
F1 and the United States: COTA contract extended until 2034
With only a few hours to go before the start of the United States Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen will start from pole position, Formula 1 announced via a statement on its social media profiles that the world’s fastest cars will return to the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) at least until 2034.
Since its debut on the calendar in 2012, the United States Grand Prix has become one of the most significant events in the sport, attracting over 430,000 fans in recent years. The circuit is renowned not only for thrilling on-track battles but also for its vibrant off-track entertainment.
In the United States, Formula 1 continues to experience strong growth, with a fan base of 52 million — an 11% annual increase — and more than 5.5 million all-time U.S. social media followers. A global survey also found that 47% of new U.S. F1 fans, who have followed the sport for five years or less, are aged 18 to 24, and over half are female, demonstrating the sport’s appeal to a younger and more diverse audience.
Through its Grand Prix events, Formula 1 also brings significant economic benefits to local economies. In its first decade on the calendar, the United States Grand Prix generated an estimated $7 billion in economic impact for Austin and Texas. The 2023 race alone reportedly brought over $1 billion in direct and indirect spending, with $38 million in tax revenue for the state.
Comments from Formula 1 leadership
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, commented on the contract extension: “Since 2012, the United States Grand Prix has continued to grow in strength and popularity, and I want to thank the city of Austin and Travis County for hosting us. Each year, the event at the Circuit of The Americas stands out as a true highlight for fans, drivers, and teams, attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators who come to witness thrilling on-track action and absorb the vibrant energy of the circuit and city.”
“As Formula 1 continues to grow and thrive in the United States, we are proud to extend our partnership with Bobby Epstein and his exceptional team in Austin, as well as Governor Abbott, whose leadership has been crucial in supporting the development of this sport in Texas and beyond. Both have demonstrated unwavering commitment to F1, and their shared vision and investments have played a key role in creating the solid foundations we enjoy today in the United States.”
Remarks from COTA
Bobby Epstein, president of the Circuit of The Americas, added: “We are delighted that Formula 1 has found a home in Texas, and we 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.”
“Likewise, we are proud and thankful to the people of central Texas who have welcomed us so warmly! With this contract, COTA will surpass Watkins Glen as the longest-running Formula 1 circuit in the United States. Thanks to tremendous support and a wonderful host city, the United States Grand Prix has become one of the largest single-weekend sporting events in the world, with unparalleled annual economic impact.”



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