Welcome to Formula 1 in America! We visit the vibrant, the energetic Circuit Of The Americas here in Austin. I’m Dev and let’s go for a tour of the track we will race on this weekend.
Alright that’s enough of me trying to be a commentator. Let’s do it the way we have conversations, let’s begin!
Designed by F1 track super-designer Hermann Tilke in partnership with homesoil company HKS. This 5.513km circuit hosted its very first F1 weekend in 2012. It marked the return of the pinnacle of racing to the North American continent after a long 5 years, with Indianapolis hosting the last American race in 2007.
The track draws inspiration from other classic tracks including Silverstone, Japan’s Suzuka and from the land of automobiles Germany. Inaugurated by Mario Andretti an icon in the American motorsport scene (although still able to participate in F1, but that’s for another day), remarked about this purpose built track serving as a platform for promoting F1 and its support series in America.
With the race running the cars in circles for a whole 56 laps, the 20 turns paired with 2 DRS Zones provide an entertaining race; with the total elevation change of 30.9m assisting plenty of overtakes and on the edge driving. The track is built upon 800 acres of land with an immense number of amenities and attractions. Multiple celebrities have performed as part of the F1 weekend. The drivers and teams often comment upon the lively and passionate atmosphere of the crowd.
The pole position list was established with Sebastian Vettel in 2012. However Vettel was not able to convert it to a race win, as Lewis Hamilton won the inaugural United States Grand Prix in 2012. Lewis also holds the record for most wins on this circuit with 6 to his name. On the team’s side, Ferrari holds the most wins in COTA with 10 (Kimi is the latest one :). Curiously the lap record here is standing from 2019, a 1:35.169 by Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari.
So fasten your seat belts and grab our seats, as we prepare for the United States Grand Prix!
The Fastest Sector 