Welcome to the Texas F1 24 Track Guide!
Discover how to master the famous Texas circuit, officially known as the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). This guide will provide a detailed breakdown of each sector, corner-by-corner tips, previous pole lap benchmarks, and essential car setup advice. Renowned for its fast-flowing corners, heavy braking zones, and dramatic elevation changes, Texas offers one of the most exciting and demanding challenges on the Formula 1 calendar. Whether you’re a seasoned sim racer or just starting your journey, this guide will help you conquer the Texas Grand Prix circuit and improve your lap times.
Circuit Overview
- Location: Austin, Texas, USA
- Length: 5.513 km (3.426 miles)
- Corners: 20
- DRS Zones: 2
- Layout: A challenging mix of high-speed straights, tight corners, and elevation changes, with some sections inspired by other iconic tracks.
- Surface: Smooth asphalt with high grip levels, providing excellent traction for both high-speed and technical sections.
- Unique Feature: The Texas Grand Prix features dramatic elevation changes, with a steep climb into Turn 1 and a downhill section through Turns 12 and 13, making it one of the most visually stunning and technically demanding circuits on the F1 calendar.
Sector 1: (Turns 1-6)
- Turn 1:
This is a sharp left-hander after the main straight, the elevation change is quite dramatic. Hit the brakes and turn in to the apex, bump over the kerb and keep the car stable. Watch out for track limits on the exit of the corner and head down hill building momentum for the fast flowing twisty section that follows. - Turn 2:
Turn into this corner and take plenty of kerb, try not to scrub any speed through this corner, position the car over to the right of the track to set you up for the next set of corners. - Turn 3-4-5:
This is a tricky set of left-right-left corners, it is very similar to the Maggots and Becketts sequence. It requires quick steering inputs to keep the car balanced, and a setup that allows the car to flow over the kerbs. You’ll want to keep the car tight to the apex, but be ready to adjust if the rear end starts to step out. - Turn 6:
This is a sweeping right-handed corner. Stay tight to the inside kerb, you can take quite a bit of kerb here, keep the car to the right of the track to set you up for the next sector.
Sector 2: (Turns 7-12)
- Turn 7:
As you enter this medium speed left hander, the track dips slightly, and it’s essential to brake smoothly while staying balanced through the corner. You can attack the kerb a little here, but be careful not to let the car get unsettled. - Turn 8:
This right hander requires a smooth steering input, the car will naturally want to oversteer if you’re too aggressive, so use a light touch with the throttle and steering to keep everything under control. Ride over the kerb to give yourself the best line for the upcoming turn 9. - Turn 9:
This is a tricky corner because its a blind entry, bump over the kerb but don’t get greedy as you will unsettle the car, use all the track on exit but don’t run wide as this will violate track limits. You need to have a stable setup here as the sausage kerbs on entry, the camber of the corner and the down hill nature of the track, will push the cars stability to the limits, its very easy to get this corner wrong and oversteer. - Turn 10:
Turn 10 is a high-speed left hand kink, ride over the kerb and position the car for the best entry for turn 11, use all the track for maximum speed. - Turn 11:
This is one of the toughest corners at COTA. Brake late and hard but avoid locking the front left into this sharp left-hander, which has a heavy change in direction. Be mindful of traction on the exit, as you’ll need a clean exit for the long straight that follows. - Turn 12:
After the long back straight, brake hard into turn 12, trail brake to the apex and clip the kerb to help rotate the car, don’t brake too late otherwise you will lock the front left and understeer wide, avoid running wide as this will compromise your exit and violate track limits. This is a great overtaking opportunity.
