United States Grand Prix at COTA: Circuit Guide, History and Records
The United States Grand Prix returns to the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, from Friday 23 October to Sunday 25 October 2026. The event begins Formula 1’s late-season run through the Americas and brings the championship back to one of its most complete modern racing circuits.
Unlike the previous two Austin weekends, the 2026 United States Grand Prix is not scheduled to include a Formula 1 Sprint. Teams will instead have three practice sessions before qualifying on Saturday and the 56-lap Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon.
Commonly known as COTA, the 5.513-kilometre circuit combines major elevation changes, high-speed direction changes, slow hairpins, long straights and several overtaking opportunities. Its varied layout demands a compromise between aerodynamic grip, straight-line efficiency, tyre management and stability over an occasionally uneven surface.
The United States Grand Prix has a much longer history than the Austin venue. The World Championship event has previously been held at Sebring, Riverside, Watkins Glen, Phoenix and Indianapolis, while COTA has served as its home since 2012.
Ferrari arrives with an important record in the event. The Scuderia is the most successful constructor in United States Grand Prix history, while Charles Leclerc holds the official COTA race lap record and led a Ferrari one-two in Austin in 2024.
2026 United States Grand Prix at a glance
| Event | 2026 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix |
|---|---|
| Dates | 23–25 October 2026 |
| Championship round | Round 18 |
| Venue | Circuit of The Americas |
| Location | Austin, Texas, United States |
| Weekend format | Standard Grand Prix weekend |
| Circuit length | 5.513 km |
| Number of corners | 20 |
| Number of laps | 56 |
| Race distance | 308.405 km |
| Track direction | Anti-clockwise |
| Race start | Sunday 25 October at 13:00 local time |
| First World Championship US Grand Prix | 1959 |
| First Formula 1 race at COTA | 2012 |
| Current Austin agreement | Through 2034 |
2026 United States Grand Prix schedule
The 2026 Austin weekend returns to the traditional Formula 1 format. Two practice sessions will be held on Friday, followed by final practice and qualifying on Saturday and the Grand Prix on Sunday.
| Session | Date | Local Austin time |
|---|---|---|
| Free Practice 1 | Friday 23 October | 10:30–11:30 |
| Free Practice 2 | Friday 23 October | 14:00–15:00 |
| Free Practice 3 | Saturday 24 October | 10:30–11:30 |
| Qualifying | Saturday 24 October | 14:00–15:00 |
| Race | Sunday 25 October | 13:00 |
All times are local Austin time and remain subject to timetable changes by Formula 1, the FIA or the event organiser.
You can also consult the complete 2026 Formula 1 schedule and race results, the latest Formula 1 driver standings and the current constructor standings.
Why is the 2026 United States GP not a Sprint weekend?
Austin hosted Formula 1 Sprint events in both 2024 and 2025, but the Circuit of The Americas was not selected as one of the Sprint venues for the 2026 championship.
The change gives drivers and teams three practice hours rather than only one. That additional running should be particularly valuable at COTA because teams must understand tyre degradation, ride-height sensitivity, wind direction, track temperature and the effect of the circuit’s bumps.
The standard format also provides more time for drivers to build confidence through the high-speed opening sector and for engineers to compare aerodynamic, suspension and cooling configurations before qualifying.
What happened at the 2025 United States Grand Prix?
Max Verstappen won the 2025 United States Grand Prix after starting from pole position. The Red Bull driver controlled the race to finish ahead of Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc.
Leclerc moved from third to second at the start and defended strongly against Norris during much of the Grand Prix. The McLaren driver eventually passed the Ferrari during the closing stages, leaving Leclerc to complete the podium in third.
Lewis Hamilton finished fourth in the second Ferrari, giving the Scuderia a combined total of 27 points from Sunday’s race.
Verstappen also won the 2025 Sprint ahead of George Russell and Carlos Sainz. Hamilton finished fourth in the shorter race, with Leclerc fifth, after the two Ferrari drivers fought directly on track.
