Circuits/Circuit of The Americas

Track Layout

S1S2S3Start / Finish

Circuit of The Americas

United States flag

Circuit of The Americas

LocationUnited StatesLength5.513 kmCorners20DirectionAnti-clockwise
FlowingGood Overtaking
Next Grand Prix
United States Grand Prix
Sun, 25 Oct 2026
First GP
2012
Total Races
2
Capacity
120,000
Race Laps
56
Lap Record
1:36.169
Charles Leclerc
Ferrari · 2019
Pit Lane
410m

Track Sectors

1
Sector 1

The climb to Turn 1 — one of the steepest uphill braking zones in F1 — then a stadium-style Esses sequence.

2
Sector 2

Fast middle sector with a clear Silverstone-Maggots-Becketts homage through Turns 12 to 15.

3
Sector 3

A long DRS straight to Turn 19, then the technical final complex — a clear overtaking opportunity under braking.

About Austin

The Circuit of the Americas near Austin, Texas was purpose-built for Formula 1 and opened in 2012. Designed by Tilke, its layout deliberately borrows signature corners from around the world — the climb to Turn 1 echoes Istanbul Park, the Esses reference Silverstone, and the high-speed middle sector is a clear nod to Suzuka. The result is one of the most drivable modern circuits, with elevation change adding a dimension that flat purpose-built tracks lack.

The track surface has been a recurring topic in recent years. Because Austin also hosts MotoGP and heavy trucks, bumps form quickly, and multiple resurfacing campaigns have been required. Combined with a long DRS zone into Turn 12, COTA typically produces one of the better-racing Grand Prix weekends of the year.

Recent Grand Prix Winners

Circuit History

The United States Grand Prix has moved between more circuits than almost any other event in F1 — Watkins Glen, Long Beach, Detroit, Dallas, Phoenix, Indianapolis and others. COTA has given the race a stable home since 2012, and in 2023 a second US round (Miami) and a third (Las Vegas) joined the calendar. Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have been the dominant modern winners.