Last updated February 2026
Looking for a race weekend that goes big on action, atmosphere, and personality? Austin’s got you covered. Here’s why the US Grand Prix is more than worth the trip.
What to Expect in This Guide
• Why the US Grand Prix should be on your F1 bucket list
• Where’s is Circuit of the Americas
• Travelling to Austin: What you need to know
• How many days should you spend at the US Grand Prix?
• US Grand Prix weekend schedule at a glance
• Best places to stay for the US Grand Prix
• Best Grandstands for key moments at the US Grand Prix
• Where to go next after your trip to the US Grand Prix
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Money-saving tips for the US Grand Prix
Estimated Reading Time: 7-9 minutes
Why the US Grand Prix should be on your F1 bucket list
If you’re looking to pick a race that delivers on both track action and off-track energy, the United States Grand Prix in Austin is hard to beat.
The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) has a bit of everything. There is the steep uphill run into Turn 1, known as “Big Red.” There are long straights, fast corners, and a triple-apex section where drivers can run side by side. The lap includes 20 turns in total, one of the highest counts on the calendar, and nearly 40 metres of elevation change from the lowest to the highest point. Add in the anti-clockwise layout and it becomes one of the more physically demanding tracks in Formula One.
As Franco Colapinto puts it, “The Circuit of the Americas is an incredible track to drive.” Lando Norris adds, “I really enjoy driving around COTA. It’s fast with some good opportunities to overtake.”
But it’s not just tough. It’s fun. The layout encourages real racing with overtakes, battles, and late-braking moves into Turn 12. This place keeps drivers on their toes and fans on the edge of their seats.
Look at the stats. In COTA’s first ten years, the winning margin topped 10 seconds only once, so races here are usually close. In 2021, Verstappen held off Hamilton by just 1.3 seconds. In 2022, Alonso went airborne after a high-speed collision and still finished P7. Kimi Räikkönen’s win in 2018 for Ferrari is another standout. It’s a track that regularly produces moments fans remember.
The atmosphere helps as well. Drivers often name Austin as one of their favourite stops on the calendar. The crowd is large, loud, and fully engaged. As Alex Albon put it, it is “one of the best tracks of the year in terms of atmosphere and the fans,” and Oliver Bearman echoes that, saying, “It’s so nice to soak in the atmosphere and passion from all the American fans.” With large crowds and a growing fanbase, the United States Grand Prix continues to grow each year.
And then there is Austin itself. Texas barbecue. Live music. A city that leans into race weekend in a way that feels genuine and easygoing. Embracing Texas culture has become part of the US Grand Prix tradition for teams. You will see McLaren drivers in papaya American football jerseys, drivers in cowboy hats, and even full western outfits. Stetsons are often handed out on the podium in place of standard caps.
The United States Grand Prix in Austin is more than just the racing. It is a cultural event, where Texas hospitality meets Formula 1 in a way that feels relaxed and welcoming. Over the years, the race has delivered close finishes, title battles, large crowds, and plenty of memorable moments. Circuit of the Americas has become a popular and well-loved stop on the Formula 1 calendar.
Where’s the circuit?
The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) sits about 18 miles southeast of downtown Austin on open land, so most visitors stay in the city and travel to the circuit each day. It is a large, purpose-built Formula One venue with a 20-turn, counterclockwise layout that follows the natural hills of the landscape, including the steep climb into Turn 1.
Austin is an easy and enjoyable base, with a lively music scene, a strong food culture, and a compact, walkable downtown area.
Read the full guide to visiting Circuit of the Americas here
Travelling to Austin: What you need to know
Getting to Austin is straightforward. Some cities in Europe have direct flights. If you cannot fly direct, you can connect through another US airport before continuing on to Austin. Travellers from Australia and New Zealand usually connect through Los Angeles or Dallas. All international visitors complete immigration there before flying on.
If you are travelling from within the United States, there are frequent domestic flights from major cities across the country. You can also fly into Houston or Dallas and continue to Austin by air or road.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is about 8 miles from downtown. From there, you can use taxis, rideshare services, rental cars, public buses, or an airport tram connection into the city centre.
Read the full guide to getting to Austin for the United States Grand Prix here
How many days should you spend at the US Grand Prix?
It’s best to plan for three full days, from Friday to Sunday. That way, you’ll see every Formula 1 session and the support races across the weekend.
Support events can include series such as Porsche Carrera Cup North America, as they have in previous years. There is track action on all three days, so arriving early each day and staying through to Sunday afternoon gives you the full experience.