2025 United States Grand Prix result
| Position | Driver | Team | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 1:34:00.161 |
| 2 | Lando Norris | McLaren | +7.959 |
| 3 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | +15.373 |
| 4 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | +28.536 |
2025 United States Grand Prix Sprint result
| Position | Driver | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull |
| 2 | George Russell | Mercedes |
| 3 | Carlos Sainz | Williams |
| 4 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari |
| 5 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari |
Recent United States Grand Prix winners
| Year | Winner | Team | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | Circuit of The Americas |
| 2024 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | Circuit of The Americas |
| 2023 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | Circuit of The Americas |
| 2022 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | Circuit of The Americas |
| 2021 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | Circuit of The Americas |
| 2019 | Valtteri Bottas | Mercedes | Circuit of The Americas |
| 2018 | Kimi Räikkönen | Ferrari | Circuit of The Americas |
| 2017 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | Circuit of The Americas |
| 2016 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | Circuit of The Americas |
| 2015 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | Circuit of The Americas |
The 2020 United States Grand Prix was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Circuit of The Americas information
| Official circuit name | Circuit of The Americas |
|---|---|
| Common abbreviation | COTA |
| Circuit type | Permanent, purpose-built circuit |
| Location | Austin, Texas, United States |
| Circuit length | 5.513 km |
| Race laps | 56 |
| Race distance | 308.405 km |
| Number of corners | 20 |
| Track direction | Anti-clockwise |
| Official race lap record | 1:36.169 – Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, 2019 |
| Fastest qualifying lap | 1:32.029 – Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes, 2019 |
| Elevation into Turn 1 | Approximately 41 metres |
| Longest straight | Approximately 1 kilometre between Turns 11 and 12 |
| Most COTA victories | Lewis Hamilton – five |
| Most successful teams at COTA | Mercedes and Red Bull – five victories each |
What makes the Circuit of The Americas unique?
COTA was the first permanent circuit in the United States built specifically to host modern Formula 1. Its layout was designed by Hermann Tilke in collaboration with American project partners and incorporates ideas associated with several famous international circuits.
The opening sector contains a fast sequence of direction changes often compared with the Maggotts and Becketts complex at Silverstone. The long multi-apex right-hand section from Turns 16 to 18 resembles the sustained cornering challenge of Istanbul Park’s Turn 8.
Other areas have their own distinct character. Turn 1 is reached after a dramatic uphill climb, Turn 11 is a slow hairpin that begins the longest straight, and Turn 12 provides one of the strongest overtaking opportunities on the circuit.
The circuit’s width allows drivers to use different lines and encourages wheel-to-wheel racing. However, its fast corners, large kerbs, elevation changes and surface irregularities make it difficult to establish a setup that performs well across the entire lap.
A lap of the Circuit of The Americas
Uphill start and Turn 1
The Austin lap begins with one of the most recognisable approaches in Formula 1. From the starting grid, drivers climb approximately 41 metres towards a tight left-hand hairpin at Turn 1.
The steep incline makes the corner difficult to judge because the apex is initially hidden from view. Drivers can brake later than they might expect because the uphill gradient helps slow the car.
The track is extremely wide at the corner entry, allowing several cars to attempt different lines. This often produces close racing on the opening lap, although drivers on the outside can be forced wide as the corner tightens.
A clean exit is essential because the cars descend rapidly towards the high-speed direction changes that follow.
Turns 2 to 6: the high-speed esses
Turn 2 is a fast downhill right-hander that leads immediately into COTA’s demanding sequence of left and right corners.
Turns 3 to 6 require precise placement, aerodynamic stability and confidence. Each movement affects the next, meaning an error near the beginning of the sequence can cost time throughout the remainder of the sector.
Drivers attempt to carry as much speed as possible while avoiding excessive use of the kerbs. A car with insufficient front-end response may understeer away from the ideal line, while an unstable rear end makes rapid direction changes difficult to control.
