AUSTIN, Texas—Formula 1 returned to US shores this weekend with its annual visit to the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Once in danger of falling off the calendar due to a lack of interest, it’s now one of the most popular tracks on the calendar and, of the US’s three races, it’s the one the real fans mostly attend. Unlike Miami or Las Vegas, which race on temporary street circuits, COTA is a permanent race track with plenty of run-off areas instead of concrete walls.
Designed by motorcycle racer Kevin Schwanz—Herman Tilke’s company did only the buildings and infrastructure, contrary to popular belief—the track combines a mix of corner speeds with challenging turn sequences, a few heavy braking zones, and plenty of elevation changes. It’s a place Ars knows rather intimately by now. We’ve driven it in everything from an Audi TT-S to a Corvette ZR1 to a bicycle, and that’s just in the real world.
Over the years, we’ve been there for F1 to learn about how the sport puts together its broadcasts, how Pirelli designs its tires, and how various tech partners help teams manage their data and strategies. We even saw the race through a neophyte’s eyes. And that’s just F1—we’ve logged many hours there with the World Endurance Championship and IMSA for the Lone Star Le Mans races in sweaty September.
It’s changed a lot since I attended the first USGP back in 2012. There’s more landscaping. The grassy banks that surround the track are now covered in hospitality structures, including one connected to the paddock building by cable car, complete with not one but two swimming pools.
Along its fringes, the skyline is now studded with rollercoasters and amusement rides, part of COTA’s diversification strategy that combines theme park, concert venue, and, of course, a place to race.
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