News Summary
- Formula E assessed at least six possible locations before selecting Austin for its second US race.
- The championship considered permanent circuits, downtown layouts and temporary street tracks during the process.
- Circuit of The Americas will host Formula E for five consecutive seasons, beginning in February 2027.
Austin’s arrival on the Formula E calendar was not simply the product of an available circuit and an existing American motorsport market. The Texan capital prevailed over five rival proposals as the championship searched for a second home in the United States.
Documents obtained by e-Formula.news reveal that Formula E evaluated Laguna Seca, Sonoma, Phoenix, Virginia Beach and Nashville before selecting Circuit of The Americas. The championship ultimately reached a five-year agreement to hold the Austin E-Prix through 2031.
The first edition is scheduled for February 5-6, 2027. Dates for the remaining four events have yet to be confirmed.
Formula E outlined the selection process in a letter sent to authorities in Travis County, where COTA is located. According to the document, each proposal was assessed on technical and sporting feasibility, weather conditions, commercial potential and its long-term strategic value to the championship.
Austin was selected in July 2026, giving Formula E two rounds in the United States alongside Miami. The decision also adds another major international championship to COTA’s portfolio, which already includes Formula 1 and MotoGP.
Laguna Seca, Sonoma and street races were considered
The alternatives covered several different event models. Laguna Seca and Sonoma offered established permanent circuits with considerable motorsport history, while Phoenix was studied as the location for a downtown street race.
Virginia Beach was another possible temporary street-circuit destination. Nashville was also considered, with the Nashville Superspeedway complex among the options discussed. The venue includes a 2.25km road course, although the documents do not establish whether Formula E evaluated that specific configuration.
The variety of candidates illustrates the championship’s attempt to balance sporting requirements with the commercial reach of an American city-centre event. It also shows that Austin’s selection was not automatic despite COTA already possessing the infrastructure required to host international motorsport.
Formula E examined possible additions beyond the United States during the same expansion process, including locations in Germany, Thailand, South Africa, Kenya and Australia.
COTA’s existing facilities reduced the operational uncertainty attached to a completely new temporary venue. Austin also provides an established event market, international transport connections and experience hosting large motorsport crowds.
Austin strengthens Formula E’s US strategy
Adding Austin gives Formula E a second American market without requiring both US events to follow the same format. Miami provides the championship with a major coastal destination, while COTA offers a permanent, purpose-built circuit in one of the country’s most established racing markets.
The agreement also provides continuity. Rather than adding Austin for a single experimental race, Formula E has committed to five consecutive editions, giving organisers and local authorities time to develop the event.
The move comes as the electric championship prepares for its Gen4 era. Formula E has expanded its calendar from 17 to 21 races, while manufacturers are reshaping their programmes ahead of the technical reset. Opel, for example, held talks with Mick Schumacher before selecting its inaugural driver line-up, while Nissan has signed Zane Maloney to partner Oliver Rowland.
The 2026/27 Formula E season begins with a double-header in Jeddah on December 18-19. Austin will then make its championship debut in February as the series begins its five-year commitment to Texas.
FAQ
When will Formula E race in Austin?
The inaugural Austin E-Prix is scheduled for February 5-6, 2027, at Circuit of The Americas.
Which US venues lost out to Austin?
Formula E also evaluated Laguna Seca, Sonoma, Phoenix, Virginia Beach and Nashville before awarding the event to Austin.
How long will Austin remain on the Formula E calendar?
The agreement covers five consecutive editions of the Austin E-Prix, running from 2027 through 2031.
