Formula 1 is set to return to the United States this weekend for the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, a venue that has become a popular fixture on the racing calendar since its debut in 2012. The sport currently holds three events in the U.S., with races in Miami in May and a night race in Las Vegas scheduled for November.

The increasing popularity of Formula 1 in the United States has been partly attributed to the success of the Netflix series "Drive to Survive." However, the sport's history in the U.S. is marked by a varied reception over the years, with some races achieving lasting fame while others are less remembered.

Formula 1 has been hosted in eleven different American cities and towns throughout its history. These locations range from iconic circuits like Indianapolis, Watkins Glen, and Long Beach to more unconventional sites such as the streets of Dallas and the parking lot of Caesars Palace.

The sport's presence in the U.S. has seen significant evolution. Early races took place at venues like Riverside, California, where John Surtees was captured driving his Lotus in 1960. John Surtees drives his Lotus on a public highway to the 1960 US Grand Prix at Riverside in California

Later, venues like Watkins Glen in New York hosted memorable events, including Jim Clark's victory celebration in 1967, with fans eagerly watching from outside. Jim Clark, wearing a hat, celebrates victory at Watkins Glen after the podium celebration in 1967. Fans are pressed against a window outside, trying to get a glimpse of him Even unique events like a church service held in the pits occurred at Watkins Glen in 1973. A priest conducts a church service in the pits at the United States Grand Prix at Watkins Glen in 1973. A large crowd is gathered in front of him.

Detroit also featured on the calendar, hosting races where drivers like Ayrton Senna were present, as seen in images from the 1986 Grand Prix. Ayrton Senna sat in his black and gold Lotus, speaking to Lotus team members, with high-rise buildings in the background before the 1986 Detroit Grand Prix

The sport has not shied away from varied settings, including the distinctive Caesars Palace circuit in Las Vegas, where the Williams of Alan Jones led the field in 1981. The Williams of Alan Jones leads the field into the first corner of the 1981 Caesars Palace Grand Prix. The mountains of Nevada can be seen in the background More recently, the new Las Vegas Grand Prix has seen races unfold along the iconic Strip. Red Bull's Max Verstappen leads the field down the Strip during the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix. Illuminated builds visible include the Trump International Hotel, Caesars Palace and The Venetian

Incidents, such as the manhole cover issue during the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix, have also been part of the U.S. race history. Repairs to a manhole cover take place during the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix The sport's narrative in the U.S. also includes dramatic moments, like the collision between James Hunt and John Watson at the start of the 1977 Long Beach Grand Prix. The McLaren of James Hunt is tipped into the air as it collides with Brabham of John Watson at the start of the 1977 Long Beach Grand Prix

As Formula 1 continues to expand its footprint in the United States with new venues and growing fan engagement, its historical connection to the country remains a rich tapestry of memorable races and evolving experiences. The sport's future in the U.S. appears strong, with multiple events now established on the calendar and a rising interest fueled by popular culture.