As Formula 1 grows in recognition in North America (and particularly throughout the United States), increasingly Americans have gotten within the sport – and in going to races.
And whereas there are THREE US races on the F1 calendar for 2023, the the one which’s formally often called the United States Grand Prix is the one which takes place on the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas.
Formula 1 has been racing at COTA for greater than a decade, and it is a favourite observe for lots of Formula 1 followers. Austin goes all-out for its Grand Prix, and the weekend has drawn upwards of 400,000 in-person spectators in recent times.
If you are considering of going (or already planning to go) to the USGP at COTA this yr, here is all the things it’s essential to find out about attending this specific F1 race in particular person.
First, just a few F1 FAQs
Since I do know I do not write a few ton of sports activities journey, listed here are the fundamentals for my common readers!
What is Formula 1?
Formula 1 is a sort of motor racing, the place drivers compete in open-wheel single-seater automobiles. Currently, 10 groups every discipline 2 drivers, they usually race at tracks in international locations all all over the world from March-December.
Formula 1 is the highest tier of motor racing; race automotive drivers aspire to get a coveted seat driving in F1, and the competitors is fairly fierce! (If you have watched any of Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” collection, then a bit about it.)
And whereas its recognition is simply now on the rise within the US, Formula 1 isn’t a brand new sport. It formally started again in 1950 – although in fact the automobiles have modified loads since then!
What is the USGP?
The USGP stands for the United States Grand Prix, which is at the moment the official identify of the race that takes place as soon as per yr on the Circuit of the Americas observe in Austin, Texas.
The USGP has been held on and off since 1908, when it was first often called “the American Grand Prize” (although, previous to that the Vanderbilt Cup was the very first American auto racing occasion). The USGP has been held on a wide range of circuits and tracks through the years, together with tracks in Watkins Glen, Detroit, Phoenix, and even Indianapolis.
COTA is ready to host the USGP up till at the least 2026 on its present contract with F1.
Oval observe racing (i.e. like NASCAR) grew into the dominant motor sport within the US, however in recent times the recognition of Formula 1 is rising once more.
Where does the USGP happen?
The United States Grand Prix takes place in Austin, Texas on the Circuit of the Americas observe. The observe was purpose-built to host F1 races again in 2012, and was designed by German architect and observe designer Hermann Tilke.
Tilke, who has designed greater than a dozen tracks all over the world, took favourite components from his different observe designs and put all of them into COTA. The observe is 3.426 miles (5.513 kilometers) lengthy, and the USGP race size is normally 56 laps right here.
When is the United States Grand Prix?
In 2023, the Formula 1 Lenovo United States Grand Prix takes place October 20-22.
This yr, the USGP might be one of many 6 races on the calendar that hosts a dash race. Meaning one apply session and qualifying will happen on Friday, October twentieth; one apply and the dash race (which is able to set the ultimate race order) will happen on Saturday, October twenty first; and the principle race will occur on Sunday, October twenty second.
Things to find out about going to the F1 USGP
My husband Elliot (who has been an F1 fan since grade college) and I’ve been to the USGP at COTA, and these are all of the issues we expect it’s best to know if you happen to’re planning to attend in 2023 or past.
1. Tickets will in all probability (positively) promote out
In 2022, a document 440,000+ individuals confirmed up over the 3-day Formula 1 race weekend at COTA, with an estimated 150,000 individuals attending Sunday’s race last. In 2023, with an additional dash race on the schedule, I might anticipate much more individuals going.
Tickets – and particularly the extra reasonably priced basic admission tickets – will definitely promote out. Even the costliest ticket packages will possible promote out*.
Most tickets for the USGP at COTA are bought in 3-day packages, although it is doable that F1 or the observe might launch single-day tickets nearer to the race. (Though do not rely on it, since this has change into a really in-demand circuit!)
*As of publishing in April 2023, many tickets for the 2023 USGP are already bought out.
2. There’s not only one kind of ticket
There are a number of ticket varieties you’ll be able to attempt to buy primarily based on the place you wish to sit and the way a lot you wish to spend. These embrace:
- General admission tickets – These get you into the observe, however do not get you an assigned seat. The excellent news is you’ll be able to sit on any of the GA grassy areas alongside the observe – and there are tons to select from! The dangerous information is that these areas can get SUPER packed on busy race days.
- Bleacher tickets – These are at the moment at Turn 9, Turn 12 and Turn 19, and are reserved seats in bleacher-style grandstands. (Get GA and bleacher tickets by means of the COTA website.)
