Rivalries within the paddock are pretty common. The immensely high-octane nature of our sport dictates uber competitiveness. That being said, Formula 1 fans are more accustomed to seeing drivers and team bosses squabble amongst each other. But with the sport moving towards a more commercially thriving era of its existence, one more dimension has added itself to the F1 rivalry iceberg.

In recent years, the sport has shifted its focus squarely toward the United States of America. A prime example of this is the advent of a whopping three US Grand Prix that will take place this year. Three circuits are vying for the top spot in terms of fanfare, longevity, and revenue in the US. Naturally, sparks ought to fly between them. However, this time around it was time for the oldest track on the circuit took to take a swipe at a track that will make its debut this year.

According to RaceFans.net, Circuit of The Americas chairperson Bobby Epstein was quoted as saying, “We were built for racing, unlike Vegas,” while dismissing any possible threat to their established position on the F1 calendar. It wasn’t long before this spread like wildfire over at Reddit.

F1 Fans react as COTA breaks the internet with a stinging putdown to Las Vegas GP

It is rare to see one nation host a Grand Prix at more than one circuit. Hence, the tension between COTA and Las Vegas is understandable. What’s more? This wasn’t even the first time the two have exchanged words. But fans were quick to give their hot take on this particular comment made by Epstein. One fan even commented, “COTA is built for racing. Vegas is built for money.”

Let’s take a look at just a few of the fan reactions from this war of words between an iconic F1 circuit and a newcomer with massive potential.

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Fans were generally in agreement with Epstein. “They’re right. COTA is amazing. Seriously doubt such a basic street track will come close.”

“And he’s absolutely right. Racing wise COTA is one of the best tracks on the calendar.”  

This fan, however, maybe took it a bit too far. He proclaimed, “1 street circuit per season is enough.” Many even leaped to COTA’s defense while taking jabs at Vegas.

“COTA is built for racing. Vegas is built for money.” 

“Vegas is just a money grabbing scheme created by domenicalli targeted for the rich and not actual fans.”

“You think F1 cares about that ?”

All in all, it’s pretty safe to say that F1 fans were team COTA as far as this debate was concerned.

“He’s right about the comparison with Vegas, but we all know that’s not enough to keep their place on the calendar.”

“All the street tracks in the world don’t have shit on COTA.”

“If it was about the racing, Spa and Silverstone wouldn’t be on the chopping block every other year.”

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In the coming years, does Vegas have the potential to outclass COTA?