F1: Grand Prix continues at Circuit of the Americas until 2034
F1 secures the Austin Grand Prix until 2034 through a contract that cements the U.S. as a key player in its global expansion.
Photo of Jeff James in Unsplash
Formula One (F1) and the organizers of the United States Grand Prix have announced an agreement that will keep the event at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) until the 2034 season.
What does this extension contract mean?
- Long-term permanence guarantee: The Austin race, which began in 2012, had a contract that was set to expire after the 2026 season. With this extension, F1 ensures that the American event will remain at COTA for at least nine more seasons.
- Confidence in the US marketF1 has experienced a boom in the United States—both in in-person attendance and in TV/streaming viewership. Maintaining a firm base in Austin reinforces that strategy.
- Local and state economic impactAuthorities in Texas and Austin have welcomed the agreement, noting that the Grand Prix generates hundreds of thousands of visitors, tourism revenue, hotel revenue, and other services. It is estimated that since its inception, the event has generated around 7 billion dollars for the economy of Austin and Texas.
- Stability for teams, sponsors and fansA long-term contract allows for investment, planning for infrastructure improvements, hospitality development, longer-term marketing, and consolidating the fan base in the region.
Why COTA and why Austin?
COTA is the only purpose-built F1 track in the U.S. and has demonstrated its ability to draw large crowds—over 400,000 attendees on recent weekends.
The city of Austin boasts culture, tourism, and international influx, making it attractive for a global event.
Hosting the Grand Prix there fits into F1's strategy of expanding its footprint in North America, which also includes races in Miami and Las Vegas.
What expectations and challenges does it bring?
Expectations:
- An increase in investment in fan experience, side entertainment, concerts, and premium hospitality.
- New sponsorship opportunities and global brand activations that enhance both the sporting event and the tourism destination.
- Consolidating F1 among young American audiences is crucial to the sport's future growth.
Challenges:
- Maintain the track, infrastructure, and services at the level required by F1 (safety, logistics, transportation, accessibility).
- Preventing the offer from becoming "customized": maintaining the innovation, excitement, and relevance of the Grand Prix compared to other competing venues.
- Balancing costs to the city/state with real benefits: Contract extensions typically involve financial commitments, incentives, or public subsidies.
- Competing with other races and continually improving the event's appeal so that it remains "one of the biggest on the calendar."
F1 strengthens its commitment to Austin in the Grand Prix
This agreement between F1 and COTA represents a clear commitment to the future: the U.S. Grand Prix is not only maintained, but also strengthened as a strategic pillar of the sport in North America. For Austin, it marks the beginning of a decade of continuity that can translate into sporting, tourism, and economic benefits. For fans, it means knowing they will be guaranteed a weekend of top-level speed and entertainment at this venue for many years to come.
For more stories like this, follow More Latin.
Sources:
English 
Spanish