- Premium grandstand tickets – These get you an assigned seat in nicer grandstands (suppose: precise seats with backs, some may be lined). These are at the moment on the Main Straight, Turn 1, Turn 2, Turn 4, Turn 15, and Turn 19. (Buy these from F1 immediately, or examine the COTA website.)
- Hospitality tickets – Think of those just like the VIP sections, the place tickets get you trackside seats with good views, together with catered hospitality. These embrace ticket packages for issues just like the Champions Club and Paddock Club (each bought by means of F1 Experiences), in addition to different premium hospitality golf equipment and suites bought by COTA. These tickets get tremendous dear.
All tickets provide you with entry to all the things taking place at COTA in the course of the weekend, together with any help races and demonstrations, plus entry into fan zones and crew retailers. (Only VIP tickets will get you entry to issues just like the pit lane, crew paddocks, and hospitality suites, nonetheless.)
The “best” seats are subjective, in fact, however you’ll be able to’t go fallacious with Main Grandstand tickets. Not solely do these have a number of the finest views, however they’re additionally lined and put you in an excellent spot if you wish to be part of the “track invasion” after the race to see the trophy shows on the podium ceremony.
For GA tickets, sitting on the hill close to Turn 1 is all the time one of the crucial standard spots.
3. Daily tickets embrace live performance entry
Another factor value noting for COTA is that your tickets – even GA tickets – additionally get you entry to live shows that occur within the evenings normally on Friday and Saturday. As lengthy as you’ve legitimate observe tickets for the day, you’ll be able to attend the live performance that night without cost, which takes place on a particular “Super Stage” on the infield of the observe.
And COTA goes BIG with its F1 race weekend live shows. Acts like Pink, Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, Elton John, and Bruno Mars have carried out up to now. In 2022, nighttime live shows had been carried out by Green Day and Ed Sheeran.
(Certain ticket packages will provide upgraded seating choices for these live shows, however all race day tickets embrace GA live performance admission on the day of the ticket.)
4. Getting to/from the observe is usually a nightmare
COTA is situated lower than 15 miles southeast of downtown Austin. But there are solely a pair 2-lane roads that result in the observe, and visitors congestion will get insane on race weekend. (Insane as in, after qualifying or the race, anticipate to take a seat in visitors for AT LEAST an hour simply to get out of the COTA parking space.)
COTA does promote parking passes for the weekend (as do individuals who dwell close to the observe), however I personally would solely suggest driving if you’re ready to reach actually early every morning and keep pretty late. (And if you happen to’re going this route, positively pre-book your parking passes.)
If you do not have a automotive, your choices for attending to the observe embrace (very costly) Uber/Lyft rides that may drop you off at a location outdoors the observe, or catching the shuttle that runs from downtown. The shuttle is advisable, and in 2022 COTA added some devoted lanes particularly for these buses. As with all the things F1-related, although, the shuttle isn’t low-cost.
Elliot and I really purchased a ticket bundle that included bus transfers between our resort and COTA, and also you higher consider we took benefit of those!
5. COTA is large
The Circuit of the America covers lots of of acres (1500 acres, its web site says). The observe itself is sort of 3.5 miles if you happen to had been to stroll round it. So simply remember that your race weekend is probably going going to incorporate A LOT of strolling.
Even if you happen to purchase an costly hospitality bundle, you are in all probability nonetheless going to be strolling loads. If you wish to go to any of the fan areas, or go up the Observation Tower, or attend one of many nighttime live shows, it requires plenty of strolling.
Regardless of what your race weekend outfit consists of, be sure to put on snug footwear!
(There is a observe shuttle that picks up/drops off at numerous spots round COTA, however I would not essentially depend on having the ability to use it on a regular basis.)
6. Don’t simply go on race day
F1 weekends aren’t JUST about the principle race. There’s all the time much more happening on the observe, and it is true on the USGP, too.
Along with fan zones, meals distributors, and dwell music/leisure, there are additionally “support races” to look at (in 2022, the races had been from the Masters Historic and Masters Endurance Legend collection; in 2023, there might be help races from the brand new all-female junior collection F1 Academy).
Plus, Friday and Saturday are normally loads quieter on the observe. (It will not be as true this yr due to the dash race, however typically Sunday is the busiest day of the weekend.) Friday and Saturday (and particularly the mornings on these days) are an excellent time to discover the observe, maybe attempt to make it to a driver interview session, and simply benefit from the F1 environment.
(And if you happen to’ve booked a hospitality bundle, Friday and Saturday would be the days for pit lane walks, observe excursions, and extra.)
