Every American F1 track ranked: from instant classics to carpark catastrophes

This weekend the F1 championship has rolled into Austin, Texas, for the United States Grand Prix, racing round the Circuit of the Americas.

The venue is a modern classic, adored by fans and drivers for both its spectacle and challenge.

F1 has had a whole host of American circuits over the years though, some brilliant, some downright terrible. We run through them all below, ranking from worst to best - do you agree with our choices?

12: Phoenix (1989-1981)

The Phoenix Grand Prix ran from 1989 to 1991, and was famously outdone on attendances by an Ostrich Racing Festival which happened at the same time each year. More people were interested in watching giant birds compete than F1 cars.

If you looked at the track, you’d understand why. Right-angle turns, one after another, meant the downtown Phoenix track had little personality.

Notorious F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone scrapped the race after three years.

11: Caesar’s Palace (1981-1982)

Before the Las Vegas GP, there was Caeser’s Palace in ‘81 and ‘82.

Run, predictably, round the car park of a casino, McLaren’s John Watson said “It’s probably the least appealing grand prix circuit I’ve ever raced on.”

F1 wouldn’t return for another 40 years.

10: Miami (2022-present)

Set out round the flat parking lot (you'll see a theme appearing here) of the Miami Dolphins NFL team, the Miami Autodrome was always going to struggle to entertain.

Few of its races have put on much of a show, although Lando Norris did take a famous first win there following a fortunate Safety Car period in 2024.

However, commercially this race has been a massive success for F1, with the grid packed out with celebrities and grandstands selling out too.

9: Dallas (1984)

Located in the Dallas suburb of Fair Park, this Grand Prix’s one running in 1984 was so hot the track broke apart.

Some teams had to set up in barns usually used for farming shows, with sweltering conditions so bad that McLaren drivers Niki Lauda and Alain Prost tried to get a boycott on the race organised.

It went ahead anyway, with F1 legend Keke Rosberg commenting: “If the money’s right, we’ll turn up anywhere and do our stuff…”

8: Detroit (1982-1988)

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Another brutal street track in a gritty downtown American city location, Detroit lasted seven editions, but was never loved by the F1 circus.

At least it kind of looked cool, cars tearing past Ford’s Renaissance Centre.

7: Indianapolis (2000-2007)

The home of the Indianapolis 500, run by F1’s American equivalent IndyCar, this track was repurposed to run grands prix too from 2000.

The Mid-West never fully embraced F1, and things hit rock bottom in 2005 when a tyre safety issue for all cars running Michelins meant they couldn’t run in the actual grand prix.

That left just six cars in the race running on Bridgestones, turning into one of F1’s greatest embarrassments. The event was doomed from that point onwards.

6: Sebring (1959)

America’s first ever F1 championship event was run at Sebring in Florida in, the 1959 race passing soon into legend.

Eventual three-time champion Jack Brabham had to push his Cooper over the line to secure his first title, while his team-mate Bruce McLaren - founder of the McLaren team that still runs today - went on to take his first ever win.

The notoriously bumpy track, located on an airport runway, would only see F1 visit once.

5: Las Vegas (2022-present)

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If one race embodies F1’s newfound success in the Drive To Survive era, it’s Vegas.

Set up to see cars scream down the famous Strip, this rapid run round Sin City has put on some entertaining shows, particularly in ‘22 when Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen battled it out.

4: Riverside (1960)

Riverside was a legendary Californian desert blast that no longer exists, since converted into a shopping mall.

F1 ran a championship race there just once, with Stirling Moss coming home first.

Drivers loved the challenge of the track, but it was notoriously dangerous, claiming many lives in the different championships that held rounds there.

3: Circuit of the Americas (2012-present)

This huge facility built in Austin, Texas is designed to have a bit of everything, from breathtaking elevation changes to sweeping chicanes and high-speed straights.

COTA is a fan-favourite, seen as a modern classic and and witness to some intense fights - from Lewis vs Max in 2021 to scintillating Ferrari 1-2 in 2024.

2: Long Beach (1976-1983)

One of F1’s greatest street circuits, Long Beach immediately became an iconic track on its ‘76 debut.

A tight circuit run in a charismatic Californian location, it combined sharp inclines and drops with runs past the Queen Mary cruise liner.

1: Watkins Glen (1961-1980)

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Many see Watkins Glen as the ultimate American F1 track. Located in Upstate New York, its fast, flowing nature was perfect for grand prix cars.

Usually, it was the best drivers of the day who won there, from Jim Clark and Jackie Stewart to James Hunt and Niki Lauda. The NASCAR series still races at the track today.