US Grand Prix weekend schedule at a glance
Here is quick a breakdown of what happens each day at the United States Grand Prix.
Friday starts with the first Formula 1 practice session around midday. Porsche Carrera Cup North America runs a practice session in the afternoon. Later in the day, Formula 1 returns to the track for its second practice session.
Saturday begins with Porsche Carrera Cup qualifying in the morning. Formula 1 runs its third and final practice session around midday. In the afternoon, Porsche Carrera Cup holds its first race. Later in the day, Formula 1 qualifying takes place, setting the grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix.
Sunday starts with the second Porsche Carrera Cup race in the late morning. The Formula 1 drivers’ parade takes place around midday, followed by the national anthem and fly-past shortly before the start. The United States Grand Prix begins in the mid-afternoon.
Best places to stay for the US Grand Prix
If you are visiting the United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas, most first-time visitors stay in downtown Austin. It is easy to get around on foot, with restaurants and bars close by. Shuttle buses to the circuit also leave from this area, which keeps your weekend simple.
There are places to stay in central Austin for different budgets, from simpler hotels to more premium options. Many are within walking distance of the shuttle pick-up point, which makes getting to and from the circuit easier each day.
If downtown prices feel high, areas just outside the centre, such as The Domain, East Austin, and the Arboretum Area, give you more options and often better value.
Some hotels have a minimum stay over race weekend, and areas near Sixth Street and Rainey Street can be noisy late at night. For something different, there is also a fully serviced RV park at the circuit itself.
Read the full guide to where to stay for the United States Grand Prix here
Best Grandstands for key moments at the US Grand Prix
The Circuit of the Americas is one of the few anti-clockwise tracks on the Formula One calendar. It’s a modern circuit, but its design draws clear inspiration from classic venues. You can see elements of Hockenheim’s stadium section, Istanbul’s multi-apex Turn 8, and Silverstone’s Becketts–Maggots complex throughout the lap.
Austin’s signature section, though, is its own. The steep run from the start line up to a near-blind hairpin at Turn 1 is unique. Turn 12 is widely seen as the key braking zone, while Turn 1 often creates action on the opening lap and on restarts because of the uphill approach, wide entry, and multiple racing lines.
Turn 1 Grandstand
Turn 1 is one of COTA’s most iconic corners. A wide, sharp left-hand hairpin perched atop a 133-foot elevation rise, it’s a prime overtaking spot with multiple racing lines. Because of the uphill approach, drivers can brake late and take different lines, which makes for exciting battles. From the Turn 1 Grandstand, you’ll get sweeping views of the main straight, pit exit, and much of the circuit.
Turn 4 Grandstand
If you want to see high speed racing, seats at Turn 4 are a good choice. It’s one of the fastest parts of the track and puts you close to the action as drivers push through the esses with razor-sharp direction changes.
Turn 12 Grandstand
COTA’s longest straight ends at Turn 12, a heavy braking zone and one of the best overtaking spots on the circuit. The Turn 12 Grandstand sits on the outside of the corner and offers a clear view of the approach and braking battles.
Turn 15 Grandstand
Located at the end of the arena-style section, the Turn 15 Grandstand gives fans a look at a sequence of corners from Turn 12 through Turn 16. The slower speed of this technical sector means you’ll see cars up close as drivers try to set up passes or defend their lines. It’s a great place for side-by-side racing and strategic moves.
Main Grandstand (Start/Finish Straight)
The Main Grandstand is the heart of the action. Sitting opposite the pit lane, it gives you a clear view of the starting grid, pit stops, and all the pre-race and post-race moments including the anthem, grid preparations, the checkered flag, and podium celebration. You’ll also see the lightning-fast launch into Turn 1 at the start, which always delivers drama.
Most grandstands are uncovered so bring sun protection or rain gear just in case.
Read the full guide to choosing your grandstand for the United States Grand Prix here
Where next?
From Austin, there are several great places to explore next. Just west of the city, the Texas Hill Country offers scenic drives, wineries, and small towns such as Fredericksburg and Wimberley. San Antonio is about 90 minutes south, where you can visit the Alamo and walk along the River Walk.
If you want a longer trip, Austin is a good starting point for some of America’s best music cities. Memphis, Nashville, and New Orleans are all within reach, each with its own style of live music, food, and culture.
If you would like to continue the Formula One experience, you can also head south into Mexico. The Mexican Grand Prix often takes place the weekend after Austin, which makes it an easy double-header for fans who want to keep the trip going.
