F1 GP 2026: Austin Track with Spectacular New Feature
A new building complete with a cable car looms over Turn 1 in Austin. Behind it is an exclusive private club that will take over the F1 track from 2027.
Anyone following the US Grand Prix in Austin will notice a striking new feature: A new, four-story building towers over the famous Turn 1, with red gondolas floating over the track in front of it.
Behind this is a project that will fundamentally change the Circuit of the Americas.
What is the building at Turn 1?
The building is the clubhouse of “The Circuit”, a private members' club for motorsport fans. It stands on the hill that drivers race up after the start, and according to the operator, offers “the best view in motorsport”. The construction cost around 14 million dollars, covering an area of a good 5,000 square meters.
Inside, there are private boxes with track views, a restaurant, a fitness center, racing and golf simulators, as well as conference rooms. The roof features a Sky Deck with two pools.
The clubhouse is not yet officially open, with the club launching in 2027. However, initial events are already taking place on the roof during the GP weekend.
Cable Car Over the Racetrack
Also striking is the gondola lift, which directly connects the clubhouse to the pit building via four supports and over Turn 1.
It was built by Leitner-Poma, and the cabins can accommodate six people each. However, only club members are allowed to ride.
The Idea Behind the Project
A racetrack like Austin thrives on a few major weekends: Formula 1, MotoGP, NASCAR. For the rest of the year, the facility largely sits empty. The club aims to change this and make the Circuit a year-round destination, with driving experiences, dining, and hospitality every weekend of the year.
The core of the offering: Members receive at least 250 days per year when the Grand Prix track is exclusively reserved for them. In addition, they get priority passes for the new COTALAND amusement park next to the track and access to the Members' Box in the Germania Amphitheater.
What Does This Mean for the Track?
The consequence is drastic: From 2027, the track will only be open to club members, selected races, and special events. For racing schools and amateur racers, 2026 will therefore be the last year on the Circuit of the Americas.
Formula 1 remains unaffected by this. The contract for the US Grand Prix in Austin was extended last year until at least 2034.
What Does Membership Cost?
There are no official prices yet. However, COTA CEO Bobby Epstein told the New York Times that it would likely be the most expensive motorsport club in the world.
