Image by: Formula 1 (via X)
The United States Grand Prix has seen its fair share of drama, triumph, controversy, and unforgettable moments—especially since its modern revival in 2000. From chaotic races at Indianapolis to stunning comebacks in Austin, here are ten of the most memorable US GP moments since 2000.
1. 2002 Indianapolis: Barrichello edges Schumacher by 0.011s
Ferrari’s teammate rivalry took center stage in 2002. Michael Schumacher led almost the entire race, only to slow on the final lap in what looked like a deliberate attempt to engineer a dramatic finish with Rubens Barrichello. In a photo finish, Barrichello was declared the winner by just 0.011 seconds—one of the narrowest margins in F1 history.
2. 2005 Indianapolis: The Michelin fiasco
Perhaps the darkest day in modern US GP lore, the 2005 race at Indianapolis descended into farce. After two serious tyre failures in practice, Michelin informed its teams their tyres weren’t safe for the high loads in Turn 13. The FIA refused to allow last-minute circuit alterations or alternate tyres. As a result, all 14 cars on Michelin tyres withdrew after the formation lap, leaving just six Bridgestone-shod cars (Ferrari, Jordan, and Minardi) to race. Michael Schumacher won amid boos and jeers.
3. 2007–2011: Transitional years at Indianapolis + Farewell to Indy
While no single blockbuster moment stands out, these years represented a shift. Attendance waned, track issues persisted, and F1’s relationship with Indianapolis frayed. By 2007, the US GP was dropped until its circuit reboot.
4. 2012 Austin inaugural race
When Formula 1 returned to the U.S. in 2012, it did so at a brand-new home: Circuit of the Americas (COTA). The debut brought high expectations—and delivered. Lewis Hamilton won the race for McLaren, while Sebastian Vettel’s second place secured Red Bull the Constructors’ Championship.
5. 2015 rain chaos & qualifying drama
The 2015 US GP weekend at Austin was chaotic. Heavy rain disrupted running, qualifying was delayed and eventually rescheduled for Sunday morning, and drivers improvised to entertain fans off-track (yes, dancing shenanigans). The race itself was run under tricky conditions, with weather playing a role in strategy.
6. 2018: Kimi Raikkonen ends his drought
In Austin 2018, Kimi Raikkonen produced a stirring drive to win in his Ferrari. He overtook Lewis Hamilton at the start, managed his race wisely, and sealed a win that ended a 114-race winless streak—one of the longest in F1 history.
7. 2021: Verstappen vs. Hamilton – tight fight in Texas
The 2021 US GP brought another classic battle. Max Verstappen took pole and held off Lewis Hamilton during the race in front of a sold-out crowd of ~400,000 across the weekend. The stakes were high in the title fight, and COTA delivered.
8. 2023: Disqualifications post-race
In 2023, both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were disqualified after the race due to technical infractions discovered in scrutineering, shaking up final results and fan perception.
9. 2024: Ferrari 1-2 & mid-race drama
Charles Leclerc won the 2024 US GP, leading home a Ferrari 1–2 with teammate Carlos Sainz. The race had its share of eyebrow-raising moments too—Lando Norris, originally finishing third, was demoted after a five-second penalty for an overtake that went off-track after an earlier tussle.
10. Austin’s ambiance & record attendance
While not a single race moment, the atmosphere and fan presence at COTA have become part of the US GP’s identity. In 2022, the three-day attendance reached 440,000—setting a record for F1 in the U.S.
Why These Moments Matter
These ten highlights do more than entertain—they illustrate the story of F1 in America over the past quarter century:
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Controversy & governance: The 2005 tyre debacle showed how regulatory rigidity can backfire spectacularly.
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Dramatic finishes: The 0.011-second win underlines the fine margins in modern racing.
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Redemption and resurgence: Kimi’s win and Ferrari’s 2024 1–2 show how careers and teams can revive.
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Venue rebirth: The shift from Indianapolis to Austin reset the U.S. GP narrative and gave F1 a fresh heartland in America.
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Fans & spectacle: The sheer attendance, energy, and audiovisual production at COTA have turned the US GP into a must-watch for global audiences.
As the 2025 United States Grand Prix approaches, the legacy of these moments looms large. Every lap, every overtake—and indeed every controversy—becomes part of a bigger tapestry. The race is never just about 56 laps; it’s about history, identity, and how each edition ties back to the highs and lows that came before.
