UP THE HILL. INTO THE FIGHT.
COTACircuit of The Americas
Austin starts with a climb and never settles into one kind of circuit. The lap keeps asking the car a different question.
THE RACE WEEKENDThe lap, in numbers.
RACE LAP RECORD
1:36.169QUALIFYING BENCHMARK
1:32.029AUSTIN ARRIVES
2012COTA opened in 2012 and hosted its first United States Grand Prix that year.
Race lap records and qualifying laps are different measures. Facts checked 2026-11-04. Official F1 circuit facts. Qualifying benchmark source · Opening dates refer to the venue’s origins; layouts may have changed.
Where the lap is won. And lost.
TURN 1
Look uphill.
The broad opening corner sits at the top of the climb. It gives the drivers room to try different approaches.
TURNS 3–6
Join the changes.
The quick sequence recalls other great flowing circuits. Watch how the car handles each change of direction.
THE STADIUM SECTION
Slow it down.
The tighter Turns 12–15 bring a different rhythm before the lap works back towards the finish.
Austin, on your clock.
23 October – 25 October 2026
ROUND 18| Session | Track date | Track time | Your time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practice 1 | Fri 23 Oct | 12:30 | — |
| Practice 2 | Fri 23 Oct | 16:00 | — |
| Practice 3 | Sat 24 Oct | 12:30 | — |
| Qualifying | Sat 24 Oct | 16:00 | — |
| Race | Sun 25 Oct | 15:00 | — |
Saved schedule from Jolpica, checked 2026-11-04. Times may change. Track time zone: America/Chicago · Your time zone: your device’s time zone. Your date is shown when it differs from the track date.
Less guesswork. More racing.
GETTING IN
Start with your gate.
Check the gate and transport instructions attached to your ticket before setting off. The nearest entrance on a map may not be the entrance for your grandstand.
Allow time for the walk and security checks. Confirm current access, permitted items and accessibility arrangements with the organiser.
EVENT & ACCESS INFORMATIONCHOOSING A VIEW
Different seats. Different race.
Turn 1 gives the elevated view. The stadium-section stands around Turns 15–16 put you nearer the slower action.
Check the current seating plan and the view from your exact block. Ticket categories and sightlines can change between events.
F1’S CIRCUIT & VIEWING GUIDEWhat should I check before travelling?
Your ticket gate, current transport arrangements, entry rules and weather forecast. Confirm accessibility and permitted items with the organiser.
Is the lap record the fastest lap ever driven here?
No. A race lap record is set during a Grand Prix. Qualifying laps happen under different conditions and are a separate benchmark.