Sector 3: (Turns 13-20)
- Turn 13:
Turn 13 is a medium right-hander, hit the kerb on the inside to help rotate the car, keep the car rotating through this long corner and get the car settled for turn 14. - Turn 14:
This is a little kink that you can pretty much take a straight line through, position your car to line up with the outside of turn 15. - Turn 15:
This is a slow speed left hander, take a wide line on entry to this corner and cut back towards the apex, bump over the kerb to help rotate the car, allow the car to naturally run wide on exit to build momentum for the next sequence of corners. - Turn 16-17-18:
This is a challenging sequence of corners, its 3 right handers that kind of make 1 long flowing corner, similar to the triple apex turn 8 in Istanbul. Make sure to maintain control and stability through these corners, aim for the first apex in turn 16 then let the car follow the path of least resistance through turn 17 to maintain speed, pull the car back to the right of the track on the exit of turn 18 to open up turn 19. - Turn 19:
Turn 19 is a medium-speed left-hander that requires a steady hand on the wheel. Take it as smoothly as possible to carry speed into the final corner, bump over the kerb but watch out for track limits on corner exit, many lap times have been deleted at this corner. - Turn 20:
The final corner at COTA is a slow left-hand corner. Trail brake to the apex and bump over the kerb to help rotate the car, smooth throttle input on the exit is critical to carrying the highest possible speed across the start/finish line.
Full Qualifying Lap
In this section, you’ll find my full Texas F1 24 qualifying lap video, where I push the limits of precision and speed to challenge myself against real-world qualifying lap times. Experience the thrill of navigating Texas’ iconic corners like Turn 1’s dramatic climb, the high-speed S section, and the challenging Turn 11 hairpin. See how my lap stacks up against the best in Formula 1 and witness the technical mastery required to conquer this challenging American circuit. Immerse yourself in the excitement of the Texas Grand Prix and feel the rush of racing at COTA!
Previous Pole Lap Times at Texas Grand Prix
Here are the pole lap times for the Texas Grand Prix in recent years, showcasing the incredible speed and precision required to master this challenging American circuit:
- 2024 Pole Lap: Lando Norris – 1:32.330
- 2023 Pole Lap: Charles Leclerc – 1:34.723
- 2022 Pole Lap: Carlos Sainz – 1:34.356
- 2021 Pole Lap: Max Verstappen – 1:32.910
- 2020 Pole Lap: Cancelled Covid-19
Personal Lap Reflection
Texas is a great track to race at, and my lap was pretty good. The setup provided both excellent straight-line speed and rear-end stability, which helped me maintain control and keep the pace up. One of the highlights of this circuit is the Esses in Sector 1, which are inspired by the iconic Maggots and Becketts. The flow of this section is really satisfying when you get it right.
There are also many opportunities to overtake at this track, and with this setup, you can dive down the inside of Turn 1 or Turn 12 with confidence. I was able to set a pole time that was 0.400 seconds quicker than the AI on 100 difficulty, which I was really happy with. It shows that with the right setup and approach, you can really push the limits at COTA!
Texas F1 24 Setup
For my Texas F1 24 Grand Prix qualifying lap, I used a setup designed for a 35% race distance with 100 AI difficulty. This balanced setup provides stability through COTA’s high-speed sections and technical corners, especially in the Esses and tight Turn 1 and Turn 12 areas. It requires no mid-session adjustments like brake bias or differential changes, offering a “set it and forget it” approach. This setup is reliable and perfect for focusing purely on your lap and race performance, allowing you to push your limits without worrying about constant tweaking.
