Five Facts About the Circuit of the Americas you didn’t know about

Known for its electric atmosphere and extreme height differences, it's one of the United States Grand Prix is one of the most exciting races on the Formula 1 calendar.

While Miami and Las Vegas bring glitz and glamour, Austin has gone on to make its own reputation as the heart of American motorsport. Before we get on to what makes COTA so special, let's take a quick look back at how things were earlier this year in Miami.

The Miami Grand Prix earlier this year was not a disappointment. Max Verstappen shone for Red Bull once more to take the win after not starting from pole position. What did stand out most to fans and bettors, though, was how the odds changed throughout the course of the weekend. Leading up to the race, sportsbooks around Florida had Verstappen at or around -250, near +400 for Sergio Perez, and +900 for Charles Leclerc.

These odds are an insight into how bookmakers rated their chances. Readers can learn more about these sportsbooks and their betting features on Casinobeats, which include generous bonuses, a wide array of markets to choose from, and fast payouts. What these odds highlight is how oddsmakers saw the perceived dominance of Verstappen, the potential for Perez to compete, and the likelihood of an upset by Leclerc, and provide a snapshot of the current state of competition throughout the entire season, even before setting off to Texas.

This year's Formula 1 season has highlighted how much the US audiences have embraced not only the culture of the sport but also the betting interest in it. With the United States now involved in three different Grand Prixs, Miami, Las Vegas, and Austin, the sport has now fully put its roots in American soil. Also, as the spotlight is now shining on Texas, there's no better time to revisit what makes the Circuit of the Americas such a standout in the calendar.

Before COTA's introduction in 2012, all US Grand Prixs were run on temporary street circuits or converted tracks. Designed specifically for Formula 1, this was the first circuit in America that was built entirely from scratch for the sport. The design was inspired by such iconic corners as Silverstone's Maggotts and Becketts and Hockenheim's section of the stadium. That combination of influences made it a driver's favorite almost immediately.

If there's one corner that defines COTA, it's Turn 1. There's a steep climb (133 feet) from the starting grid, which leads to a blind, tight left-hander at the top. Drivers don't have their eyes on the apex until they are almost on it, the most challenging and spectacular corner in motor racing. The incline is incredible to look at, as well as testing braking precision and traction like few others in Formula 1. It is at every lap a defining moment and often the time where races are won and lost.

While Formula 1 steals the majority of the limelight, COTA is a multi-purpose motorsport facility. MotoGP, IndyCar, NASCAR, and endurance events are also held here. Off the track, it's host to concerts and festivals with artists such as Taylor Swift, Metallica, and Green Day. Due to the track's flexible design, different configurations are possible, and each event can have a different setup. That versatility has ensured that it is not only a once-a-year spectacle but a year-round holiday destination.

Standing 251 feet tall, there is a panoramic view of the entire circuit and the Austin skyline from the COTA Observation Tower. Designed by Miro Rivera Architects, it's instantly recognizable because of its striking red steel "ribbon." From above, fans can see almost all of the major sections of the track, including the sweeping esses and long back straight. It's not just a place to take photos, it's one of the best ways to take in the race from above.

COTA may be relatively new, but Texas weather and changing soil have made it one of the bumpiest roads of the calendar. Several resurfacing projects have attempted to smooth it out, but the undulating surface still forms part of its identity. Drivers frequently remark that it provides another level of challenge, especially through the high-speed sections.