F1 has announced that the US Grand Prix will remain on the F1 calendar until the end of 2026 season.
Having previously been held at Sebring, Riverside, Watkins Glen, Phoenix and Indianapolis between 1959-2007, the US GP settled at Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas in 2012 where it remained ever since despite an one-season hiatus in 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
A cracking race in 2021 won by eventual champion – Max Verstappen by just 1.333 seconds from Lewis Hamilton saw a record breaking 400,000 fans in attendance across the race weekend, more than any other race on the calendar last season.
F1 has therefore taken the decision to extend the contract for the US GP until the end of 2026 season, meaning that there will be two visits to the USA across the next five seasons with Miami set to host a race from this season onwards.
Founding Partner of Circuit of the Americas (COTA), Bobby Epstein described this contract extension as a positive after producing “one of the biggest and greatest events” of last season’s calendar.
Epstein also spoke of his joy at the race’s overall success as COTA prepares for its tenth F1 race across the weekend of 21-23 October 2022, as he said: “We are extremely proud it has found a home in Texas – at Circuit of The Americas – and are grateful to the millions of fans who visited us over our first decade.
“We knew Austin, along with our neighbours in San Antonio and beyond, would be welcoming hosts – and they proved it!
“Thanks to everyone in the Formula 1 community for supporting our endeavours and rewarding our hard work.
“We are glad to have renewed our commitments and look forward to many more years of World Championship racing, entertainment, and fun.”
F1 President and CEO, Stefano Domenicali added that he is “thrilled” to have reached an agreement to retain the US Grand Prix until end of 2026.
Domenicali proceeded to pay tribute to the US GP race promoter for their contribution to this deal as F1’s popularity continues to grow across America following the success of Netflix’s Drive To Survive series, coupled with incredible work of ESPN which holds the broadcasting rights in USA.
The ex Ferrari boss also added that the race “is a favourite for all the drivers,” with the paddock excited to return in October with the new cars following a change of technical regulations.