Located on the rolling hills south-east of Austin, Circuit of The Americas (COTA) is one of the most ambitious racing circuits built in the twenty-first century. Opened in 2012 as the first purpose-built Formula One facility in the United States, the circuit rapidly established itself among the world’s elite venues through its challenging layout, exceptional spectator experience and diverse international calendar.
Designed by renowned circuit architect Hermann Tilke in collaboration with American circuit designer Kevin Schwantz, COTA combines dramatic elevation changes with corners inspired by legendary circuits including Silverstone, Suzuka, Hockenheim and Istanbul Park.
Rather than copying the past, Circuit of The Americas celebrates motorsport’s greatest traditions while creating a distinctly modern American racing destination.
In Brief
- Circuit of The Americas opened in 2012 as the first purpose-built Formula One circuit in the United States.
- The steep climb into Turn 1 rises approximately 40 metres, creating one of motorsport’s most dramatic opening corners.
- Several sections of the circuit were inspired by famous corners from Silverstone, Suzuka, Hockenheim and Istanbul Park.
- COTA is one of the few circuits to host Formula One, MotoGP and the FIA World Endurance Championship.
- The circuit’s observation tower has become an architectural landmark visible across the venue.
- Austin’s hot climate and significant elevation changes create demanding conditions for both drivers and tyres.
History
The idea of bringing Formula One back to the United States on a purpose-built circuit emerged during the late 2000s. Austin was selected thanks to its rapidly growing international profile, vibrant cultural scene and strong governmental support.
Construction began in 2010, with the circuit officially opening in 2012. That same year it hosted the inaugural United States Grand Prix, marking Formula One’s return to a permanent American venue after several years away.
The circuit quickly expanded its international calendar. MotoGP arrived in 2013 with the Americas motorcycle Grand Prix, followed by the Lone Star Le Mans, NASCAR, IndyCar, GT World Challenge and numerous national championships.
Within little more than a decade, COTA had become one of the busiest and most important motorsport venues in North America.
Circuit Design
Circuit of The Americas measures 5.513 kilometres and is widely regarded as one of the most complete modern circuit designs.
The lap begins with an extraordinary climb of over 40 metres into the tight left-hand Turn 1, one of the most dramatic opening corners in world motorsport. The following esses were inspired by Silverstone’s Maggotts-Becketts sequence, rewarding precise weight transfer and aerodynamic confidence.
Further around the lap, drivers encounter long straights, technical hairpins, flowing medium-speed corners and the spectacular triple-apex right-hander influenced by Istanbul Park’s famous Turn 8.
Rather than relying upon one defining characteristic, COTA continually changes rhythm, requiring complete mastery across every discipline of circuit racing.
LENGTH
5.514
kilometres
WIDTH
12–16
metres
DIRECTION
CCW
counter-clockwise
SURFACE
Asphalt
ELEVATION CHANGE
28.4
metres
OPENED
2012
14 years ago
Circuit of The Americas is defined by substantial elevation change and a deliberately varied sequence of corners that places very different demands on the vehicle across a single lap. Fast direction changes, long-radius bends, heavy braking zones and slower technical corners combine to create a circuit where aerodynamic stability, mechanical grip and precise positioning must all be balanced rather than optimised around one dominant characteristic.
The lap establishes its identity immediately with the steep climb towards Turn 1, where competitors arrive at a tight, blind left-hander before descending into the rapid sequence beginning at Turns 3 through 6. This flowing section rewards confidence and accurate positioning, as an error at the beginning can compromise several corners that follow. The middle of the lap changes character through slower technical sections before the long back straight leads into another major braking opportunity at Turn 12. The final sector combines the multi-apex sequence around Turns 16 to 18 with slower corners where tyre management, mechanical grip and traction become increasingly important.
Although the dramatic approach to Turn 1 provides COTA with its most recognisable image, the circuit’s defining challenge is adapting continuously as the character of the lap changes. Drivers and riders who remain precise through the fast opening sequence, maximise braking performance at the end of the straights and preserve grip through the long-duration corners are generally rewarded most strongly.
| # | Corner |
|---|---|
| 1 | Big Red Left |
| 2 | T2 Right |
| 3 | T3 Left |
| 4 | T4 Right |
| 5 | T5 Left |
| 6 | T6 Right |
| 7 | T7 Left |
| 8 | T8 Right |
| 9 | T9 Left |
| 10 | T10 Left |
| 11 | The Bobby Pin Left |
| 12 | T12 Left |
| 13 | T13 Right |
| 14 | T14 Right |
| 15 | T15 Left |
| 16 | T16 Left |
| 17 | T17 Right |
| 18 | T18 Right |
| 19 | T19 Left |
| 20 | The Andretti Left |
Circuit of The Americas occupies a central position in contemporary American motorsport as the first permanent circuit in the United States purpose-built specifically for modern Formula One. Opened in 2012, the venue provided the championship with a stable American home after decades in which Formula One had competed at a succession of temporary and permanent venues across the country.
Its defining event is the United States Grand Prix, which has helped establish Austin as one of Formula One’s major international destinations. The combination of large crowds, the city’s cultural identity and the growth of Formula One’s American audience has transformed COTA into an increasingly important event for the championship, while providing American spectators with a permanent venue designed specifically around contemporary Grand Prix racing.
Motorcycle competition forms another important part of the circuit’s identity. COTA has hosted the MotoGP World Championship since shortly after opening, giving the United States a major contemporary motorcycle Grand Prix venue and creating a circuit where the highest levels of both automobile and motorcycle racing regularly compete. The venue has also welcomed FIA World Endurance Championship racing, IMSA, IndyCar, NASCAR, GT competition and numerous national and international categories.
COTA therefore represents more than Formula One’s current American home. It reflects the renewed growth of international circuit racing in the United States and provides a rare meeting point for Formula One, MotoGP, endurance racing, sports cars and major American championships. In little more than a decade, the circuit has established itself as one of North America’s principal motorsport venues and an important bridge between American racing culture and the major international championships.
Visitor Experience
Circuit of The Americas offers one of the finest spectator experiences in world motorsport. The natural hillside terrain provides excellent sightlines across multiple sectors, while the iconic observation tower has become one of modern motorsport’s most recognisable landmarks.
Beyond racing, the venue regularly hosts concerts, festivals, cycling events and driving experiences, making it an active entertainment destination throughout the year. Visitors can also explore Austin’s celebrated live music scene, barbecue restaurants and vibrant cultural life, creating one of the most complete race weekend experiences on the international calendar.
Location
Circuit of The Americas is located approximately 25 kilometres south-east of Austin and only a short distance from Austin–Bergstrom International Airport.
Its central Texas location provides excellent accessibility while allowing visitors to combine world-class motorsport with one of America’s most distinctive and culturally vibrant cities.
Address
9201 Circuit of the Americas Boulevard
78617
Travis County, Texas
USA
Website