Bruno Mars, Britney Spears to headline shows at Formula One U.S. Grand Prix

Ellen J. Horrow | USA TODAY

The U.S. Grand Prix is getting a massive infusion of star power for its Formula One weekend in October.

If the sleek and powerful cars driven by some of the world’s most talented drivers, like Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel, weren’t enough of a draw, the Circuit of the Americas has upped the ante with the announcement that global superstars Bruno Mars and Britney Spears will headline concerts at the Austin facility.

Mars, one of the most popular entertainers in the world today, will be the first to take COTA’s SUPER STAGE, performing a set following qualifying on Oct. 20. The iconic Spears closes out the weekend with a concert on the same stage following the race on Oct. 21.

Mars, a celebrated singer, songwriter, musician and producer, has sold more than 180 million singles worldwide and has been nominated for 27 Grammy Awards. His most recent album, 24K Magic, has been certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

Spears launched to stardom as a teenager in the 1990s with her album and single … Baby One More Time, which kicked off a global frenzy. The singer, who has sold nearly 150 million records worldwide, just completed a highly successful headlining residency in Las Vegas.

“We’re excited to welcome Bruno Mars and Britney Spears to this year’s United States Grand Prix stage,” said Bobby Epstein, Founder and Chairman of COTA. “The pinnacle of motorsports, two global superstar musicians and all of the festive entertainment that comes with the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix defines the weekend as the greatest sports and entertainment celebration of the year. We are proud to host such an incredible weekend for race and music fans alike.”

Neither Mars nor Spears are strangers to headlining at massive sporting events. Each performed in Super Bowl halftime shows — Spears in 2001 with Aerosmith, 'N Sync, Mary J. Blige and Nelly and Mars twice, in 2014 with the Red Hot Chili Peppers and 2016 with Beyoncé, Coldplay and Mark Ronson.

Formula One also is no stranger to pairing mega concerts with its race weekends. Justin Timberlake performed at the 2017 U.S. Grand Prix, while Pink headlined at last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This summer, former Spice Girl Melanie C (aka Sporty Spice), will take the stage at the British Grand Prix on July 8.

The U.S. Grand Prix is the only Formula One race in the United States. Hamilton won last year’s USGP, the fourth year in a row and the fifth time since 2012 he has prevailed at the Austin circuit. He went on to win the Formula One championship for the fourth time.

Follow Horrow on Twitter @EllenJHorrow