Turns 7 to 10
The second part of the opening sector continues with a mixture of medium and high-speed corners. The car remains under significant lateral load as the driver prepares for the slower Turn 11 hairpin.
Turn 9 is particularly important because drivers approach the crest with limited visibility. Positioning the car correctly allows them to maintain momentum through Turn 10 and prepare for the braking zone that follows.
Turn 11 and the back straight
Turn 11 is a tight left-hand hairpin at the far end of the circuit. Drivers need to rotate the car at low speed and apply the throttle cleanly because the exit leads onto COTA’s longest straight.
Rear-wheel slip costs speed throughout the approximately one-kilometre run towards Turn 12. The straight provides a powerful slipstream and normally includes a DRS zone, making it one of the principal overtaking locations.
Turn 12 braking zone
Drivers reach high speed before braking heavily for the left-hand Turn 12. The wide entry permits several possible lines and creates opportunities for late attacks.
Controlling the front tyres is critical. A lock-up can send a driver beyond the apex, while defending too aggressively may allow a rival to complete a switchback through the slower sequence that follows.
Turns 13 to 15
The circuit then enters a technical group of slow corners where mechanical grip, rotation and traction become more important than outright aerodynamic performance.
Drivers need patience through this section. Applying the throttle too early can create wheelspin and overheat the rear tyres, while excessive understeer forces the car away from the shortest line.
Turn 15 is a tightening left-hander that determines the approach to the long right-hand complex in the final sector.
Turns 16 to 18
Turns 16, 17 and 18 form one prolonged multi-apex right-hand corner. Formula 1 cars remain under sustained lateral load while the driver attempts to hold a tight and consistent line.
The section places considerable stress on the tyres and rewards cars with strong aerodynamic balance. Following another car can be difficult because turbulent air reduces front-end grip during the prolonged turn.
Turns 19 and 20
Turn 19 is a fast left-hander where track limits have frequently become an important issue. Drivers attempt to carry substantial speed but must remain within the defined circuit boundaries.
The lap concludes with Turn 20, a slower left-hander named in honour of American Formula 1 World Champion Mario Andretti. A strong exit is important because it leads directly onto the main straight and towards the steep climb to Turn 1.
COTA setup and technical demands
The Circuit of The Americas requires one of the most balanced setups of the Formula 1 season. Teams need downforce for the high-speed direction changes and long Turn 16–18 complex, but they must also control drag along the back straight.
A medium-to-high-downforce configuration is generally appropriate, although the final choice depends on wind, temperatures, tyre compounds and each car’s aerodynamic efficiency.
Front-end response is particularly valuable through the opening esses. A car that changes direction quickly allows the driver to maintain momentum, while understeer creates cumulative time loss through the linked corners.
Rear traction is important at Turns 11, 15 and 20. These slower exits lead into acceleration zones, and wheelspin can increase tyre temperatures while reducing straight-line speed.
The surface has historically contained bumps caused partly by movement in the underlying ground. Teams must therefore find enough suspension compliance to maintain tyre contact without sacrificing too much aerodynamic control.
Ride height can become a sensitive issue. Running the car lower may improve aerodynamic performance, but excessive contact with the track can increase plank wear and create stability problems over bumps and kerbs.
Braking performance is tested at Turns 1, 11 and especially Turn 12. The circuit also contains several downhill or unsighted approaches, making driver confidence and consistent pedal behaviour important.
Explore our Ferrari technical analysis archive for updates on the SF-26 floor, suspension, wing configuration, tyre behaviour and setup during the Austin weekend.
Tyres and strategy at the United States Grand Prix
COTA places substantial energy through the tyres because the lap combines high-speed direction changes, prolonged cornering and several traction zones.
The front tyres are stressed through the opening sector and Turns 16 to 18, while the rear tyres are required to provide traction from the slower hairpins. Balancing wear between the two axles can therefore be difficult.