| Aerodynamics | Front wing | 45 |
| Rear wing | 40 | |
| Transmission | Differential on-throttle | 85% |
| Differential off-throttle | 50% | |
| Engine braking | 80% | |
| Suspension Geometry | Front camber | -3.50 |
| Rear camber | -2.20 | |
| Front toe-out | 0.00 | |
| Rear toe-in | 0.05 | |
| Suspension | Front suspension | 37 |
| Rear suspension | 7 | |
| Front anti-roll bar | 21 | |
| Rear anti-roll bar | 15 | |
| Front ride height | 20 | |
| Rear ride height | 45 | |
| Brakes | Brake pressure | 100% |
| Front brake bias | 55% | |
| Tyres | Front right tyre pressure | 29.5psi |
| Front left tyre pressure | 29.5psi | |
| Rear right tyre pressure | 26.5psi | |
| Rear left tyre pressure | 26.5psi |
Memorable Moments of the Texas Grand Prix
- First US Grand Prix in 5 Years (2012):
The return of Formula 1 to the US after a five-year hiatus was a momentous occasion. The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Texas hosted its inaugural Grand Prix, marking the first F1 race on American soil since 2007. The excitement was palpable as American fans returned to the sport in full force. Lewis Hamilton triumphed in a dominant performance, taking the victory and kicking off the future of F1 in the United States. The atmosphere was electric, and the event proved that Formula 1 had found a passionate and loyal fan base in Texas. - Historic Win for Mercedes (2015):
The 2015 race at the Circuit of the Americas was a landmark moment, as Lewis Hamilton clinched his third World Championship title following a spectacular performance. The race saw an intense battle between Hamilton and his teammate Nico Rosberg, highlighting Mercedes’ ongoing dominance in the sport. Hamilton’s victory further solidified his place in Formula 1 history, while the rivalry between the two teammates kept fans on the edge of their seats. It was another thrilling chapter in COTA’s growing legacy in F1. - The Epic Battle Between Verstappen and Vettel (2017):
The 2017 race at the Circuit of the Americas was one for the ages, with Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel putting on a thrilling show for the fans. Verstappen demonstrated his raw talent, executing a dramatic late-race overtaking manoeuvre that left the crowd in awe. The race is often remembered for Verstappen’s tireless fight and his ability to defend against one of Formula 1’s most seasoned veterans. It was a performance that showcased Verstappen’s emerging brilliance and added another exciting chapter to the history of COTA. - Verstappen vs Hamilton (2021):
The 2021 race at the Circuit of the Americas was one of the most memorable in recent history, featuring a dramatic title fight between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. The weekend was filled with tense moments, and the race itself was no different. Verstappen held on for the win after a fierce defence from Hamilton in the final laps. The battle between the two championship contenders added even more intensity to their season-long rivalry, with both drivers showcasing exceptional skill, determination, and resilience. It was a thrilling chapter in their ongoing championship battle, one that would go down in F1 history. - Kimi Räikkönen’s Victory (2018):
The 2018 race at the Circuit of the Americas was an emotional one, as Kimi Räikkönen claimed a long-awaited victory—his first in nearly five years. The win was made even more special as he held off Lewis Hamilton in the closing laps to secure Ferrari’s first-ever victory at COTA. The atmosphere was electric as Kimi’s loyal fans celebrated with him, witnessing a true testament to his skill, composure, and calm under pressure. It was a victory that not only marked a milestone in Kimi’s career but also added another unforgettable moment to the history of the Texas Grand Prix.
Conclusion
The Texas Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is a true test of a driver’s skill, offering a perfect blend of high-speed sections, challenging corners, and exciting overtaking opportunities. From the technical Esses in Sector 1 to the heavy braking zones of Turn 1 and Turn 12, every corner presents a unique challenge that requires precision and focus. Whether you’re racing at the front of the pack or defending from a fierce competitor, COTA always delivers thrilling action.
With the right setup and understanding of each sector, you can tackle this iconic track with confidence. The history of the Texas Grand Prix has already given us countless memorable moments, and with every lap, you have the opportunity to add your own. Keep refining your technique, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering this legendary American circuit.
I put together this track guide using my trusty Fanatec GT DD Pro 8Nm racing wheel paired with the F1 Esports V2 rim, along with modded CSL pedals for that extra responsiveness. I race on the PS5, seated comfortably in my modified Playseat Challenge. To elevate my performance even further, I gear up with specialized gloves and boots that provide the perfect grip and feel. This setup has truly enhanced my control and precision on the track, making every racing session not just competitive, but incredibly enjoyable!
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