Formula 1 will be racing deep in the heart of Texas for at least another decade. The sport confirmed on Saturday that the Circuit of the Americas has signed an eight-year contract extension, guaranteeing the US Grand Prix will remain in Austin through the 2034 season.
Since its debut in 2012, the 5.5-kilometer COTA circuit has become a fan and driver favorite – equal parts modern racetrack and American spectacle. The venue’s signature first-corner climb, sweeping esses, and electric atmosphere have made it a mainstay on the F1 calendar.
The announcement cements Austin’s place as one of the anchors of Formula 1’s booming U.S. presence, alongside Miami and Las Vegas, as the championship continues to thrive stateside.
F1 boss Stefano Domenicali hailed the partnership renewal, highlighting COTA’s role in the sport’s American expansion:
“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 the Italian.
“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.”
COTA chairman Bobby Epstein celebrated the new deal as a major milestone, reflecting on the circuit’s rise from a bold Texas dream to one of F1’s marquee events.
“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 favorite stop on the global calendar,” he said.
“Equally, we’re proud of – and appreciate – the people of Central Texas who have been such welcoming hosts.”
Epstein also noted that the new contract carries historical significance:
“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.”
Indeed, COTA has transformed into more than just a racetrack. The venue has evolved into a full-fledged entertainment destination, with a new hotel, convention center, and even a roller coaster named “Circuit Breaker” among its recent additions.
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Under the terms of the new agreement, the venue is expected to continue upgrading its facilities – including expanded pit garages to accommodate the arrival of Cadillac’s F1 entry in 2026, as well as enhancements to its luxury paddock club areas.
With an estimated 450,000 fans attending this year’s Grand Prix weekend, COTA has become one of the largest sporting spectacles in the world.
Its long-term future now secure, Austin looks set to keep its place at the heart of America’s growing love affair with Formula 1 – complete with barbecue smoke, cowboy hats, and the unmistakable sound of turbo-hybrid V6s echoing through Texas Hill Country.
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