Texas weather can vary considerably. High temperatures increase thermal degradation and may encourage additional pit stops, while cooler conditions can make warm-up more difficult.
Strong winds are another recurring factor. A change in wind direction can alter braking points into Turns 1 and 12 and affect the car’s balance through the high-speed esses.
The long pit lane creates a significant time loss, but COTA offers more overtaking opportunities than many circuits. Teams may therefore be willing to select an aggressive tyre strategy if fresh rubber provides enough pace to pass rivals on track.
A Safety Car or Virtual Safety Car can substantially reduce the cost of a pit stop. Strategy teams must remain prepared to change plans quickly if an incident interrupts the race.
Track limits and bumps at COTA
Track limits have frequently influenced United States Grand Prix weekends. The circuit contains several corners where drivers naturally use the full width of the asphalt, particularly through the opening sector and at Turns 9 and 19.
Exceeding the defined track boundary can result in deleted qualifying laps or race penalties. Drivers must therefore balance the pursuit of lap time against the risk of losing a result.
COTA’s bumps have also affected Formula 1 cars over the years. Surface movement and repeated use by different racing categories can create an uneven track that challenges suspension systems and driver confidence.
Resurfacing work has addressed different sections at various times, but teams must continue to evaluate the current surface during practice rather than relying entirely on data from previous seasons.
History of the United States Grand Prix
Major international motor racing in the United States predates the Formula 1 World Championship. The American Grand Prize was first held on public roads near Savannah, Georgia, in 1908.
The modern World Championship United States Grand Prix began at Sebring in Florida in 1959. Bruce McLaren won the race for Cooper, becoming the youngest Formula 1 Grand Prix winner at that time.
Sebring and Riverside
Sebring hosted only one United States Grand Prix. The event moved to Riverside in California for 1960, where Stirling Moss won for Lotus.
Neither venue became a permanent home, and Formula 1 transferred the race to Watkins Glen in New York for 1961.
The Watkins Glen era
Watkins Glen hosted the United States Grand Prix for 20 consecutive seasons between 1961 and 1980. The circuit became one of the most respected venues on the championship calendar and attracted enthusiastic American crowds.
Winners during the Watkins Glen era included Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart, Emerson Fittipaldi, Niki Lauda, James Hunt and Gilles Villeneuve.
The event eventually faced financial and organisational difficulties, and the 1980 race proved to be the final United States Grand Prix at Watkins Glen.
Phoenix street circuit
The United States Grand Prix returned in 1989 on a street circuit in Phoenix, Arizona. Alain Prost won the first edition for McLaren, while Ayrton Senna won in 1990 and 1991.
The race struggled to establish a strong long-term audience and disappeared from the calendar after only three editions.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Formula 1 returned to the United States in 2000 with a new road-course layout at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The circuit incorporated part of the famous oval and attracted a large crowd for its inaugural race.
Michael Schumacher won the 2000 race for Ferrari and became the dominant driver of the Indianapolis period.
The 2005 event became one of the most controversial Grands Prix in Formula 1 history. Safety concerns involving Michelin tyres led all Michelin-equipped cars to withdraw after the formation lap, leaving only six Bridgestone runners to start.
Indianapolis hosted its final Formula 1 United States Grand Prix in 2007, won by Lewis Hamilton during his rookie season with McLaren.
Formula 1 moves to Austin
The Circuit of The Americas was created to provide Formula 1 with a permanent, purpose-built home in the United States. Construction began in 2010, and the venue opened in 2012.
Mario Andretti inaugurated the circuit by driving the Lotus 79 with which he won the 1978 Formula 1 World Championship.
The first Austin Grand Prix took place in November 2012. Lewis Hamilton passed Sebastian Vettel and won for McLaren, recording the final victory of his career before moving to Mercedes.
COTA has since become one of Formula 1’s best-attended events. Its current agreement keeps the United States Grand Prix in Austin through the 2034 season.
