What Happened to Formula 1 United States Grand Prix?

The Formula 1 United States Grand Prix boasts a rich and often itinerant history, dating back to the American Grand Prize in 1908. Over the decades, the race has been hosted at a diverse array of circuits, including Sebring (1959), Riverside (1960), and most notably, Watkins Glen, which held the event for 20 consecutive years from 1961 to 1980. Following the Watkins Glen era, the Grand Prix experienced several short-lived stints in locations like Phoenix (1989-1991) and a return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's road course from 2000 to 2007, before another hiatus.

The modern era of the United States Grand Prix began in 2012 with its move to the purpose-built Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. This marked a significant turning point, providing Formula 1 with a stable, world-class venue in the US. The circuit, designed by Hermann Tilke, quickly became a favorite among drivers and fans for its challenging layout and vibrant atmosphere. The popularity of Formula 1 in the United States has surged dramatically in recent years, largely attributed to the success of the Netflix docuseries 'Drive to Survive,' which introduced the sport to a new generation of American fans. This increased interest translated into record attendance figures at COTA, with over 400,000 spectators attending the race weekend in 2021 and 440,000 in 2022.

This boom in popularity led to a significant expansion of F1's presence in the US. In 2022, the Miami Grand Prix was added to the calendar, followed by the highly anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2023, making the United States the only country to host three Formula 1 races in a single season. The Circuit of the Americas, however, remains a cornerstone of F1's American strategy. In February 2022, its contract was initially extended through the 2026 season. Demonstrating Formula 1's long-term commitment to Austin, a further eight-year extension was announced in October 2025, securing the United States Grand Prix at COTA until at least 2034.

As of August 2026, the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at COTA continues to be a major event. The 2024 race saw Charles Leclerc secure a dominant victory for Ferrari, breaking Max Verstappen's three-year winning streak at the venue. Max Verstappen then won the 2025 race for Red Bull. The 2026 United States Grand Prix is scheduled to take place from October 23-25, and despite new engine regulations causing some debate, the race promoter, Bobby Epstein, anticipates a record crowd, highlighting the event's enduring appeal beyond just the on-track competition. The extension of the COTA contract also aligns with Apple's exclusive broadcast partnership for F1 from 2026, further solidifying the sport's commercial future in the region.