7. Arrive early for GA seating on Sunday
If you have booked basic admission tickets on race day, you may wish to get to the observe EARLY. Race time on Sunday is normally within the afternoon (in 2023, the race begins at 2 p.m. native time), however the observe normally opens round 7:30 a.m.
In order to scope out a patch of grass with an excellent view, you do not wish to wait to get to the observe till lunchtime – there will not be any good choices left by that time! Go early. Set up your seating space. Take turns with these you are attending with to get meals, wander the observe, and so forth.
(If you wish to sit on the grassy hill at Turn 1, for instance, put together to get to the observe earlier than it opens, and to make a beeline there when you’re by means of the safety gates!)
8. Know what you’ll be able to/cannot convey
Whether you are shelling out on Paddock Club tickets or simply going the GA route, there are guidelines about what you’ll be able to and may’t herald to the Circuit of the Americas.
Things you CANNOT convey embrace:
- Bags bigger than 12x12x20 inches (so, no suitcases)
- Coolers and thermoses
- Your personal meals or alcohol
- Metal water bottles/glass containers
- Tripods, monopods, and big telephoto lenses for cameras
- Drones
- Weapons of any form
- Bikes, scooters, skateboards, or another technique of transport that are not your toes or medically needed
- Non-collapsible chairs
- Tents or canopies
- Anything that may be additional annoying to these round you (i.e. horns, whistles, balloons, frisbees, smoke bombs, and so forth.)
Things you CAN convey to the race embrace issues like:
- One sealed plastic water bottle (crammed), or an empty plastic water bottle or Camelback you could fill on the observe
- Blankets
- Portable, collapsible chairs
- Umbrellas (small ones; not gigantic patio or golf umbrellas)
- Sunscreen (positively pack this!)
- Personal digital camera gear (which incorporates cameras with smaller removable lenses)
- Binoculars
- Baby strollers
- Small indicators/posters (no larger than 11x 17 when unfolded) that you just maintain and do not tie to something; they must be event-related and never offensive
You do NOT must have a transparent bag for F1 occasions at COTA, however everybody does undergo a safety screening earlier than you enter the observe.
9. Yes, food and drinks is dear
Since you’ll be able to’t convey something aside from a small bottle of water with you to COTA, know that sure, you are going to spend foolish quantities of cash on food and drinks all through the weekend. (Unless you buy a hospitality bundle, by which case most meals and drinks are included.)
There are literally a number of meals choices across the COTA observe, with meals stands and vans serving up all the things from espresso and donuts to tacos and BBQ. But you may positively be paying amusement park/sports activities venue costs for all the things (suppose: $15-$25 per meal at the least).
There is alcohol on the market, but it surely’s costly (like $10 for a beer), and the official COTA coverage is a 2 alcoholic beverage restrict per particular person per ID (although I can not communicate to whether or not they implement this or not).
10. Team gear can also be costly on the observe
Another costly factor on the observe? Team gear.
There are a number of pop-up “shops” throughout the COTA infield promoting largely crew merch (and likewise some basic F1 and COTA gear). T-shirts and hats are the preferred issues to purchase, however you may pay a premium for them right here.
Since there aren’t actually *that* many unique issues on the market on the race itself, you are higher off shopping for your crew gear on-line earlier than you allow residence, or elsewhere in Austin earlier than the race. (Several groups host occasions in Austin main as much as race weekend, and you will find F1 merch retailers at a number of downtown accommodations.)
11. Tower admission will not be value it
COTA has a reasonably well-known Observation Tower that sits in the course of the observe infield. At 200 toes tall, the tower provides you what’s undoubtedly the perfect view of the observe that you will get with your individual two eyes.
BUT, tower admission could or will not be value it.
It prices $35 per particular person to go up the tower. You’re taken up in a big elevator, and normally solely have about 10-Quarter-hour to take a look at the motion from the highest. The views ARE wonderful, and there is a cool glass flooring part – however is it $35 cool? I’m unsure.
It’s additionally value noting that there is usually an extended line to take the elevator to the highest of the tower, which means you could possibly be ready 30-60 minutes (or for much longer) for simply Quarter-hour on the high.
I believe it may be value it if you happen to time it proper and get there when there is not an extended line. Otherwise I personally suppose you’ll be able to skip this.
12. Seeing a race dwell is totally different than watching on TV
I believe the largest takeaway from our personal F1 weekend was simply how totally different it’s to look at a race in-person vs. watching it on TV.
