When the United States Grand Prix found its home at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in 2012, it marked the start of a new era for Formula 1 in America. Today, it’s one of the most loved races on the calendar — by drivers, fans, and the sport itself. With over 400,000 spectators filling the grandstands each year, Austin transforms into a festival of speed, sound, and global culture, making it one of the biggest events in U.S. motorsport. For many fans around the world, it’s become a bucket-list race to experience in person.

Its dramatic elevation changes and sweeping curves aren’t just visually striking — they create a flow that’s both thrilling and punishing. As one of the few counterclockwise circuits on the calendar, COTA tests drivers’ physical endurance, especially through the fast left-handers that strain neck and core strength differently than most tracks.

“The Circuit of The Americas is a great new track that takes inspiration from parts of other legendary corners on the calendar,” said former Renault F1 driver Jolyon Palmer in 2024 — a nod to the circuit’s ability to capture the essence of Formula 1’s heritage while creating something distinctly modern.

A modern American classic

While Formula 1 now holds three races in the U.S., Austin remains the heart of F1 in America — a circuit designed for racing, not spectacle. It’s become a true driver’s track and a fan favorite, combining the excitement of wheel-to-wheel battles with the warmth of Texan hospitality. 

“I think it’s one of the best circuits we go to on the calendar for racing,” Daniel Ricciardo told F1 back in 2018. “You can pass in four different places… which encourages you to battle. It encourages you to fight. Fight in the spirit of America, the land of the free and the home of the brave. Boy, I love the feeling of racing at COTA,” Ricciardo continued, in a quote that captures why both drivers and fans see Austin as such an electric weekend on the F1 calendar.

Beyond Formula 1, COTA also welcomes NASCAR, MotoGP, and the FIA World Endurance Championship, proving its place as a world-class motorsport hub.

F1’s American story started long before COTA. Over the decades, the U.S. Grand Prix has traveled across the country — from Sebring and Riverside to Watkins Glen, Phoenix, and Indianapolis. Each circuit brought its own chapter of racing history, but one constant has endured through it all: Honda’s presence and power.

Japan’s mark on American soil

At the Phoenix street circuit in 1989, Alain Prost won for McLaren-Honda. The following two years, Ayrton Senna continued that dominance, cementing Honda’s reputation for excellence in America. Fast forward to today, and Honda’s engineering legacy lives on through Red Bull Racing. Max Verstappen’s victories in Austin from 2021 to 2023 have reinforced that partnership’s strength — a perfect showcase of Japanese innovation on one of America’s most demanding circuits.

Where cultures connect

Off-track, that same spirit of connection shines just as brightly. Formula 1’s fan culture has become one of its most defining traits — and it’s here that Japan’s influence comes through, in full force. Just like the passionate supporters at Suzuka who handcraft driver helmets, racing suits, and fun DRS hats, fans at COTA bring their own spark of creativity to the race weekend.

Texas-based content creator Sam Off Track is one example — designing custom handmade outfits each year to represent her favorite teams, from McLaren to Ferrari and Mercedes. It’s proof that the joy of fandom transcends borders, and that creative passion in motorsport isn’t just alive — it’s racing at full speed.

^{Texas-based F1 creator @samofftrack goes all out with her DIY McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes outfits for this weekend’s U.S. Grand Prix at COTA.}

Speaking after the race in 2021, Max Verstappen paid tribute to the fans at COTA, saying, “They’ve [the fans have] been incredible and it’s amazing first of all to be here, and second to see so many of you around the track. Hopefully we can do this for many years to come.”

A shared stage for innovation and passion

Every Grand Prix tells a story beyond the checkered flag — one that speaks of cultural exchange, innovation, and human drive. Singapore showcased Asia’s engineering brilliance through its pioneering night race; Japan continues to inspire with its precision and creativity; and now, Austin carries that same energy, blending Texas flair with global ambition.

Every Grand Prix tells a story beyond the checkered flag — one that speaks of cultural exchange, innovation, and human drive.

The United States Grand Prix reminds us that while Formula 1’s story began in Europe, its spirit also runs globally. The roar of the engines at COTA mirrors the energy in Monza, Silverstone, São Paulo, and beyond, connecting fans and nations in one momentous movement of speed.

From Suzuka to Austin, Formula 1 has always been more than speed — it’s passion that unites people who speak different languages but cheer in the same rhythm. At COTA, that spirit lives on, proving that love for racing knows no borders. Because at its heart, Formula 1 isn’t just about competition — it’s about the shared joy, dedication, and sense of belonging that keep fans coming back year after year.

The 2025 United States Grand Prix takes place from October 17 to 19, with the battle for the World Drivers’ Championship still wide open. As the season nears its conclusion, all eyes will be on this pivotal race — not only for its championship implications, but for the passion it brings to fans around the world.