The Circuit of the Americas has hosted the biggest names in racing since 2012, and provides plenty of thrills for spectators.
Circuit Stats
| Track Length | 5.513 km |
| Number of Laps | 56 |
| Race Lap Record | 1:13.169 (Charles Leclerc – 2019) |
| Qualifying Lap Record | 1:32.029 (Valtteri Bottas – 2019) |
| First Grand Prix | 2012 |
| First Race Winner | Lewis Hamilton |
| 2023 Race Winner | Max Verstappen |
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Circuit History
Formula 1 is no stranger to racing in the USA. Throughout its history, Formula 1 has raced on an incredible 12 different circuits in the United States. It’s taken a long time to crack American audiences, but the hard work has paid off.
The crown jewel in their American dream? A track that holds an enticing array of sweeping, fast sections and tight technical corners. The Circuit of the Americas.
On December 31st 2010, construction began on America’s only purpose-built Formula 1 track. The layout was conceived by Tavo Hellmund and Kevin Schwantz. Throw in the legendary mind of designer Hermann Tilke, and you’re almost guaranteed to get a world-class racing venue. Some of the sections have a strange familiarity, with various parts of the track drawing inspiration from circuits at Hockenheim, Interlagos, Silverstone, Bahrain and Istanbul.
In June 2012, the circuit’s construction was deemed as satisfactory by Formula 1 Race Director, Charlie Whiting. A final pre-race inspection was set for September 25th – just 65 days before the first race was due to be held. GPS-based 3D paving systems were used to lay down the asphalt, in order to meet the FIA’s exacting standards. Work concluded on September 21st. The track was officially opened on October 21st, with Mario Andretti driving the ceremonial laps in a Lotus 79. The opening ceremony held special meaning, as Andretti was the last American to win the World Driver’s Championship in 1978.
Rising To The Challenge
Circuit of the Americas is just one of a small few circuits to be run counter-clockwise. Combine this with the 11% gradient up to the first corner, and the swift arrival of a downhill right-hander and a series of fast sweeping turns, and the physical demands on the drivers go through the roof.
The layout has barely changed since the circuit first opened. Whilst this is unusual, it’s a testament to the design. There have been several instances of resurfacing works, however. The most recent of these was a last-minute modification ahead of the 2024 Grand Prix. This was in response to persistent concerns from drivers about the track’s condition. In addition to the resurfacing, the DRS zone on the back straight was shortened by 95 metres (311.68 ft).
The first US Grand Prix took place on November 18th 2012. On February 18th 2022, it was announced that Formula 1 would race at the Circuit of the Americas until at least the end of 2026.
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Honouring Legacies
Red McCombs, businessman and co-founder of the circuit, originally wanted the track to be named “Speed City”. The name was never applied, however, as the owners had planned to sell off the naming rights to various parts of the facility for $7million.
The announcement was made on April 12th 2011 that the circuit would be called “Circuit of the Americas”. McCombs approved of the name, later saying “One of the most inviting aspects of the name is the word ‘Americas’. It reflects Austin’s ideal location at the crossroads of North America from north to south, east to west. Also, it speaks to our state as a centre of commerce and cultural exchange in this hemisphere. I look forward to many fans who will be coming from every country.”
In honour of the circuit’s co-founder, Turn 1 was renamed to “Big Red” in 2020.
The Circuit of the Americas teamed up with non-profit organisation TreeFolks in 2023. Together, they planted hundreds of native saplings and trees in Richard Moya Park to honour retired Formula 1 legend, Sebastian Vettel. The mission was to restore green space, regrow native trees and educate locals on the urban forest ecosystem. It’s a mission that harmonises with Circuit of the America’s goal of preserving the local ecosystem. It also aligns beautifully with Vettel’s push for racing to become more eco-friendly.
A Popular Racing Destination
The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) has become synonymous with Formula 1 in America. But it has also hosted an impressive list of the world’s most prestigious motorsports.
In April 2013, MotoGP came to town for the inaugural MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas. Spectators witnessed an astonishing feat, as then-rookie Marc Marquez took the victory. He was the youngest rider in MotoGP history to win a Grand Prix at just 20 years old. 2013 also saw the likes of the Pirelli World Championship, the Formula Sun Grand Prix, the Lone Star Le Mans and the US Vintage Racing Championship all setting tyres to tarmac at the circuit.
2014 saw the arrival of the X Games. With it came the debut of Stadium Super Trucks and the return of BMX Dirt to the US. In 2019, the second race of the IndyCar season was held at the circuit. In the same year, dirt was laid onto the track for the American Rallycross Championship. NASCAR also held the inaugural EchoPark Texas Grand Prix in the heavy rain at the circuit in 2021.
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Iconic Moment
In 2013, one driver was standing out from the crowd. Racing the wheels off his Red Bull RB9, Sebastian Vettel was proving his skill at every turn. By the time the 2013 Formula 1 season reached Austin, Vettel had already been crowned 2013 World Champion.
The German driver continued to assert his dominance in front of huge crowds at the US Grand Prix on November 17th. Upon taking the chequered flag in first place, Vettel achieved his eighth consecutive victory in the 2013 season. This meant he had broken Michael Schumacher’s record of seven consecutive wins in a single season. Vettel would also go on to tie Schumacher’s season record of 13 race wins and close out the 2013 season with nine consecutive victories.
What’s your iconic US Grand Prix moment? Let us know in the comments!