Memorable United States Grand Prix moments
Niki Lauda wins for Ferrari in 1975
Niki Lauda won the 1975 United States Grand Prix at Watkins Glen shortly after securing his first Formula 1 World Championship.
The victory completed a successful season in which Lauda and Ferrari returned to the top of the sport.
Ferrari dominates Indianapolis
Michael Schumacher won five of the eight Formula 1 races held at Indianapolis between 2000 and 2007. His victories in 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 established Ferrari as the dominant team of the Indianapolis era.
Rubens Barrichello delivered Ferrari’s other Indianapolis victory in 2002 after crossing the line narrowly ahead of Schumacher in a controversial finish.
The six-car race in 2005
The 2005 United States Grand Prix was reduced to six starters after teams using Michelin tyres withdrew on safety grounds. Only Ferrari, Jordan and Minardi competed in the race.
Michael Schumacher won ahead of Rubens Barrichello, but the event caused widespread anger among spectators and damaged Formula 1’s reputation in the United States.
Lewis Hamilton wins COTA’s first Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton won the inaugural Austin race in 2012 after overtaking Sebastian Vettel. The result was Hamilton’s final victory for McLaren before joining Mercedes.
Kimi Räikkönen ends his winless run in 2018
Kimi Räikkönen passed Lewis Hamilton at the start of the 2018 United States Grand Prix and used a strong tyre strategy to remain in contention.
The Ferrari driver resisted pressure during the closing stages and claimed his first victory since the 2013 Australian Grand Prix. It was also the final win of his Formula 1 career.
Charles Leclerc sets the lap record in 2019
Charles Leclerc recorded the fastest race lap during the 2019 United States Grand Prix. His 1:36.169 remains the official COTA race lap record.
Max Verstappen defeats Lewis Hamilton in 2021
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton used contrasting strategies during their 2021 championship battle. Red Bull committed Verstappen to earlier pit stops, while Hamilton attempted to use fresher tyres later in the race.
Hamilton closed the gap during the final stint, but Verstappen managed his tyres and remained ahead to win.
Ferrari secures a one-two in 2024
Charles Leclerc moved into the lead at the beginning of the 2024 United States Grand Prix and controlled the race to claim victory.
Carlos Sainz finished second, giving Ferrari its first one-two result in the United States since the Indianapolis era.
Charles Leclerc returns to the podium in 2025
Leclerc started third in 2025 and moved ahead of Lando Norris on the opening lap. He spent much of the race defending second place before eventually being passed by the McLaren.
His third-place finish extended Ferrari’s recent run of Austin podiums, while Lewis Hamilton completed a strong team result in fourth.
Ferrari’s United States Grand Prix history
Ferrari is the most successful constructor in United States Grand Prix history, with ten victories across Watkins Glen, Indianapolis and the Circuit of The Americas.
| Year | Ferrari winner | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Niki Lauda | Watkins Glen |
| 1978 | Carlos Reutemann | Watkins Glen |
| 2000 | Michael Schumacher | Indianapolis |
| 2002 | Rubens Barrichello | Indianapolis |
| 2003 | Michael Schumacher | Indianapolis |
| 2004 | Michael Schumacher | Indianapolis |
| 2005 | Michael Schumacher | Indianapolis |
| 2006 | Michael Schumacher | Indianapolis |
| 2018 | Kimi Räikkönen | Circuit of The Americas |
| 2024 | Charles Leclerc | Circuit of The Americas |
Ferrari at Watkins Glen
Niki Lauda delivered Ferrari’s first World Championship United States Grand Prix victory in 1975. Carlos Reutemann added another win for the Scuderia in 1978.
Ferrari’s Indianapolis dominance
Ferrari won six of the eight United States Grands Prix held at Indianapolis. Michael Schumacher accounted for five victories, with Rubens Barrichello winning the remaining race in 2002.
Kimi Räikkönen wins at COTA
Kimi Räikkönen gave Ferrari its first Austin victory in 2018. His performance combined a decisive opening-lap pass with careful tyre management and strong defensive driving.
