The Circuit of the Americas is the home of the American Grand Prix, the only true USGP. In 2022, the circuit will be on the calendar along with Miami and Las Vegas, hosting a total of three Formula 1 races in America.
Partly due to the popularity of the Netflix series Drive to Survive, Formula 1 has significantly grown in popularity in America. The Circuit of the Americas, also known as COTA, opened in 2012. Lewis Hamilton won the first edition on the circuit. After Sebastian Vettel won in 2013, Hamilton took four consecutive victories in Texas from 2014. Max Verstappen has since claimed three victories: in 2021, 2022, and 2023. The race was cancelled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The track is 5.513 kilometers long and has twenty turns.
Key Facts about the American Grand Prix:
- Opening: 2012
- First F1 race: 2012
- Location: Austin
- Length: 5.513 km
- Number of turns: 20
- Most victories: Lewis Hamilton (5)
- Lap record: Charles Leclerc (1.36,169 in 2019)
Recent Winners of the American Grand Prix:
- 2023: Max Verstappen
- 2022: Max Verstappen
- 2021: Max Verstappen
- 2019: Valtteri Bottas
- 2018: Kimi Räikkönen
- 2017: Lewis Hamilton
Max Verstappen’s Success at the American Grand Prix
Max Verstappen has won the race in America three times. In 2021, 2022, and 2023, the Dutchman triumphed at COTA. Kimi Räikkönen won in 2018 for Ferrari in Texas, breaking the record for the longest time between Grand Prix victories. There were a staggering 2,044 days between his victory in the United States and his previous win in Australia in 2013. Charles Leclerc set the fastest lap ever in 2019, clocking in at 1:36.169.
The designer of the Circuit of the Americas is Herman Tilke. The circuit is a counter-clockwise track. The twisty section in the first sector is similar to Maggots and Becketts at Silverstone, which served as the inspiration for these turns.
Schedule for the 2024 American Grand Prix in Austin
Friday, October 18
19:30 – 20:30: 1st free practice
23:30 – 00:14: Sprint qualification
Saturday, October 19
20:00 – 21:00: Sprint
Sunday, October 20
00:00 – 01:00: Qualification
21:00 – 23:00: Race
