Race weekend in Austin. The full fan experience

From legendary BBQ and Texas charm to high-speed action at COTA, my Austin Grand Prix weekend had it all. Here’s my recap of an unforgettable trip!

The US Grand Prix is one of the highlights of the F1 calendar, and Austin is the perfect host city. Formula 1, legendary BBQ, and live music, Austin has it all. Read on for a breakdown of my weekend, from exploring the city to watching the action unfold at the Circuit of the Americas.

Austin revisited

This was my second visit to the US Grand Prix in Austin. My first was nine years earlier when torrential rain and thunderstorms caused havoc at the Circuit of the Americas. Friday afternoon’s practice session was canceled, and qualifying was moved to race day, ending after Q2. Despite the chaotic weather, I fell in love with Austin that weekend and knew I had to return. There’s just something about this city’s vibe that made me want to come back.

Stay central, ride smart

Downtown Austin is the best place to stay if you want to be part of the race week buzz. There was a Williams Fan Zone on Congress Avenue with interactive displays and a Williams F1 car on show. We also stumbled across a Red Bull F1 car on South Congress, another vibrant area to visit, which is easily accessible on foot from downtown.

In fact, Austin is a very walkable city. You can take a pleasant stroll along the river for a morning coffee. There are plenty of hotels in downtown, far more than when I first visited in 2015. The premium hotels tend to be located in the heart of downtown, but just a few blocks out you will find more affordable options too.

To get to the circuit, I took the shuttle from downtown each day. The service was smooth and well organised, with a drop-off point conveniently located near the main entrance. Speaking to other fans, I understand that this service may have had its problems in the past, but they certainly seem to have fixed them. The sheer number of coaches was bewildering, and queues kept moving with one bus leaving immediately after another as they were efficiently loaded with fans. We even had police outriders who stopped the traffic at intersections.

Austin off the track

Beyond the race, Austin has plenty to offer. On both of my visits, I have taken a tour of the Texas State Capitol. The free tour only takes about 30 minutes, making it a quick and interesting way to learn about the state’s history while taking in the impressive building.

Texas State Capitol

If you want to refresh your wardrobe with Western apparel (including those all-important cowboy boots), South Congress is an excellent place to begin. It also has plenty of other quirky shops and great places to stop for a drink or something to eat. You can easily spend an entire morning here.

To escape the Texas heat, Barton Springs is the perfect spot. A refreshing dip in the spring-fed pool is a great way to cool off while enjoying views of the Austin skyline. I rented a bike and cycled there, or it is only a short journey by rideshare from downtown.

Barton Springs

When it comes to food, Austin is famous for its BBQ. Terry Black's BBQ is popular, especially on race weekend, so arrive early and expect to wait, but it is worth it.

Moonshine Grill, one of my favorite places for great food and a relaxed atmosphere, is always a must-visit. I always book ahead to guarantee a table.

Race Weekend at COTA

Austin’s character doesn’t stop at the city limits. The vibe continues at the Circuit of the Americas, fast-paced, exciting, and full of personality. From the passionate fans to the festival-like atmosphere around the track, race weekend is an unforgettable experience.

The Circuit of the Americas was buzzing with activity both on and off the track. Between track events, the fan zone had no shortage of entertainment, from racing simulators to live performances. There was always something to do.

Passionate fans at COTA

My seat in the Turn 15 grandstand gave me a fantastic view of key overtaking spots. The weekend built up with Saturday’s sprint and qualifying, leading to an intense Grand Prix on Sunday, where the Ferraris clinched the top positions.

I could see so much of the circuit, not just the part directly in front of me but also other areas in the distance. This was fantastic as it really helped me understand the track layout and where the cars and drivers were at different points of the lap. You could watch them disappear out of sight at one point and wait for them to reappear again at another.

Views from the Turn 15 grandstand

The audio earpieces, which provided clear, live commentary, were a game-changer, which made following the race easier than ever. It was like having Martin Brundle by your side, guiding you through the race. They were available at no cost to American Express cardholders, so if you have one, be sure to take advantage of it.

Charles Leclerc wins the United States Grand Prix

Austin, COTA and F1 The Perfect Combination

The US Grand Prix blends high-speed action with a city that knows how to have fun. Whether you’re exploring South Congress, cooling off at Barton Springs, or soaking up the fan zone at COTA, there’s something for everyone. Hopefully, this gives you a taste of what to expect on your own US Grand Prix adventure.

Rob is an experienced independent travel consultant and travel content creator.

His love for Formula One started in the 1990s, watching the greats like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Mika Hakkinen. He traveled to his first Grand Prix in 1999. It was the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. Since then, Rob has traveled to over 2/3 of Grand Prix' on the current Formula One calendar.

Fast forward to today, and Rob has turned his passion into a career, dedicating his time to helping others plan their dream Formula One trips.

His favourite Grand Prix destinations are Austria and Austin, and when he's not attending a Formula One Grand Prix, you'll find him closer to home, walking or cycling in the Peak District National Park.