United States Grand Prix – history, facts and unforgettable moments
The United States Grand Prix has one of the most fascinating and complex histories in Formula 1. Its roots stretch back to the early 20th century, when American motorsport was still in its infancy. Originally known as The Grand Prize, the race was staged on improvised circuits in Long Island, New York and Savannah, Georgia. Around the same time, the legendary Indianapolis 500 established itself as America’s premier race and would later be integrated into the first decade of the official F1 World Championship between 1950 and 1960.
The early days – Watkins Glen and beyond
From 1961 to 1980, the United States Grand Prix found a stable and passionate home at Watkins Glen, located near New York. For two decades, this picturesque circuit became the American jewel of the F1 calendar, drawing enthusiastic crowds and producing classic battles between some of the sport’s biggest names.
During the 1980s, Formula 1 experimented with multiple new American venues, though many were not officially branded as the United States Grand Prix. Fans witnessed the spectacular United States Grand Prix West on the streets of Long Beach (1975–1983), a unique event that blended Hollywood glamour with raw racing. Las Vegas also attempted to host the sport with the infamous Caesars Palace Grand Prix (1981–1984), a race staged in the casino’s parking lot. Detroit joined the list with its own downtown street race (1982–1988). Finally, in 1989, F1 made its way to Phoenix, Arizona, but poor attendance over three years forced the series to leave the United States once again by 1991.
Return to Indianapolis
In 2000, F1 made a bold return to American soil at a modified layout of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Combining parts of the oval with an infield road course, the venue attracted massive crowds initially. However, the infamous 2005 tire controversy—where only six cars took the start due to Michelin tire failures—seriously damaged the reputation of the event. By 2007, the race disappeared once more from the calendar.
Circuit of The Americas – a new home for F1 in the USA
A new era for Formula 1 in America began in 2010 when Austin native Tavo Hellmund unveiled plans for a purpose-built circuit in Texas. Backed by Bernie Ecclestone and designed by renowned architect Hermann Tilke, the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) was completed at a cost of $400 million. The first United States Grand Prix at COTA took place in November 2012 in front of more than 117,000 fans, marking the beginning of a modern American F1 tradition.
Located 22 km southeast of Austin, the 5.513 km circuit is celebrated for its challenging elevation changes, particularly the steep climb into Turn 1. Other features include a 77m observation tower, the Austin360 amphitheater, and the Grand Plaza entertainment zone. Today, COTA also hosts MotoGP and FIA World Endurance Championship events, cementing its place as a global motorsport hub.
Recent growth and expansion of Formula 1 in the United States
The 2020 US Grand Prix was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but by 2021 Formula 1 had returned with a record-breaking sell-out crowd of over 400,000 fans. Growing popularity in the United States led to the introduction of additional races: the glamorous Miami Grand Prix in 2022 and the highly anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2023.
In 2022, COTA secured its place on the calendar until at least 2026, and attendance at that year’s event reached 440,000 spectators—making it the best-attended Formula 1 race in US history. America’s love affair with Formula 1 had officially reached a new high.
What makes Circuit of The Americas unique?
Drivers often describe COTA as one of the most technically demanding tracks in the world. The uphill run to Turn 1 creates chaotic starts with multiple possible racing lines. Sector 1 mirrors the fast sweeps of Silverstone’s Maggots and Becketts, rewarding precision and rhythm. A 1km back straight provides prime overtaking opportunities, especially into Turn 12. However, the tight Turn 13–15 complex challenges drivers to manage tire wear while maintaining speed.
Fans enjoy watching overtaking battles made possible by two DRS zones into Turn 1 and Turn 12. The circuit’s elevation changes—nearly 31 meters from lowest to highest point—make it one of the most dramatic tracks on the calendar.
Sustainable access to the United States Grand Prix
COTA actively encourages sustainable travel options. The Park and Ride shuttle program offers round-trip transportation from Austin with a dedicated lane and front-gate drop-off. On-site camping is also promoted, reducing the environmental impact of daily commuting and creating a festival-like atmosphere for fans.
Did you know? Fun facts about the United States Grand Prix
- Lewis Hamilton holds the record for the most US Grand Prix wins with six victories, surpassing Michael Schumacher’s five at Indianapolis.
- Ferrari is the most successful constructor in US Grand Prix history with ten wins, including a 1–2 finish led by Charles Leclerc in 2024.
- No American driver has won a Formula 1 US Grand Prix, though Mario Andretti triumphed at the 1977 US Grand Prix West in Long Beach.
- Sebastian Vettel made his F1 debut at the 2007 US Grand Prix in Indianapolis and later won the race in 2013.
- Kimi Räikkönen ended a record 114-race winless streak by claiming victory at COTA in 2018.
- Both Hamilton and Leclerc were disqualified from the 2023 United States Grand Prix for post-race technical infringements.
Iconic moments in US Grand Prix history
2002: The closest finish – Ferrari staged an awkward attempt at a photo finish when Michael Schumacher slowed to let Rubens Barrichello catch him at the line. The Brazilian crossed just 0.011s ahead, the narrowest winning margin in modern F1.
2005: The six-car race – Due to Michelin tire safety issues, only six cars started the race, all on Bridgestone tires. It became one of Formula 1’s most controversial events and left fans furious.
2015: The storm-hit weekend – Heavy rain turned the Austin Grand Prix into a weekend of chaos, delaying qualifying and limiting fan access. Drivers entertained crowds with off-track antics, including dance routines, before Lewis Hamilton secured another win.
2018: Räikkönen’s final Ferrari triumph – Kimi Räikkönen rolled back the years with a masterclass in strategy and wheel-to-wheel racing, holding off Hamilton and Verstappen to take his final victory for Ferrari and end a 114-race drought.
Key United States Grand Prix stats
- Circuit Name: Circuit of The Americas (COTA)
- First Race: 2012
- Track Length: 5.513 km, 20 turns
- Race Distance: 56 laps (308.405 km)
- Lap Record: 1:36.169, Charles Leclerc (Ferrari, 2019)
- 2024 Result: 1st Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), 2nd Carlos Sainz (Ferrari), 3rd Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
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