Austin Formula 1 crowd set to smash records as US Grand Prix promoter shrugs off growing backlash over new rules

The United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is on track to set an attendance record, according to race promoter Bobby Epstein, despite backlash over Formula 1's new technical regulations introduced in 2026. Epstein told Reuters that ticket sales are 'on pace for a record year' with 'massive demand,' building on last year's sell-out attendance of over 400,000 spectators across the weekend. The race is scheduled for October 25 and will be the 18th round of the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship.