COTA secures five-year contract extension

Following its contract extension with Bahrain, Formula 1 has announced that the Circuit of the Americas has secured a five-year extension, meaning that the United States Grand Prix will remain part of the F1 schedule until 2026 inclusive.

The sport returned to the US in 2021, following an enforced break due to the pandemic, to a huge reception with a record-breaking crowd in Austin of 400,000 fans to witness Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton battle it out, before the Dutchman took his maiden win on American soil.

The first F1 race at COTA took place in 2012 with 100,000 fans in attendance to see Lewis Hamilton take victory with McLaren. Since then, the race has gone from strength to strength culminating in last year’s race with crowds four times the number seen in 2012. The City of Austin has become one of the favourite destinations for all the teams, fans and drivers with its warm hospitality and vibrant atmosphere.

Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1, said: “We are thrilled to be announcing the extension with the Circuit of The Americas ahead of the exciting new 2022 season. I want to thank the promoter for their ongoing dedication and enthusiasm for Formula 1 where together we are continuing to grow the excitement around our sport in the US following the huge success of Netflix, the work of ESPN, and the incredible season we had in 2021. Austin is a great city, and the track is a favourite for all the drivers, and we cannot wait to be back in October for more action and entertainment.”

Bobby Epstein, Founding Partner at Circuit of The Americas, said: “The Formula 1 United States Grand Prix has become one of the biggest and greatest events in the world. We are extremely proud it has found a home in Texas - at Circuit of The Americas – and are grateful to the millions of fans who visited us over our first decade.

“We knew Austin, along with our neighbours in San Antonio and beyond, would be welcoming hosts – and they proved it! Thanks to everyone in the Formula 1 community for supporting our endeavours and rewarding our hard work. We are glad to have renewed our commitments and look forward to many more years of World Championship racing, entertainment, and fun.”