Circuit of the Americas extends F1 US GP contract

Organisers of Austin’s United States Grand Prix have agreed an eight-year contract extension with Formula 1 to host the race until the 2034 season.

The Circuit of the Americas revived the US Grand Prix in 2012 after a four-year hiatus and the challenging 5.5km road course proved an instant hit with drivers.

Following the rise of F1 in the US after Netflix’s Drive to Survive success, COTA saw its attendance figure soar, with a capacity 450,000 crowd attending this weekend’s running.

COTA’s existing contract was running out after the next year’s edition, but chairman Bobby Epstein and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali have now agreed an eight-year extension.

“As Formula 1 continues to grow and thrive in the United States, we are proud to extend our partnership with Bobby Epstein and his outstanding team in Austin, as well as with Governor Abbott, whose leadership has been instrumental in supporting the sport’s development in Texas and beyond,” said Domenicali.

“Both have shown unwavering commitment to F1, and their shared vision and investment have played a vital role in establishing the strong foundation we now enjoy in the US.”

Epstein added: “We’re glad Formula 1 has found a home in Texas, and are grateful to the fans, teams, and the entire F1 community who have consistently supported us and made the United States Grand Prix a favourite stop on the global calendar. Equally, we’re proud of – and appreciate – the people of Central Texas who have been such welcoming hosts.

“With this contract, COTA will overtake Watkins Glen as the longest serving Formula 1 track in the United States. Thanks to the great support and a wonderful host city, the United States Grand Prix has grown to be one of the world’s biggest single weekend sporting events – with an unrivalled annual economic impact.”

Speaking earlier this year to select media, including Autosport, Epstein felt F1 was in a good place in the US with three races in Austin, Miami and Las Vegas, that have all carved out their own identity.

“We’ve become friendly rivals, and each has got its own identity,” Epstein said. “Mexico had a bigger negative impact on us when it came on versus these races, that have not had a negative impact.

“I think Miami being in the spring is a chance for the sport to come to the US twice a year, and that’s really good for us. We’re commercials for each other and we’re spread far enough apart.

“The Vegas race could have been a stressor in some ways, but it’s proven to be that they appeal to different audiences. They’ve each proven themselves to be unique enough that they can be self-sustaining.”

COTA has invested in its off-track infrastructure in recent weekends and months, including a new hotel, convention centre and a theme park featuring the so-called Circuit Breaker rollercoaster.

Under the new deal, it is expected to expand its paddock club facilities. Meanwhile, the pit garages will also be expanded to accommodate the arrival of F1’s 11th team Cadillac in 2026.

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– The Autosport.com Team