When you watch a race broadcast on TV, you see your complete race. Cameras seize each angle of each breakdown, crash, and battle for place, and announcers provide you with context for what is going on on. In particular person, although, you solely see a really small snippet of the motion when it occurs in entrance of you – and the automobiles are going so quick that they are actually only a blur!
And whereas there are screens displaying the race broadcast across the COTA observe, they’re actually too small for most individuals to correctly see, and you’ll’t hear any of the race commentary.
(And if you happen to assume you may simply log into your F1 or ESPN app to hearken to the dwell commentary on there? Well, with 150,000 individuals watching the race in-person with you, you’ll be able to neglect about good cell or wi-fi service on the observe.)
Many of the hospitality suites do present the ESPN broadcast of the race, however watching it requires you to take a seat indoors – and at that time, it’s possible you’ll as nicely have stayed residence!
So my recommendation is to simply settle for the truth that you will not really see a lot of the race itself while you watch in-person, and as an alternative simply benefit from the environment of being there.
13. You can go to the rostrum ceremony… possibly
As quickly because the final automotive crosses the end line and the race ends, the Track Invasion begins. This is an official identify for when followers swarm the observe close to the Main Grandstand at COTA with a purpose to get near the rostrum ceremony on the finish of the pit lane.
At the Circuit of the Americas, the official areas the place you’ll be able to enter the observe for the observe invasion are at Turn 1, Turn 19, and Main Grandstand East and West. They open gates at these spots, and humanity fairly actually floods onto the observe.
If you wish to watch the winners obtain their trophies, get to one of many 4 observe invasion factors earlier than the tip of the race. Because as soon as it is go time, it is GO TIME and other people dash for the rostrum. Thousands of individuals pack in to attempt to watch, so anticipate it to be elbow-to-elbow – however the vitality is fairly wonderful!
(But please do NOT bounce fences, sneak into crew garages, or contact something that does not belong to you. Be a respectful racing fan.)
14. Your finest probability to see drivers isn’t on the observe
Lots of people go to F1 races for the primary time hoping to fulfill a number of the drivers and maybe get an autograph or selfie.
And whereas this is not unattainable on the race itself, it is a lot more durable lately than it as soon as was.
The solely actual probabilities you may must get near drivers at COTA embrace:
- Keeping a watch out for driver interview panels scheduled at COTA throughout race weekend, and arriving to the venue tremendous early to get an in depth seat. (They used to do scheduled autograph periods, too, however haven’t performed these at COTA for a number of years.)
- Purchasing VIP/hospitality ticket packages that get you entry to the F1 Paddock (NOT Paddock Club, however the precise paddock the place all of the groups have their tents, catering, lounges, and so forth.). These tickets will be ridiculously costly, however they’ll put you in the course of all of the motion.
In actuality, the typical particular person in all probability has a greater probability of recognizing F1 drivers OFF the observe than on it.
A couple of issues you are able to do to maximise your possibilities of recognizing/assembly drivers round Austin in the course of the F1 week/weekend embrace:
1. Look out for public appearances/fan occasions
F1 race week is popping into an enormous annual occasion in Austin, and I will not be stunned if it will definitely rivals SXSW. Many F1 groups host particular occasions, fan zones, pop-ups, events, and so forth. within the days main as much as the race, and driver appearances at these are fairly widespread.
In 2022, Red Bull had a free 2-day fan zone arrange at Fair Market, Williams had a pop-up in central Austin with driver appearances, and Haas threw a weekend-long occasion with their new MoneyGram sponsor at an area espresso store.
There are additionally usually VIP events, trend exhibits, live shows, and extra deliberate across the USGP.
In order to be in-the-know about these occasions, I like to recommend following your favourite F1 crew(s) on social media within the weeks main as much as the USGP. I came upon concerning the Williams F1 crew pop-up on social media first, after which signed up for e mail alerts about different occasions.
2. Stake out the highest Austin accommodations
Okay, so I’ve obtained combined emotions about this one, however when you’ve a sport the place younger, handsome males are handled like rock stars, you are going to have followers who act like they’re!
If you actually, actually have your coronary heart set on assembly your favourite driver, then your finest wager is actually to hang around on the driver resort(s).
During race weekend, it is not likely a secret that the Fairmont Austin is “the” F1 resort. In 2022, your complete Ferrari crew/crew was put up on the Fairmont, as had been nearly all of the F1 drivers. There had been all the time F1 followers hanging out close to the valet space outdoors the resort and within the foyer, and normally the resort workers did not shoo them away.
