Hamilton names Austin's COTA the best US F1 track as fans surge

When Lewis Hamilton, seven‑time Formula 1 World Champion and driver for Ferrari declared Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas the “best track in the States” during an interview with Motorsport.com on October 17, 2025, the news rippled through the paddock and among the 440,000‑plus fans who flocked to the venue last year.

The comments came just hours before practice began for the 2025 United States Grand Prix, a weekend that promises sprint action, a night‑time qualifying duel and, as Hamilton hinted, another chapter in a story that’s turned Austin into a bona fide F1 pilgrimage site.

Why COTA Has Captured America’s Imagination

Back in 2012, the inaugural race attracted roughly a quarter‑million spectators across the three‑day weekend. Fast‑forward to 2024, and the attendance figure swelled to over 440,000 – a 76% jump that makes COTA one of the most‑watched events on the global calendar.

Part of that surge, Hamilton notes, stems from pop‑culture breakthroughs: the Netflix series “Drive to Survive” and the 2023 feature film “F1” turned casual viewers into weekend‑ticket buyers. “The first time we came here, people were like ‘Formula 1? What’s that?’ Now the streets are packed with people in embroidered shirts and cowboy hats. It’s a cultural crossover,” he said.

Beyond the media, the track itself offers a blend of technical challenges and fan‑friendly features. The 5.513‑kilometre (3.426‑mile) layout boasts a 40‑metre climb into Turn 1 – a signature that even non‑racing tourists recognize as the “big hill”. The mix of fast sweepers, tight hairpins and long straights creates overtaking opportunities that drivers love and spectators can feel in the pit lane.

Hamilton’s Record‑Breaking History at Austin

Hamilton isn’t just a fan of the venue; he’s its most successful driver. Five United States Grand Prix victories – in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2019 – put him ahead of Max Verstappen, who has three wins.

He also shares the pole‑position record with Michael Schumacher, each having secured four poles at COTA (Hamilton in 2007, 2016‑2018; Schumacher in 2000‑2002, 2006). Those numbers matter because a front‑row start at the circuit dramatically increases the chance of a podium finish – the track’s first corner is unforgiving for anyone stuck behind a slower car.

“Every time I come back, the track feels a little bit bumpy, like the underground is shifting,” Hamilton joked, adding that the slight undulations actually add character. He praised the recent expansion that introduced a theme‑park‑style entertainment zone, turning the race weekend into a festival rather than a single‑day sport event.

Voices from the Grid: Drivers and Organizers React

Hamilton’s praise was echoed by fellow drivers. Daniel Ricciardo told ESPN on October 16, 2025, “I think they’ve nailed the circuit. For a modern‑day track, it’s definitely the best there is. I love it.”

Even the champion from the Netherlands, Max Verstappen, admitted the atmosphere is unique: “The fans here are louder than most – you feel the energy in the pit wall.”

From the organisational side, Bobby Epstein, Chairman of the Board for COTA, highlighted the strategic push into the American market. “Our goal has always been to make the United States Grand Prix the marquee event on the F1 calendar. The numbers prove we’re getting there,” he said, referring to the 2025 ticket‑sale surge that broke the 2024 record by 12%.

Economic and Cultural Impact of the U.S. Grand Prix

The economic ripple extends far beyond the racetrack. Austin city officials estimate the 2024 weekend generated roughly $350 million in direct spending – from hotels and restaurants to merchandise and transportation. Local breweries reported a 40% increase in sales during race week, and the new theme‑park zone added an estimated $45 million in ancillary revenue.

Culturally, the event has become a showcase for Texan hospitality. Hamilton has been spotted in embroidered shirts bearing the Texas flag and a sharp cowboy hat, a nod that fans replicate in droves. The blend of motorsport excitement and Southern charm has even attracted non‑racing celebrities, turning the Grand Prix into a star‑studded social calendar.

What’s Next for the Track and the Championship?

The 2025 schedule rolls out as follows: practice on Friday, October 17 at 12:30 CDT; a sprint qualifying session later that evening; sprint race on Saturday morning; and the final qualifying on Saturday night, with the race Sunday, October 19.

Looking ahead, the FIA is evaluating a potential “night‑race” concept for COTA in 2027, which could further boost global TV ratings. Meanwhile, Hamilton hinted that his own future with Ferrari may see another move, but he remains committed to making Austin his favorite weekend – “I’m already counting down the days,” he laughed.

Key Facts

• Circuit of the Americas opened in 2012 and features 20 turns over 5.513 km.
• Attendance grew from ~250,000 in 2012 to >440,000 in 2024.
• Lewis Hamilton holds five US Grand Prix wins at COTA.
• 2025 race weekend runs October 17‑19, with sprint qualifying on Friday night.
• Economic impact on Austin exceeds $350 million per weekend.