Speed: First American in F1 Since Andretti

By Jamie Makin
February 11 2006

It has been over a decade since an American driver has competed in F1. Michael Andretti contested the 1993 season for McLaren but did not get the results fans had hoped for.

Red Bull launched a Driver Search program in America in 2002 to try to find the country's next F1 champion. They soon discovered Californian Scott Speed, who was the reigning Star Mazda and Barber Dodge champion. His name foreshadowed his talent behind the wheel and as a finalist, he was signed by Red Bull.

He moved to Europe, working his way through Red Bull's developmental ladder. 2003 saw him race in the highly competitive F3 series. In 2004 he moved to the Formula Renault series in Europe and Germany. For 2005, he moved to the inaugural GP2 championship. Although he did not score his maiden win there, he landed on the podium a number of times and was near the top of the point standings all season.

His biggest step towards his dream of Formula 1 came on the series North American swing in Montreal and Indianapolis. Red Bull nominated him as their Friday driver and let him showcase his talents in front of his home fans. He performed solidly in both Friday sessions and was particularly well received in Indianapolis. His Friday drive remains the highlight of the weekend for the fans disappointed by the Michelin boycott of the race.

He will contest his first full season as a Formula 1 race driver in 2006 for Scuderia Toro Rosso. Scott Speed will be an asset to the series as it tries to endear itself to the American audience.