On October 22, 2023, the 52nd Austin, Texas Grand Prix will take place. Since 2012, the Circuit of the Americas, commonly known as COTA, has been hosting the United States Grand Prix. This will mark the second time in 2023 that Formula 1 visits the United States, following the earlier Miami Grand Prix in May. Despite being one of the newer races on the calendar, COTA has garnered significant fan appreciation due to its layout.
Located in Austin, Texas Grand Prix, the circuit was designed by the renowned track architect Hermann Tilke.
Tilke drew inspiration from legendary motorsport circuits such as Suzuka and Silverstone (hosting the Japanese and British Grands Prix, respectively).
Consequently, COTA is celebrated for its diverse characteristics, featuring long straights as well as technical turns demanding substantial downforce. The track for the U.S. Grand Prix is traversed counterclockwise.
While COTA is not specifically categorized as a “power circuit” due to its versatility, Mercedes has claimed victory in five out of the past six editions. The stretch between turns 11 and 12, in particular, emphasizes the importance of a robust engine. Nevertheless, the technical nature of the turns underscores the necessity for a well-designed chassis. In 2019, Max Verstappen secured a third-place finish, besting Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari.
Formula One’s American Odyssey
In August 2009, Bernie Ecclestone, the president of Formula One, declared that there were no immediate plans to bring Formula One back to the United States, vowing ‘never to return’ to Indianapolis. However, just before the start of the 2010 season, Ecclestone continued to fuel speculation, suggesting that a return to Indianapolis was not entirely ruled out.
Efforts were made to explore the possibility of hosting a race in the New York City region. In March 2010, Ecclestone revealed ambitions to bring a Formula One race to New York City for the 2012 season. He proposed that the race would unfold across the Hudson River in New Jersey, with the Manhattan skyline providing a stunning backdrop to the circuit.
Plans for a circuit in Jersey City’s Liberty State Park surfaced in May 2010 but were swiftly abandoned. Subsequently, a race in West New York and Weehawken was announced in October 2011. Meanwhile, Monticello Motor Club, a circuit complex in upstate New York, submitted a bid to host the race.
COTA: Austin Grand Prix Texas
A deal between Ecclestone and event promoter Full Throttle Productions commencing in 2012. The purpose-built Circuit of the Americas (COTA), designed by German architect Hermann Tilke, was erected on 800 acres of land to the east of the city. In July 2010, promoter Tavo Hellmund promised that COTA would be among the ‘most challenging and spectacular’ circuits globally, featuring corner sequences inspired by the best circuits worldwide.
On November 15, 2011, reports emerged that circuit construction had temporarily halted, awaiting the confirmation of the contract to host the 2012 race.
Concerns were raised after Ecclestone questioned the event’s viability. Following a breach of contract by Tavo Hellmund, a new agreement was forged between Formula 1 and the original track investors, Red McCombs and Bobby Epstein.
This secured the US Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin as originally scheduled in 2012. Sebastian Vettel clinched pole position, but it was Lewis Hamilton, the 2007 winner. Who maintained his unbeaten streak in the US, finishing nearly 40 seconds ahead of third place.
Resilience and Records: Austin Grand Prix Texas
On November 11, 2015, the Texas government reduced funding for the event by almost. $6 million out of the required $25 million. Attendance for the 2015 United States Grand Prix dropped to 224,011 due to heavy rain from Hurricane Patricia. Despite the funding cuts, it was confirmed on March 9, 2016, that the race would continue in Austin.
The 2016 Austin Grand Prix attracted a record crowd due to the thrilling championship battle.
On October 22, 2017, Lewis Hamilton won the race, and the trophy was presented by former US President Bill Clinton. A concert featuring Justin Timberlake contributed to a 40,000 increase in Grand Prix attendance compared to the previous year. In 2018, Britney Spears and Bruno Mars headlined the performances.
Austin Grand Prix Texas
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