🇺🇸 Austin · US

Circuit of The Americas: United States Grand Prix

On the F1 calendar since 2012

Circuit details

Short name

COTA

Direction

Anticlockwise

Turns

Lap length

5.513 km

Race distance

308.405 km

Lap record

1:36.169

Record holder

Charles Leclerc (2019)

First F1 GP

2012

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History

The Circuit of The Americas (COTA) opened in 2012, marking the return of the United States Grand Prix to America after a five-year hiatus. Located in Austin, Texas, the track was designed by renowned German architect Hermann Tilke in collaboration with HKS. 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 Layout

The full Grand Prix circuit runs for 5.513 kilometres (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. A long straight measuring over a kilometre runs from Turn 11 to Turn 12 and serves as one of the two DRS zones in Formula 1, setting up a heavy braking zone and wheel-to-wheel battles. The final sector features a stadium-style section before finishing with two sweeping corners that flow back onto the main straight.

Signature Corners

Turn 1 is approached via a steep, 40-metre climb immediately from the start line. This wide, uphill left-hander often produces spectacular overtaking and dramatic race starts, while offering views of the city.

The circuit then transitions into a flowing sequence that mimics Silverstone’s high-speed Maggotts-Becketts complex, challenging drivers’ rhythm and car setup through fast, interconnected bends.

Following that section, the layout incorporates a sequence inspired by the S Curves of Suzuka, further testing driver rhythm through fast, interconnected corners.

Turn 11 is a tight hairpin that leads onto the long back straight, one of the circuit’s primary overtaking opportunities.

The final sector includes a multi-apex, downhill left-hander modelled after Istanbul Park’s famous Turn 8, as well as a stadium-style section reminiscent of Hockenheim and Bahrain.

Circuit Character

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 track consistently receives high praise from drivers for its challenging corners, mix of speeds and ever-changing grip levels due to diverse weather conditions. The venue is packed with modern amenities, including grandstands, VIP areas and impressive viewing zones that give fans excellent vantage points across the circuit. Every October, the United States Grand Prix draws over 100,000 spectators for a festival-like weekend. The location in Austin adds to the event’s appeal, blending world-class racing with the city’s music, culture and enthusiastic crowds. The lap record at COTA is held by Charles Leclerc, who set a time of 1:36.169 in 2019.

Recent United States Grand Prix Winners

2025: Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2024: Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
2023: Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2022: Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2021: Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a lap at COTA?

A lap at the Circuit of The Americas measures 5.513 kilometres (3.426 miles). The full race distance for the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix is 308.405 kilometres.

How many corners does COTA have?

COTA has 20 turns in total. The circuit runs in an anti-clockwise direction.

When did COTA first host a Formula 1 race?

COTA first hosted a Formula 1 race in 2012. Its opening marked the return of the United States Grand Prix to America after a five-year hiatus.

What is the lap record at COTA?

The lap record at COTA is 1:36.169, set by Charles Leclerc in 2019.

Where is COTA located?

COTA is located in Austin, Texas, in the United States. The circuit is set on 1,500 acres amid Austin’s rolling hills.

Who designed the Circuit of The Americas?

COTA was designed by renowned German architect Hermann Tilke in collaboration with HKS.

How many DRS zones does COTA have?

COTA has two DRS zones in Formula 1. One of them is located on the long straight that runs from Turn 11 to Turn 12, following the Turn 11 hairpin.

What is notable about Turn 1 at COTA?

Turn 1 at COTA is approached via a steep, 40-metre climb immediately from the start line. This wide, uphill left-hander often produces spectacular overtaking and dramatic race starts, while offering views of the city.

Which other circuits inspired COTA’s layout?

COTA’s layout pays homage to several iconic circuits. It includes a section inspired by Silverstone’s Maggotts-Becketts complex, a sequence modelled on the S Curves of Suzuka, a multi-apex corner based on Istanbul Park’s Turn 8 and a stadium-style section reminiscent of Hockenheim and Bahrain.