Which F1 US Races Have The Highest Attendance In North America?

The United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas consistently draws the largest crowds of any Formula 1 event in North America. In 2022 and 2023, Austin recorded over 440,000 spectators across the race weekend, surpassing both Miami and Las Vegas. The Mexican Grand Prix also ranks highly, followed by Canada, but no North American race has matched the turnout seen at COTA.

United States Grand Prix at COTA: The Attendance Benchmark

Consistently Leading the Field in Crowd Size

Since 2012, the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, has hosted the United States Grand Prix. It has consistently drawn some of the largest crowds in the sport.

• In 2022, the event broke records with a reported 440,000 attendees across the weekend.
• The 2023 edition saw 432,000 fans return to the circuit.
• In 2024, COTA reported a crowd of 430,000, maintaining its position near the top of the global rankings.

These figures place COTA among the elite circuits in Formula 1. The venue’s infrastructure, intriguing layout, and strong fan engagement have created a dependable environment for high attendance. The wide range of on-site entertainment, including concerts and paddock experiences, continues to elevate the weekend beyond just racing.

Also see:

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Miami Grand Prix: A Rapidly Growing Market

Building Momentum in the South Florida Heat

First held in 2022, the Miami Grand Prix has rapidly become a staple of the American F1 calendar. The venue combines Formula 1 with the cultural identity of Miami, attracting a diverse audience that includes celebrities, international travellers, and sports fans.

• Miami drew 242,955 spectators in 2022.
• The 2023 race exceeded 270,000 over three days.
• A new high was set in 2024, with 275,000 fans attending the event.

While the figures remain behind Austin’s, the growth trajectory is clear. The combination of urban proximity, entertainment, and a festival-style atmosphere has helped Miami become one of the most commercially successful new races.

Las Vegas Grand Prix: A New Contender

Night Racing on the Strip Attracts Huge Numbers

The return of the Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2023 marked the sport’s most high-profile new addition. Running through the iconic Strip and featuring a night-time format, the event received global attention.

• In its debut year, Las Vegas welcomed over 300,000 fans.
• In 2024, the event held steady at 306,000 attendees.

Despite some operational challenges in its first year, the Las Vegas GP has quickly proven it can attract global audiences. Its location and spectacle ensure it will remain a cornerstone of Formula 1’s American strategy.

Canada and Mexico: Regional Comparisons

High Numbers from Established Circuits

North America hosts more races than any other continent outside Europe. Both Canada and Mexico continue to deliver high attendance despite longer tenure and fewer novelty factors.

• The 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix drew 404,958 fans.
• The Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal surpassed 350,000 in 2024.

These numbers reflect the maturity of those fan bases and the strength of regional interest in the sport. While they do not exceed COTA’s peak numbers, they outperform many European events and demonstrate the continent-wide growth of F1.

Global Attendance Context

How US Events Compare to the World Stage

Few Grands Prix worldwide match the attendance levels seen in Austin. Only Silverstone in the UK has reported consistently higher numbers, including a record-breaking 480,000 fans in 2024. Other major events such as Melbourne, Monza, and Spa regularly report weekend crowds above 300,000, but few push beyond 400,000.

COTA remains unique as a purpose-built American circuit with sustained attendance strength. Its status as the most attended race in the Western Hemisphere solidifies its strategic value to both Liberty Media and the broader F1 calendar.

America’s Role in F1’s Future

With three races drawing between 275,000 and 430,000 fans, the United States has become a central pillar in Formula 1’s commercial and sporting framework. Austin remains the reference point for crowd capacity, but both Miami and Las Vegas are building strong cases for long-term success.

F1’s expansion across North America continues to attract record crowds, and current trends suggest that this momentum will hold. If infrastructure and fan engagement continue to evolve, the United States may soon rival Europe not just in number of events, but in global influence over the sport’s future.

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