The 3.427-mile (5.515 km) circuit is situated on 890 acres (3.6 km2) and is located 14 miles (22km) southeast of central Austin. It has a challenging, undulating layout with a high point on the apex of the opening corner. Features of the circuit include a distinctive 77m observation tower, the landscaped ‘Grand Plaza’ area, Austin360 Amphitheater and the permanent main grandstand, which holds 9000 fans. As well as hosting the US Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Circuit of the Americas also stages annual MotoGP and FIA World Endurance Championship races.
The 2020 United States Grand Prix was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the event returned in 2021 with a sell-out crowd in attendance. Over 400,000 fans flocked to the circuit over the race weekend, making it one of Formula 1’s best attended events in history. With the sport’s popularity rising, the United States Grand Prix is joined by a second race in America from 2022 onwards. The inaugural Miami Grand Prix is set to take place in May.