Formula 1 (F1) has confirmed a contract extension with Circuit of the Americas for US GP until the 2026 season.
This is a tremendous fillip to fans of the Sport Worldwide with the event proving tremendously popular as a race venue since its introduction to the Formula One Calendar back in 2012. That first race saw a tremendous win for Lewis Hamilton at the wheel of a McLaren back then.
100,000 spectators were at the event and four times that amount witnessed a thrilling battle between Hamilton and Max Verstappen last season with the Dutchman taking the victory. The circuit and venue have proved tremendously popular with drivers and fans alike and was a welcome re-introduction last season after being COVID affected in 2020.
“We are thrilled to be announcing the extension with the Circuit of the Americas ahead of the exciting new 2022 season,” said Stefano Domenicali. “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.” Meanwhile, from an American perspective, Bobby Epstein of the Circuit of The Americas is equally enthusiastic.
“The Formula 1 United States Grand Prix has become one of the biggest and greatest events in the world,” he said. “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.”
As per the top, the US Grand Prix seems now to have found its home and its place on the F1 Calendar. Formula One is synonymous with America and so many tracks have been used in the past. Watkins Glen, Detroit, Indianapolis to name but three. Now with the success story of the COTA, it now appears that here is the place it will stay.
Here’s how the FIA structure going forward
Here’s F1 numbers from 2021
Here’s contract situation plus penalty points