Circuit of The Americas – United States Grand Prix

The Circuit of The Americas (COTA), located in Austin, Texas, is a world-class motorsport facility that has quickly established itself as one of Formula 1’s most exciting and technically demanding venues since opening in 2012. The track was designed by renowned German architect Hermann Tilke in collaboration with HKS, and its creation marked the return of the United States Grand Prix to America after a five-year hiatus. COTA’s layout is inspired by, and pays homage to, some of the most iconic sections of circuits from around the world, making it both familiar and unique for drivers and fans alike.

The full Grand Prix circuit runs for 5.513 kilometers (3.426 miles), featuring 20 turns and running in an anti-clockwise direction. The circuit is set on 1,500 acres amid Austin’s rolling hills and is renowned for its dramatic elevation changes—the most notable being the steep, 40-meter climb to Turn 1 immediately from the start line. This wide, uphill left-hander often produces spectacular overtaking and dramatic race starts, while offering stunning views of the city. After this, the circuit transitions into a flowing sequence that mimics Silverstone’s high-speed Maggotts-Becketts complex and the S Curves of Suzuka, challenging drivers’ rhythm and car setup through fast, interconnected bends.

Mid-lap, a tight hairpin at Turn 11 leads onto a long straight measuring over a kilometer—one of the best overtaking spots on the track and a DRS zone in Formula 1. This straight demands maximum power and sets up another heavy braking zone for Turn 12, encouraging drivers to battle wheel-to-wheel. The final sector features a stadium-style section reminiscent of Hockenheim and Bahrain, along with a multi-apex, downhill left-hander modeled after Istanbul Park’s famous Turn 8, before finishing with two sweeping corners that flow back onto the main straight.

COTA is not only beloved for its technical sweepers and demanding layout, but also for delivering a unique Texan atmosphere. The venue is packed with modern amenities, including grandstands, VIP areas, and impressive viewing zones that give fans excellent vantage points across the circuit. The location in Austin—one of America’s most vibrant cities—adds to the event’s appeal, blending world-class racing with the city’s music, culture, and enthusiastic crowds.

Since its debut, the circuit has hosted Formula 1, MotoGP, and the FIA World Endurance Championship, earning a spot as a premier destination for motorsport fans around the world. The lap record at COTA is held by Charles Leclerc, who set a time of 1:36.169 in 2019. The track consistently receives high praise from drivers for its challenging corners, mix of speeds, and ever-changing grip levels due to diverse weather conditions. Every October, the United States Grand Prix transforms the track into the epicenter of racing excitement, drawing over 100,000 spectators for a festival-like weekend that showcases the pinnacle of speed, technology, and sporting drama.