Formula One racing returns to Austin at an opportune time for the sport: ratings have nearly doubled in the U.S. over the past two years. "Everyone feels great about where we are and couldn’t be happier with the path to get here — it certainly wasn’t as smooth as we would have hoped but the hard work of all the employees and our city being very welcoming, and the fans and teams embracing what we’ve created, is what has made this possible," COTA Chairman Bobby Epstein said.