A Guide to the Texas Tornado F1® Circuit of The Americas™

As the next race approaches Texas, I eagerly anticipate it, probably because of the McLaren title race between Oscar and Lando, but also due to the disruption Max Verstappen can create and even George Russell, who knows who is going to win...

This race is a high-speed spectacle at the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. This track, the first purpose-built F1® venue in the United States, is a phenomenal blend of global racing icons, demanding absolute precision and bravery.

At 5.513 km and featuring 20 corners, COTA is defined by its dramatic elevation changes and a layout that keeps drivers guessing.

Sector 1: The Iconic Climb and Esses

• Turn 1 (The Tower): The lap begins with an exhilarating, steep 130-foot uphill sprint followed by a blind, sharp left-hand turn. This corner is pure drama and a prime overtaking opportunity on the first lap. Drivers must brake hard while climbing, relying on instinct over vision.

• Turns 2 – 6 (The Esses): This incredible sequence of rapid left-right-left transitions is directly inspired by the legendary Maggotts, Becketts, and Chapel complex at Silverstone.

Sector 2: Power and Precision

• Turn 11 (The Hairpin): After a challenging technical mid-section, drivers brake heavily for this tight left-hand hairpin. It’s a good overtaking spot, critical for a clean exit onto the track’s longest straight.

• The Back Straight: This section sees F1® cars reach blistering speeds of over 320 km/h (200 mph) and is the primary DRS zone, guaranteeing high-speed slipstreaming action before the technical Sector 3.

• Turn 12: A heavy braking zone and sharp turn-in, often the scene of late, desperate dive-bombs after the long straight.

Sector 3: Stadium Section and The Final Test

• Turns 13 – 15 (The Stadium Section): This section, inspired by the stadium configuration at the Hockenheimring, is a challenging series of mid-to-low-speed corners.

• Turn 20 (The Andretti): The final corner. This slow, tricky left-hander demands smooth throttle application and a perfect exit to carry maximum speed across the start/finish line.

COTA is a supreme test of a modern F1® car, blending the high-speed thrills of Europe with the unique demands of American track design. It’s a venue that never disappoints!

And as always, when the lights go out and the drama unfolds, here at Senate Grand Prix, there is only one winner, and that's you, the race fans!