Track map / aerial image coming soon
Track Info
| Location | Austin, Texas, USA |
| Type | Permanent Road Course |
| Length | 5.513 km (3.426 miles) |
| Turns | 20 |
| Capacity | ~120,000 |
| Opened | 2012 |
Track Characteristics
Circuit of the Americas (COTA) was the first purpose-built F1 circuit in the United States. Designed by Hermann Tilke with input from several notable corners around the world, COTA features a dramatic uphill run to Turn 1 that has become one of the most recognizable images in modern motorsport. The blind left-hander at the top of the hill is taken at high speed and serves as a fantastic overtaking opportunity, with drivers jostling for position three-wide on the opening lap.
The circuit borrows inspiration from classic corners. The Esses (Turns 3-6) echo Silverstone's Maggotts-Becketts sequence, demanding rapid direction changes at high speed. The hairpin at Turn 11 is reminiscent of the Istanbul Park Turn 8, a multi-apex left-hander. The long back straight from Turn 11 to the Turn 12 braking zone provides the primary DRS overtaking zone. The stadium section (Turns 16-18) creates an amphitheater-like setting for fans.
COTA's Austin setting has made it one of the most popular events on the calendar. The city's music scene, food culture, and nightlife create a weekend that extends far beyond the track. The United States Grand Prix regularly attracts over 400,000 fans across the race weekend, reflecting F1's explosive growth in the American market.
Getting There
| Nearest Airport | Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), approximately 10 km west of the circuit. |
| Nearest City | Austin, Texas (the circuit is about 20 km southeast of downtown Austin) |
2026 Event Info
| Race Name | United States Grand Prix |
| Round | 17 of 22 |
| Sprint Weekend | No |
| TV | Apple TV |
Track Record
| Lap Record | 1:36.169 |
| Record Holder | Charles Leclerc (Ferrari, 2019) |
Notable Past Races
- 2024: Charles Leclerc won after a hard-fought battle, but the result was overshadowed by post-race scrutineering drama that threatened disqualification before ultimately being upheld.
- 2021: Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton battled intensely throughout the race. Verstappen won after a thrilling on-track fight, a crucial result in their epic championship showdown.
- 2015: Lewis Hamilton clinched his third World Championship with three races to spare after a dominant victory in Austin.
- 2012: The inaugural United States Grand Prix at COTA saw Lewis Hamilton win, proving the circuit could produce exciting racing. The event was a commercial and sporting success that established Austin as an F1 destination.
Track Facts
- COTA was the first purpose-built Formula 1 circuit in the United States when it opened in 2012.
- The 40-meter elevation change from Turn 1 down to Turn 11 makes it one of the hilliest circuits on the calendar.
- The observation tower at Turn 1 has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in modern F1.
- COTA also hosts MotoGP, NASCAR, and various music festivals including its own concert series during the F1 weekend.
- Lewis Hamilton has won five times at COTA, making it one of his most successful circuits.
Get Tickets
Tickets available at circuitoftheamericas.com