Last updated March 2026
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!
What to expect in this guide
• What it is like to attend the US Grand Prix in Austin
• Where to stay and how to get to the circuit
• Which grandstands give you the best view of the race
• What else is there to do in Austin beyond the track
• Is Austin worth it for a first-time F1 race?
Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes
The US Grand Prix is one of the most popular races on the Formula 1 calendar. It takes place in Austin, Texas, at the Circuit of the Americas. If you are considering a race in the United States, Austin is a strong starting point.
Tickets usually go on sale around ten months before the event. Getting there is straightforward. Some European cities have direct flights. If not, you connect through another US airport before continuing to Austin.
Austin revisited
This was my second visit to the US Grand Prix. My first was ten years earlier, when heavy rain and thunderstorms hit the Circuit of the Americas. Friday practice was cancelled, and qualifying moved to race day, ending after Q2. Despite the disruption, Austin left a positive lasting impression. I knew I would return.
Stay central, ride smart
Downtown Austin is the best place to stay if you want to be part of the race week atmosphere. During my visit, there was a Williams Fan Zone on Congress Avenue, with interactive displays and a Williams F1 car on show. We also saw a Red Bull F1 car on South Congress, a short walk from downtown.
Austin is a walkable city. You can take a short walk along the river for a morning coffee. There are many hotels downtown, far more than when I first visited in 2015.
If you are on a tighter budget, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Austin Downtown South Congress » and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin Downtown – University » are worth considering.
Hyatt House Austin/Downtown » and Hotel Indigo Downtown – University » are also good options.
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin Downtown – University », Hyatt House Austin/Downtown », and Hotel Indigo Downtown – University » have the added benefit of being very convenient for the downtown shuttle service to Circuit of the Americas. The pick-up point is only a short walk away. That small detail can make your weekend a lot easier.
Mid-range to higher-end hotels in downtown include Hyatt Place Austin Downtown », Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt », Hyatt Centric Congress Avenue », Tommie Austin », Hilton Austin », and Downright Austin ».
At the top end, options in downtown include The LINE Austin », JW Marriott Austin », Fairmont Austin », W Austin », Austin Proper Hotel », and Thompson Austin ».
All of these hotels are in walkable parts of downtown Austin, which makes it easy to get to bars and restaurants in the evening. From most downtown hotels, you will also be within about a 30-minute walk of the shuttle bus pick-up point.
Just a word of warning. Sixth Street and Rainey Street can get very noisy late into the night. If your hotel is very close to those areas and you are not a night owl, you may want to reconsider.
I took the shuttle from downtown each day. The service was smooth and well organised, with a drop-off near the main entrance. Some fans mentioned issues in the past, but that was not my experience. There were large numbers of coaches, queues moved steadily, and buses left as soon as they were full. Police escorts kept traffic moving at intersections.
Race Weekend at COTA
Austin’s character carries into the circuit itself.
Between sessions, the fan areas have racing simulators, live performances, and a real-life cowboy demonstrating lassoing. It is that kind of city.
I sat in the Turn 15 grandstand, which gives a clear view of several overtaking areas. From there, you can follow cars through different parts of the circuit as they disappear and reappear across the lap. It helps you understand the track layout and how the race develops.
Turn 1 is another key viewing spot. It is a wide, uphill left-hand hairpin and a clear overtaking point. From the grandstand, you can see the main straight, the pit exit, and large sections of the circuit. I had sat there on my first visit and would do so again, but this time I wanted to try somewhere different.
Ticket prices vary across a wide range. Bleacher-style seating is the most affordable option. Grandstands are divided into lower, mid, and upper sections, with upper sections priced higher for the more elevated view.
Plan for three full days, Friday to Sunday. This gives you every Formula 1 session and the support races. Arriving early each day gives you time to pass through security, find your seat, and settle in before sessions begin.
Audio earpieces provide live commentary and make the race easier to follow. They were available at no cost for American Express cardholders. If you have a card, it is worth using them.
The weather in Austin is hot. Pack shorts, a T-shirt, a hat, and sunscreen. Food and water are available inside the circuit, though queues at kiosks are common. There is a large covered food hall with a good variety of options. It also provides shade during the hottest part of the day. Once inside, distances between fan zones, food areas, and grandstands are manageable.
Austin off the track
On both visits, I toured the Texas State Capitol. The free tour takes around 30 minutes and gives a clear introduction to the state’s history.
If you are looking for Western clothing, including cowboy boots, South Congress is a good place to start. It also has independent shops, cafés, and places to eat. You can spend a full morning there.
Barton Springs Pool is worth a visit if you want a break from the heat. The spring-fed water stays cool, and the setting has views back toward the city. I cycled there, though it is also a short rideshare from downtown.
Austin is well known for its barbecue. Terry Black’s Barbecue is popular during race weekend. Arrive early and expect to wait. Moonshine Patio Bar and Grill is another place I return to. It offers good food in a relaxed setting. Booking ahead is recommended.
Austin, COTA and F1 The Perfect Combination
If you have ever considered attending a Formula 1 race, Austin is a good place to start. When you are ready, we can help make it happen.
