The real home of F1 in the US? Why COTA still stands above the rest

Expansion into the American market has been a long-term focus for Formula 1, with both Drive to Survive and F1: The Movie helping the sport gain massive popularity in the US.

For this weekend, six teams (McLaren, Williams, Alpine, Aston Martin, Racing Bulls and Haas) have now revealed special liveries as well, underlining the Grand Prix's importance.

Three cities currently host a Formula 1 weekend: Austin, Miami, and Las Vegas.

What sets Austin apart is that it isn’t a street circuit. COTA is an established powerhouse, as beyond F1, other major series such as MotoGP, WEC, and NASCAR also visit Austin throughout the year.

The track itself is also exciting, as sections resemble other famous turns, such as with the Silverstone-esque Sector 1, or the long right corner with multiple apexes from Istanbul. Two long straights that lead into heavy braking zones also create great overtaking opportunities.

The drivers also delivered great battles throughout the years. The previous campaign featured Verstappen against Norris fighting it out for the title, with the Red Bull driver outsmarting the Brit.

When the Dutchman was at the peak of his domination in 2023, winning 19 Grands Prix, Lewis Hamilton was breathing down his neck during the final laps — although he was disqualified for skid wear issues.

Moreover, Austin is also a great setting for a weekend. Similarly to how the US audiences are introduced to F1, global fans can also learn more about the local culture.

Whereas Miami and Las Vegas are big events for different reasons, COTA is a weekend that true petrolheads can enjoy, with the additional show sprinkled on it. It’s the perfect mix for fans around the world — and a model for how to introduce Formula 1 to new audiences.

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