COTA willing to help F1 but post-Vegas race unlikely - Epstein

Circuit of the Americas chairman Bobby Epstein says he would always look to help Formula 1 if needed but doesn’t believe an extra race at the end of this season is likely.

F1 has already announced the Bahrain Grand Prix will be held in Malaysia in early October to replace the postponed round from April, while the ongoing war in Iran has created uncertainty over the final two rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. While F1 will wait as long as possible to allow the races to go ahead as planned, it has been drawing up a list of potential contingencies, with Imola understood to be one venue under consideration.

Asked if the logistical convenience of staying in the United States after Las Vegas, paired with the Austin climate, would mean COTA could also be an option, Epstein suggested there had been no talks to that end so far.

“Well, I think we're happy with what we're doing now and our schedule is pretty full, so I don't think it's possible that it would happen after Vegas this year,” Epstein told Speed City Broadcasting.

“But the world's a dynamic place and if we can accommodate and help our partners with F1 we would do it. But I don't think that's on the cards this year.”

RACER understands F1 is keen to ensure there are at least 22 races held this season, in order to preserve the sporting integrity of teams and drivers knowing the minimum length of the calendar for as long as possible, as well as for contractual reasons.

The addition of the relocated Bahrain race in Malaysia brings the total up to 23 races at this stage, and would mean only one replacement would be required to maintain that 22-race baseline should it not be possible to go ahead with the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds.