F1 announces mega contract extension for US GP till ‘this’ date

F1 announces mega contract extension for US GP till ‘this’ date

Circuit of the Americas

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has confirmed that the United States GP will be held at least until 2026 at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. COTA promoter and founding partner Bobby Epstein got into the negotiations with F1, looking for a long-term extension after the venue saw the highest three-day attendance of 400,000 amongst all the circuits in the last season.

The race weekend will arrive in COTA from 21-23 October 2022, after the Japanese GP. The circuit will also host the W Series championship on the same weekend before the F1 GP.

The 5.5km long circuit held its first race in 2012 and saw the then McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton as its winner. Last year, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen grabbed P1 ahead of Lewis Hamilton after an intense battle between both drivers. Another highlight of the race was that of Red Bull’s Sergio Perez driving in the Texas heat without water as his water dispenser failed after the third lap.

FS Video

F1’s CEO and Epstein share their thoughts.

Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez on the 2021 GP podium at Circuit of the Americas
Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and Sergio Perez on the 2021 GP podium at Circuit of the Americas

Stefano Domenicali and Bobby Epstein shared their delight at the announcement. The feeling was mutual from both parties.

Stefano Domenicali said: “We are thrilled to be announcing the extension with the Circuit of the Americas ahead of the exciting new 2022 season. I want to thank the promoter for their ongoing dedication and enthusiasm for Formula 1 where together we are continuing to grow the excitement around our sport in the US following the huge success of Netflix, the work of ESPN, and the incredible season we had in 2021. Austin is a great city, and the track is a favorite for all the drivers, and we cannot wait to be back in October for more action and entertainment.”

Bobby Epstein, speaking on behalf of the promoters of the circuit said, “The Formula 1 United States Grand Prix has become one of the biggest and greatest events in the world. 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 neighbors in San Antonio and beyond, would be welcoming hosts – and they proved it!”

“Thanks to everyone in the Formula 1 community for supporting our endeavors 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,” concluded Epstein.

As the race will be held towards the end of the season, it will bring a lot of heat and not just from the sun. The track could potentially be a title decider and, if not, spice up the championship even more.

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