Charles Leclerc leads Ferrari’s 2024 one-two
Charles Leclerc secured Ferrari’s tenth United States Grand Prix victory in 2024. Carlos Sainz finished second to complete a dominant team performance.
Leclerc also holds the official Austin race lap record and finished on the podium again in 2025, making COTA one of the strongest circuits of his Ferrari career.
United States Grand Prix records and statistics
- First World Championship United States Grand Prix: 1959 at Sebring.
- First United States Grand Prix at COTA: 2012.
- United States GP venues: Sebring, Riverside, Watkins Glen, Phoenix, Indianapolis and Austin.
- Most United States GP victories: Lewis Hamilton, with six.
- Most COTA victories: Lewis Hamilton, with five.
- Most successful United States GP constructor: Ferrari, with ten victories.
- Most successful teams at COTA: Mercedes and Red Bull, with five victories each.
- Official COTA race lap record: Charles Leclerc, 1:36.169 for Ferrari in 2019.
- Fastest COTA qualifying lap: Valtteri Bottas, 1:32.029 for Mercedes in 2019.
- First Ferrari US GP victory: Niki Lauda at Watkins Glen in 1975.
- Most recent Ferrari victory: Charles Leclerc at COTA in 2024.
- Most recent winner: Max Verstappen in 2025.
- Cancelled Austin edition: 2020.
- Current Austin agreement: through 2034.
Frequently asked questions about the United States Grand Prix
When is the 2026 United States Grand Prix?
The 2026 United States Grand Prix will take place from Friday 23 October to Sunday 25 October. The race is scheduled to start at 13:00 local Austin time on Sunday.
Is the 2026 United States Grand Prix a Sprint weekend?
No. The 2026 event is scheduled as a standard Formula 1 weekend with three practice sessions, qualifying and the Grand Prix.
Where is the United States Grand Prix held?
The race is held at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas. COTA has hosted the event since 2012.
How long is the Circuit of The Americas?
The track is 5.513 kilometres long. The United States Grand Prix covers 56 laps and a total race distance of 308.405 kilometres.
How many corners does COTA have?
The Circuit of The Americas contains 20 corners and runs in an anti-clockwise direction.
Why is Turn 1 at COTA unusual?
Drivers climb approximately 41 metres from the starting area to a tight left-hand hairpin. The apex is difficult to see during the approach, while the wide entry permits several possible racing lines.
Who has won the United States Grand Prix most often?
Lewis Hamilton holds the overall event record with six victories. Five of those wins came at COTA, with the other recorded at Indianapolis in 2007.
Who has won most often at COTA?
Lewis Hamilton has won five Formula 1 races at the Circuit of The Americas. Max Verstappen is next with four victories following his wins in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2025.
Which team has won the United States Grand Prix most often?
Ferrari holds the overall constructor record with ten United States Grand Prix victories.
How many times has Ferrari won at COTA?
Ferrari has won twice at the Austin circuit: Kimi Räikkönen in 2018 and Charles Leclerc in 2024.
Who holds the COTA race lap record?
Charles Leclerc holds the official race lap record with a 1:36.169 set for Ferrari during the 2019 United States Grand Prix.
What is the fastest qualifying lap at COTA?
Valtteri Bottas recorded a 1:32.029 for Mercedes during qualifying for the 2019 United States Grand Prix.
How long will Formula 1 continue racing at COTA?
The current agreement between Formula 1 and the Circuit of The Americas keeps the United States Grand Prix in Austin through the 2034 season.
Follow Ferrari at the 2026 United States Grand Prix
ScuderiaFans will provide complete coverage of Ferrari’s 2026 United States Grand Prix weekend, including practice reports, qualifying analysis, race results, technical developments, tyre information, strategy assessments and reactions from Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and the Maranello team.
Visit our dedicated 2026 United States Grand Prix archive for the latest Ferrari news from Austin.
