The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is an impressive racing facility situated in Austin, Texas, just a short distance from the city’s vibrant downtown area. The 3.426-mile (5.514 km) racing circuit boasts 20 turns and a 133-foot elevation change, making it an exhilarating challenge for both drivers and spectators alike. Designed by renowned F1 circuit designer Hermann Tilke, the facility was purpose-built for Formula One racing and has since attracted various motorsports events, including MotoGP, IndyCar Series, and NASCAR. In addition to racing, the COTA also hosts concerts, conferences, and other entertainment events, making it a true world-class destination.
A Brief History of COTA
The Genesis of the Circuit
The idea for the Circuit of the Americas was first proposed in July 2010 by Tavo Hellmund, a former racing driver and promoter. Hellmund collaborated with Texan motorcycle world champion Kevin Schwantz and German architect Hermann Tilke to create an initial plan for the circuit. The project’s major investors included Texas billionaire Red McCombs and Bobby Epstein.
COTA was designed to revive the United States Grand Prix and to establish a new home for Formula One in the country. The final circuit masterplan was developed by HKS, Inc. and Tilke, with additional facilities such as the main grandstand, observation tower, and amphitheater being designed by Austin-based architectural firm Miro Rivera.
Construction and Challenges
Construction of the Circuit of the Americas began on December 31, 2010, and was initially scheduled to be completed by June 2012. However, the project faced several obstacles, including funding issues and disagreements among the management team. These disputes led to a temporary halt in construction and a revised completion date in August 2012.
Despite these challenges, the circuit was completed at an estimated cost of $300 million, and the track officially opened on October 21, 2012. The first Formula One race at COTA, the 2012 United States Grand Prix, took place in November of the same year, marking the return of F1 racing to the United States after a four-year absence.
The Circuit Layout and Design
The Circuit of the Americas is a counterclockwise track with 20 turns and a 133-foot elevation change, making it an exciting challenge for drivers. The layout draws inspiration from various European Formula One circuits, including Silverstone’s Maggotts-Becketts-Chapel sequence, Hockenheim’s stadium bends, and Istanbul’s Turn Eight. The circuit’s design also features a deliberate widening of corners to encourage multiple racing lines and provide a thrilling experience for spectators.
One of the most distinctive features of COTA is the steep climb towards Turn 1, which is followed by a series of high-speed esses inspired by Silverstone’s Maggotts-Becketts-Chapel section. This challenging sequence of turns is a true test of a driver’s skill and has received high praise from racers and fans alike.
Facilities at Circuit of the Americas
Grand Plaza
The Grand Plaza is a 20-acre space that serves as the central hub of the Circuit of the Americas. Designed by Miro Rivera Architects, the plaza features a large reflecting pool, lawn, and various landscape zones. A promenade along the north side of the plaza hosts concessions, retail, restroom facilities, and entrances to spectator seating. Two pedestrian bridges provide access to other areas of the circuit complex.
Observation Tower
The Circuit of the Americas is home to a 251-foot observation tower designed by Miro Rivera Architects and built by Patriot Erectors. The tower features a high-speed elevator and a double helix staircase that leads to an observation platform 230 feet above ground level. The platform offers a 360-degree panorama of the circuit and views of downtown Austin. The tower’s unique design, inspired by the visual imagery of sports cars and movement, is complemented by a red color that represents the streaks of light trailing race cars at night.
Germania Insurance Amphitheater
The Circuit of the Americas also features an open-air amphitheater with a seating capacity of 14,000 people. Designed by Miro Rivera Architects, the amphitheater hosts concerts and other events at the base of the observation tower. The venue was initially known as the Austin360 Amphitheater but was renamed the Germania Insurance Amphitheater in 2020 under a seven-year deal with the Brenham, Texas-based insurance company.
Main Grandstand
The main grandstand at COTA, designed by Miro Rivera Architects, provides seating for approximately 9,000 spectators across three levels. The majority of seating is covered by a tensile fabric canopy, offering protection from the elements. The grandstand also features concessions, restrooms, offices, and two lounge spaces on the second and third levels.
Bold Stadium
In August 2017, it was announced that a new soccer-specific stadium would be built at COTA, located between the amphitheater and the Grand Plaza. The stadium, which seats 5,000 people, is home to the Austin Bold FC soccer team and the Austin Gilgronis rugby team.
Racing Events at Circuit of the Americas
Formula One
COTA was specifically designed to host the United States Grand Prix, which returned to the F1 calendar in 2012 after a four-year absence. The inaugural race saw a thrilling battle between Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel, with Hamilton ultimately claiming victory. The circuit has since become a staple on the F1 calendar, providing exciting races and memorable moments for fans and drivers alike.
MotoGP
The Circuit of the Americas has been the home of the Motorcycle Grand Prix of the Americas since 2013. The event is part of the MotoGP World Championship, attracting top motorcycle racers from around the globe.
IndyCar Series
COTA joined the IndyCar Series calendar in 2019 with the running of the AutoNation IndyCar Challenge. However, the 2020 race was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the circuit was unexpectedly dropped from the 2021 calendar despite a previously announced multi-year agreement.
NASCAR
In 2021, COTA hosted its first-ever NASCAR Cup Series event, the EchoPark Texas Grand Prix. The Xfinity and Camping World Truck Series also held races at the circuit as support events. The inaugural race weekend was affected by rain, but the event still drew large crowds and showcased the versatility of the circuit.
Record Lap Times
Official lap records at the Circuit of the Americas can only be set during races. The current unofficial lap record is 1:32.029, set by Valtteri Bottas in a Mercedes AMG F1 W10 EQ Power+ during qualifying at the 2019 United States Grand Prix.
Future Developments and Challenges
As the Circuit of the Americas has aged, the clay-like soil on which it is built has caused the track surface to become increasingly bumpy. In response to complaints from drivers and motorcycle riders, repair works and resurfacing were carried out in 2019 and 2020. However, some issues still remain, prompting further calls for improvements to the track surface.
Despite these challenges, the Circuit of the Americas remains a popular destination for racing events and entertainment, and its future looks bright. In 2021, COTA secured a five-year contract extension to host the United States Grand Prix until at least 2026, solidifying its place on the Formula One calendar and ensuring a continued legacy of world-class racing in the heart of Texas.
