The top teams in Formula 1 will continue to visit the state of Texas for a very long time after signing a multi-year extension.
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According to a Sunday morning announcement, F1 teams will continue racing at the Circuit of the Americas road course outside of Austin, Texas, through the 2034 season. This secures the series' future in the state as it continues experiencing significant growth in the United States.
This marks another major extension for F1 and a United States market. Back in early May, the racing series announced it had signed a 10-year extension with the city of Miami. It will continue to hold the Miami Grand Prix through the 2041 season, making this event the longest contracted on the F1 schedule.
"We're glad Formula 1 has found a home in Texas, and are grateful to the fans, teams, and the entire F1 community who have consistently supported us and made the United States Grand Prix a favorite stop on the global calendar," COTA Chairman Bobby Epstein said in a statement.
"Equally, we're proud of — and appreciate — the people of Central Texas who have been such welcoming hosts! With this contract, COTA will overtake Watkins Glen as the longest serving Formula 1 track in the United States. Thanks to the great support and a wonderful host city, the United States Grand Prix has grown to be one of the world's biggest single weekend sporting events — with an unrivaled annual economic impact."
F1 teams first visited the Texas road course in 2012. Lewis Hamilton won the inaugural race after leading 15 of the 56 laps. The open-wheel series then returned to COTA annually with the exception of 2022.
Hamilton won five races in this stretch while Max Verstappen won three. Sebastian Vettel, Kimi Raikkonen, Valtteri Bottas, and Charles Leclerc all won once at the road course.
Daniel Ricciardo did not celebrate a win at the track, but he took part in a memorable event. He drove the late Dale Earnhardt's No. 3 Wrangler Chevrolet around the road course.
"Since 2012, the United States Grand Prix has continued to grow in strength and popularity, and I want to thank the City of Austin and Travis County for hosting us," said Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of F1. "Each year, the event at the Circuit of the Americas stands out as a true highlight for fans, drivers, and teams alike, drawing hundreds of thousands of passionate supporters who come to witness the thrilling on-track action and soak up the vibrant energy of the circuit and the city.
"As Formula 1 continues to grow and thrive in the United States, we are proud to extend our partnership with Bobby Epstein and his outstanding team in Austin, as well as with Governor Abbott, whose leadership has been instrumental in supporting the sport's development in Texas and beyond. Both have shown unwavering commitment to F1, and their shared vision and investment have played a vital role in establishing the strong foundation we now enjoy in the US."
