Circuit of the Americas introduces private club and faces track surface criticism

Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is launching 'The Circuit,' an exclusive multi-level private club with a capacity of only 300 members. Located near Turn 1, the facility connects to the main paddock via a cable car. The club will operate as a year-round social venue starting January 2, with 250 memberships reserved for North Americans and 50 for international and corporate members. To compensate for the main track becoming less accessible to regional clubs due to this private model, COTA plans to build a second, shorter track on an adjacent plot of land.

Separately, the track's surface quality has become a point of contention within Formula 1. Some drivers have described the track conditions as 'unacceptable' due to significant bumps caused by the clay-based soil expanding and contracting with weather changes. While some competitors have expressed concerns regarding physical strain and spinal health, Lewis Hamilton defended the circuit. Hamilton stated that the bumps provide the track with character and a unique challenge, noting that while a perfectly flat track would be ideal, the current conditions make the layout more special.