No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico, supported by adidas Originals, the partnership continues to reflect the aim of adidas, The artist, and Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 to spotlight Puerto Rico on a global stage. It will also aim to energize the team's serious competitive perspective through Bad Bunny's trailblazing identity as a generational force and Originals' unrelenting aesthetic innovation.

I'd like to imagine that, someday, PR could host a Formula 1 race. 

In reply to Colin Wood :

While that is super cool, I can't see a race being held anywhere on the island. Just can picture a track location. 

alfadriver said:

In reply to Colin Wood :

While that is super cool, I can't see a race being held anywhere on the island. Just can picture a track location. 

I visited Puerto Rico this year and spent some time exploring the Roosevelt Roads abandoned Navy base.   I bet a track could be put together in that area.

In reply to Lof8 - Andy :

Except that would be kind of against how F1 has done new "destination" races.  There's a real race track near Las Vegas, but they did the race on the strip.  Same can be said for Miami- or at least there can be a better location than *that*.  Roosevelt Roads is reasonably remote- and even though 52 is an autopista there, it's the only main road in and out of the area.

There were some races on the local municipal airport in-between the convention center area and the Pan Am Pier, but it would be kind of a lame track for F1.  Maybe...  or perhaps the convention center....  But I will say that it's not an easy place to get in and out of, too.

There are also a few tracks in the south- one near Salinas, and one just west of Ponce.  Still, there would require a massive investment to have an F1 facility.  Who will be the Steve Ross for Puerto Rico?  (he could easily afford the upgrades around his stuff in Miami)

alfadriver said:

In reply to Colin Wood :

While that is super cool, I can't see a race being held anywhere on the island. Just can picture a track location. 

Oh yeah, I'm sure it's pretty unlikely, but "Gran Premio de Puerto Rico" sure does have a nice ring to it.

And I know there are numerous rules governing what makes a race track "good enough" to host an F1 race, and organizers will always go where the (most) money is.