Formula 1 is returning to the States again for the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. This circuit may be less historic, but the track has cemented itself into the sport and is a must-see race for fans who are able to attend.
Circuit of the Americas, most popularly known as COTA, was the first circuit in the country to be built specifically for Formula 1. It also hosts other racing series such as MotoGP, WEC, and even NASCAR as a recent addition.
The track itself is unique, as the 3.41-mile circuit features a 133-foot hill at turn 1. This feature is not only fun for fans to experience but also for the drivers to conquer at the very beginning of the race.
One of the most visually appealing aspects of COTA is the runoff areas, which have been painted in the patriotic colors of red, white, and blue. The stars and stripes are the perfect artwork to showcase the United States in full fashion.
The stars and stripes painted on the track in Austin, Texas. Courtesy of x.com.
The circuit doesn’t only feature racing; it also houses an amphitheater that is used for concerts and can accommodate 14,000 people. COTA is more than just a track for motorsports and has become somewhat of a landmark in Austin.
Construction of the circuit began in 2010 and cost upwards of $300 million. The track officially opened on October 21, 2012, and the first race occurred only a month later.
The inaugural F1 race took place in November 2012, with Lewis Hamilton being the first-ever race-winner at the Texan circuit. This was Hamilton’s last year with McLaren before he took a seat with Mercedes, the team with which he won six of his seven world championships.
There are countless areas to enjoy the race in COTA, with multiple grandstands, trackside bleachers, and even general admission grass areas for fans on a budget. With all of the available viewing areas, the race in Austin is one of the most accessible circuits on the calendar.
There are countless viewing areas at the track in Austin for fans to enjoy the race. Courtesy of Red Bull Content Pool/Getty Images.
On top of featuring fast-paced races, the paddock hosts unique events and entertainment off the track for both fans and drivers. In 2023, COTA gifted bolo ties that featured custom designs specified to each driver.
The year before, the organization partnered with popular boot brand Tecovas and gifted a pair to each driver as well as the performing acts during the race weekend. With the next U.S. Grand Prix drawing near, one can only wonder what COTA will come up with as a Texan-themed gift this year.
For many years, the Texan track stood out as it was the only American race on the F1 grid. Now, there are three total races set in the United States; so what makes this one stand out? For starters, most fans agree that COTA offers the most thrilling races, as well as different experiences away from racing, putting it on the top of the list above Miami and Las Vegas.
This year, there is much to expect at the U.S. Grand Prix. Liam Lawson will drive his first Formula 1 race of the 2024 season after replacing Daniel Ricciardo. This may be upsetting news for many, as the Australian driver was not only a huge fan of the Texan race weekend but a fan favorite in general.
Mercedes currently holds the record for the most wins at the track, with five. Red Bull is not far behind with only one less win. Verstappen is the reigning champion at COTA, and he could still have the opportunity to extend his winning streak in Texas. This year, McLaren seems to be on fire, especially with Lando Norris managing 20-second leads at recent races.
Max Verstappen celebrating his win at the U.S. Grand Prix in 2023. Courtesy of Red Bull Content Pool/Getty Images.
The race in Austin kicks off the start of a triple-header, with Mexico and Brazil following close behind. There are six races in total left for the season, and without Red Bull’s dominance, the two titles could go to a new team and driver this time around.
The race weekend begins on October 18 and concludes on Sunday, October 20 to close out the second race in the United States until the drivers return in Las Vegas.
Edited by Reese Dlabach
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