Circuit of the Americas

Circuit of the Americas, often shortened to COTA, is a purpose-built Grade 1 motorsport facility in Austin, Texas. Opened in October 2012, it was the first track in the United States designed from the ground up for Formula One, and it remains the permanent home of the United States Grand Prix. The Grand Prix layout runs 3.426 miles (5.513 km) over 20 turns and was shaped by designer Hermann Tilke alongside Tavo Hellmund and Kevin Schwantz.

The circuit is famous for its dramatic elevation changes, the most iconic being the steep uphill run into the blind, off-camber Turn 1 that rises more than 130 feet from the main straight. The flowing esses of Turns 3 through 6 borrow inspiration from legendary corners at Silverstone and Hockenheim, while a long back straight feeds a tight hairpin that rewards late braking. The mix of high-speed sweepers, technical complexes, and big braking zones makes it one of the most complete driver tests in North America.

Beyond Formula One, COTA hosts a deep international calendar including MotoGP, the FIA World Endurance Championship, and the NASCAR Cup Series, making it a rare venue that draws the world's top car and motorcycle championships to the same circuit. For drivers, it offers a modern, FIA-homologated benchmark layout where mastering rhythm, elevation, and commitment through Turn 1 separates the quick from the merely fast.