Circuit of The Americas (COTA)
Unites States F1 Track Guide
Unites States F1 Track Guide
The 2023 season will see the 12th edition of the US GP at the COTA circuit in Austin, Texas with the track a popular one for drivers and fans alike. A track known for overtaking and very good racing, both local and travelling fans make for a great atmosphere all weekend long. Whether it was Kimi Raikkonen’s final win in F1 or the heated teammate battle in 2015 between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, there have been plenty of highlights over the years. A particular highlight of the circuit is the 133m rise from the main straight into turn 1. Thanks to a USA driver being on the grid for the first time since 2015 in Logan Sargeant, the atmosphere is set to step up in 2023.
While each of our USA Grand Prix Packages comes with a pre-defined grandstand ticket, we’ve created this USA F1 Track guide to help you choose an alternative.
Circuit Length – 5.51km
Number of Laps – 56
Race Distance – 308.41km
Max Speed – 325km/h
Average Temperature in October – 28c
Currency – USD
Closest Airport – Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Language – English
Time Zone – CST: -6hrs GMT
Situated on the start/finish straight, the main grandstand will give you views of the pitlane, all the pre-race build up on the grid as well as the post-race podium celebrations. Being central to the action, everything you need facility-wise is situated directly behind these stands, with the food options in particular being a highlight if grilled meat is your choice. Giant screens are located all along the straight, meaning you won’t miss any of the other action across the rest of the track.
View-wise, it is hard to go past the Turn 1 Grandstand thanks to the unique steep climb from the start/finish straight to the first corner. This is the place to be for the start of the race, witnessing all 20 cars fight for position at the 90-degree Turn 1, all while climbing a 133-metre rise. You will have front-on view of the starting grid and the main straight, while also being able to see cars exit pitlane into the apex of the first corner. The seats at Turn 1 come with backs and cupholders.
A smaller and more budget-friendly stand, Turn 4 is situated in the fast and twisty section of turns toward the end of the first sector. While you won’t see many overtakes, Turn 4 stand will still have plenty of photo opportunities, with the famous observation tower close by as well as the Stars & Stripes run-off at these corners. You will have three large screens visible from the seats, meaning you can keep track of the weekend proceedings.
The newest stand at the COTA and the sole grandstand on the infield section, Turn 6 Grandstand will give you a fantastic view of the esses. While in a similar position to Turn 4 Grandstand, Turn 6 will give you a front-on view of the cars coming through this fast section of track which is modelled after the famous Maggots and Becketts section at Silverstone.
Sat on the outside of the track, the elevated Turn 9 Grandstand gives you a vast view of multiple corners. From these seats, you will be able to see cars exit Turn 7 and descend into the next few corners before entering the Turn 11 hairpin and onto the back straight. There is a giant screen directly in front of the Turn 9 Grandstand.
One of the most popular stands at COTA, Turn 12 is perched right at the end of the long back straight. Thanks to the nature of the circuit, you can see the majority of the track from this grandstand, particularly if you are seated in the higher rows. Here you will have views of overtakes into Turn 12 and this stand is only a short 5-10 minute walk from the F1 Fanzone where you will have plenty of activities to keep you entertained between sessions.
Along with Turn 12, the Turn 15 Grandstand will also give you views of a large amount of the circuit, albeit from a distance. Closest to your seats, you will be able to see overtakes into Turn 12 as well as the following three corners which is often the site of on-track battles and incidents. Like Turn 12, Turn 15 has a giant screen and is a short walk from the main fanzone.
A relatively new stand added in recent years, Turn 19 Grandstand’s seating comes with backs and cupholders. Here you will see the cars come downhill on the exit of Turn 18 and take the flat-out left hander before entering the final corner on the main straight. Turn 19 Grandstand is also located close to the F1 fanzone so you are never far away from anything you need refreshment or activity-wise.
Grand Prix schedules are normally released in the weeks leading up to the event. While schedules do change year on year, the schedule from 2022 (below) should give a good indication of what to expect and when.
FRIDAY 6th MAY | EVENT | TIME |
---|---|---|
Formula 1 Paddock Club Paddock Club FIA Formula 1 FORMULA 1 Air Display W Series Paddock Club Formula 1 FORMULA 1 Porsche Sprint Challenge North America Paddock Club | F1 Driver & Media Activity Paddock Club Track Tour Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk F1 Car Presentation Formula 1 Pirelli Hot Laps FIRST PRACTICE SESSION Red Bull Parachute Drops Practice Session Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk Formula 1 Pirelli Hot Laps SECOND PRACTICE SESSION Practice Session Paddock Club Track Tour | 11:00 – 13:00 12:35 – 13:05 12:50 – 13:50 13:00 – 14:00 13:10 – 13:55 14:30 – 15:30 15:40 – 15:45 16:00 – 16:30 16:35 – 17:05 16:40 – 17:05 17:30 – 18:30 19:00 – 19:30 19:35 – 20:05 |
SATURDAY 7th MAY | EVENT | TIME |
---|---|---|
W Series Paddock Club Porsche Sprint Challenge North America Formula 1 Promoter Activity Paddock Club Formula 1 Formula 1 FORMULA 1 W Series Paddock Club FORMULA 1 Formula 1 Porsche Sprint Challenge North America Paddock Club F1 Experiences | Qualifying Session Paddock Club Track Tour Qualifying Session Press Conference 75 Ferrari Parade Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk Pit Stop Practice Formula 1 Pirelli Hot Laps THIRD PRACTICE SESSION First Race (30 Mins +1 Lap) Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk QUALIFYING SESSION Press Conference First Race (35 Mins +1 Lap) Paddock Club Track Tour Pit Lane Walk & Trophy Photo | 09:10 – 09:40 09:45 – 10:15 10:25 – 10:55 10:30 – 11:30 11:05 – 11:50 11:05 – 12:00 11:10 – 11:40 11:55 – 12:25 13:00 – 14:00 14:30 – 15:05 15:15 – 15:45 16:00 – 17:00 17:00 – 18:00 17:30 – 18:10 18:15 – 18:45 18:15 – 19:00 |
SUNDAY 8th MAY | EVENT | TIME |
---|---|---|
Paddock Club W Series Formula 1 Porsche Sprint Challenge North America Paddock Club Paddock Club Formula 1 Promoter Activity Formula 1 FORMULA 1 | Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk Second Race (30 Mins +1 Lap) Formula 1 Pirelli Hot Laps Second Race (35 Mins +1 Lap) Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk Paddock Club Track Tour Drivers’ Parade Grid Presentation National Anthem GRAND PRIX (57 LAPS OR 120 MINS) | 09:30 – 10:00 10:35 – 11:10 11:30 – 12:15 12:30 – 13:10 13:20 – 14:20 13:25 – 13:55 13:30 – 14:00 14:00 – 14:30 15:14 – 15:16 15:30 – 17:30 |
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