At a Glance
- The U.S. Department of Transportation proposes a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C.
- The race would start at the Supreme Court and loop around the National Mall on August 21.
- The proposal requires congressional approval due to a ban on advertising on Capitol grounds.
- Why it matters: It could generate millions in tourism revenue and boost the District’s economic profile.
Fiona Z. Merriweather • Published January 23, 2026 • Updated 2 hours ago
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced a bold plan to bring a Formula 1 Grand Prix to Washington, D.C. The proposal would see race cars traverse the National Mall, starting at the Supreme Court. The move is framed as a boost to tourism and a showcase of American racing heritage.
Grand Prix Proposal
The Department of Transportation issued a statement to News Of Austin outlining the race’s potential. The event is slated for August 21 and would form part of America250 events. The course would begin at the Supreme Court and loop around the National Mall.
“The Grand Prix is an unprecedented opportunity to celebrate our nation’s proud racing pedigree, showcase the beauty of the National Mall, and generate millions in critical tourism revenue for the Capital,” the statement said. “The Trump Administration is determined to make D.C. great again, and this race is another example of that commitment. We’ll keep working with our partners in Congress to outline the positive impacts it will have on the District and correct the record,” it added.
The proposal faces a significant hurdle: congressional approval is required because of a ban on advertising on Capitol grounds. The ban on advertising has historically limited commercial activity around the Capitol, and the Grand Prix would need to navigate these restrictions.
Despite these challenges, the Department of Transportation emphasizes the economic benefits, citing potential revenue from tourism and related spending. The race would attract visitors from across the country, offering a high-profile event that could stimulate local businesses.
The photo accompanying the article shows Lando Norris driving the McLaren F1 Team MCL39 Mercedes during the Formula 1 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix 2025, captured on Nov. 22 2025. The image, provided by Stefano Facchin/Alessio Morgese/NurPhoto via Getty Images, highlights the global reach of Formula 1 and its appeal to American audiences.
The Department of Transportation also noted that the race would be a landmark event for the District, aligning with the city’s vision for growth.
Designs and Infrastructure
The Commanders’ unveiling of stadium designs signals a broader push to modernize sports infrastructure in the capital. The proposed stadium would sit adjacent to the National Mall, offering a new venue for events beyond the Grand Prix.
The Department of Transportation’s statement emphasized that the race would help correct the record on the District’s economic potential. Congressional partners have been engaged in discussions about the logistics and funding required for the event. The Department of Transportation plans to continue outreach to ensure the race aligns with federal regulations and local interests.
The timeline for the event includes securing approval, finalizing track details, and coordinating with the city’s transportation department. The Department of Transportation’s statement also highlighted the need for a robust marketing strategy to attract visitors.
The proposed race would bring international attention to the capital, potentially boosting the city’s profile on the global stage. The Department of Transportation’s statement concluded that the race would serve as a catalyst for future development projects in the District.
The proposal’s success will depend on navigating regulatory hurdles and securing bipartisan support. The Department of Transportation remains optimistic, citing the potential for long-term economic gains.
The official timeline for the event remains fluid, with key milestones to be announced as approvals are secured. Key takeaways: the race could generate millions in revenue, but congressional approval is essential. The proposal highlights the Department of Transportation’s commitment to promoting the District’s growth and national visibility.
Stakeholders will watch closely as the Department of Transportation moves forward with the Grand Prix plan. The potential for long-term economic gains underscores the Department of Transportation’s commitment to the District’s future. The proposal’s success hinges on navigating regulatory hurdles and securing congressional approval, as noted in the statement.