Elliot and I didn’t know this concerning the Fairmont previous to reserving our race tickets, however serendipitously booked a room there anyway. The night time we checked in (Thursday), we by accident discovered ourselves in a crowd of individuals swarming Charles Leclerc as he returned to the resort from press duties, and one other night time we managed to identify Kevin Magnussen and a pair F2 drivers – together with Logan Sargeant the day earlier than he was introduced as the brand new Williams driver for 2023.
Other Austin accommodations which will host F1 drivers embrace the JW Marriott (reportedly the place the Mercedes crew and drivers stayed in 2022), the Four Seasons (allegedly the place the Red Bull crew stayed in 2022), the Austin Marriott Downtown, and The Driskill Hotel. (But mainly if it is a 5-star resort in Austin, it very nicely might be internet hosting F1 individuals.)
Just please keep in mind that F1 drivers are actual individuals who deserve some quantity of privateness. Most of them are tremendous gracious with followers, however do not strive stalking them as much as their rooms. Get your selfie or autograph, say thanks, and depart them be!
15. Hotels are in excessive demand
Speaking of accommodations in Austin throughout F1 weekend… put together for them to be exorbitantly priced, and to promote out far prematurely.
This shouldn’t be a shock when lots of of 1000’s of individuals descend upon Austin for this one occasion, but it surely’s nonetheless value protecting in thoughts. A resort room which may usually go for just a few hundred {dollars} per night time in downtown Austin could also be greater than $1000 per night time throughout USGP weekend.
There aren’t actually nice methods to keep away from these worth hikes aside from to e book as far prematurely as you presumably can, and to think about staying additional outdoors town for higher charges. (For instance, accommodations in North Austin are all the time extra reasonably priced.)
Some accommodations I’d suggest throughout F1 weekend in Austin embrace:
- Fairmont Austin – Yes, will probably be very costly. But it truly is a shocking resort, with impeccable service, a rooftop bar and pool, and very nice rooms. Plus, you may be in the course of all of the F1 motion right here.
- Austin Marriott Downtown – It’s in a superb space downtown, and normally significantly cheaper than the close by JW Marriott. It has a number of eating places, a rooftop pool, and is at the moment one of many top-rated accommodations in all of Austin.
- Hotel ZaZa – Located in Austin’s Warehouse District, that is at the moment the #1 resort in Austin on TripAdvisor.
- Colton House Hotel – Located in a still-developing a part of the South Congress neighborhood, this charming Austin resort is beautiful, and has the cutest cafe/bar space proper contained in the resort. You’ll want a automotive (or to make use of Uber) to get round from this one, however Elliot and I beloved it.
- Staybridge Suites Austin North – Parmer Lane or Home2 Suites by Hilton Austin North – If you wish to avoid wasting cash and keep north of town, these are each first rate choices with good evaluations. You’ll want a automotive or to make use of Uber to get downtown from both of those, however the financial savings may be value it!
But significantly… e book your resort as early as humanly doable for this weekend.
16. Pre-book eating places and actions
And really… e book all the things you’ll be able to as early as doable. This contains restaurant reservations for wherever you actually wish to eat, excursions/actions not associated to the race, and so forth.
Again, lots of of 1000’s of individuals will descend upon Austin all of sudden for this one weekend, so anticipate all the things to be busy. Don’t rely on having the ability to stroll as much as any downtown restaurant or bar from Friday-Sunday with no reservation.
17. Don’t plan to go away on Sunday (or Monday)
Because of the timing of the race and inevitable visitors congestion leaving COTA, I do NOT suggest reserving your flight residence for Sunday night for easy logistical causes.
And actually Monday is not significantly better since that is when everybody might be leaving Austin. Even the F1 drivers and groups might be leaving to go arrange for the following race the next weekend in Mexico City. With everybody attempting to go away Austin on the identical day, likelihood is that flight costs are going to be highest on Monday. (This was positively my private expertise.)
My recommendation is to remain till at the least Tuesday and even Wednesday, and spend time exploring Austin with out the F1 crowds.
Other issues to do in Austin
If you enable your self an additional day or two to discover Austin earlier than or after the race, just a few stuff you may wish to do embrace:
- Go out for dwell music on Sixth Street or to the bars on Rainey Street.
- Rent a kayak or paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake.
- Eat scrumptious BBQ and tacos.
- Go for a swim at Barton Springs if it is heat sufficient.
- Watch the bats come out from underneath the Congress Avenue Bridge at sundown (in the event that they’re nonetheless round; bat season normally ends someday in October).
And listed here are much more issues to do in Austin. It’s positively value exploring past the race observe!
Have you ever been to the USGP F1 race in Austin? Would you ever wish to go?