F1 and promoters of the United States Grand Prix have agreed on a five-year contract extension of the event at COTA(Circuit Of The Americas).
The United States Grand Prix will be held at the Circuit of The Americas for the next five years, through 2026, according to a contract renewal announced by Formula 1 on Friday.
Since F1 returned to the United States in 2012, COTA has been a regular on the F1 calendar, and has recently seen a boom in popularity because of the expanding American audience.
The venue’s contract ended at the end of last year’s race, prompting COTA co-founder Bobby Epstein to begin discussions for a new long-term agreement.
Epstein was motivated by the fact that COTA had its largest three-day attendance in history, as well as the best of last season in Formula One, with over 400,000 spectators.
After signing the new contract, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali 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.”
Epstein also expressed delight after the contract extension: “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.”
The Netflix series Drive to Survive has aided F1’s expansion in the United States, which will host two grand prix for the first time since 1984 this year. In May, the Miami Grand Prix will be held for the first time as Las Vegas also expressing interest in hosting a race event that incorporates the city’s famous Strip.
