I visited my first Formula 1 Race in Austin, Texas nearly 1 year ago. Here’s all of the things I’ve learned about the sport since then and some tips on attending a race for the first time.
It truly is a surreal experience to go to a Formula 1 race for the first time, especially in your home country. I can’t even begin to explain how it feels the hear the V6 turbo-charged engines racing around a circuit, the roaring crowds during overtakes, and the overall energy throughout the weekend. With all of the amazing experiences I’ve been blessed with, I decided it would be a good idea to not only celebrate the amazing things that happen, but also share a little insight on a race weekend and some tips that come with being a spectator.
My Experience: COTA 2023
I had the most amazing time at this race. I definitely would recommend this circuit to a beginner as well. As a result of the recent popularity of F1 in the United States, this track is definitely a good beginner place to learn and experience a race. In my opinion, if you’re an American, COTA is the circuit to go to. I say this because Miami is more of an influencer event: famous people spending incredulous amounts of money, which can easily be overwhelming, causing you to miss the whole reason you’re there! Las Vegas is also relatively new, meaning there is a certain luster about it, again making some of the technical and financial aspects hard to obtain. COTA, on the other hand, has been on the race calendar since 2012 and known as the United States Grand Prix. You get this cowboy-esque theme coupled with warm weather and avid fans. While the F1 cars were not on track, COTA does a phenomenal job of providing things for its visitors to do. There were feature races (F2, F3, F1Academy, and Porsche Supercup), Attractions, Music, and food to make sure the guest experience was top tier. I enjoyed the zipline that runs along the main straight, as well as the various food locations to enjoy nachos, drinks, and more.
During the actual race, it was truly an amazing crowd atmosphere. I think one of the best that I have experience (given that I have gone to multiple races in various countries). The fan energy is just so vibrant and vivacious, as you can really tell how passionate everyone is. But, don’t let this discourage you if you aren’t a devout, crazy, superfan. Everyone is there to have a good time, but more importantly, help people who are interested in the sport learn more. There were many times where I was confused on what happened and ended up turning and talking to those around me about it. I even made friends from different countries (shoutout the Dutch Max fans next to me!) who told me more about the mechanics of the cars as well as updated me on parts of the race I didn’t understand. Another thing I loved was how every driver had some sort of fanbase. If you’re ever worried about supporting a driver who isn’t the most popular (i.e, Charles, Max, or Lando, or Lewis), COTA fans support all drivers and teams. As a whole, I didn’t have any bad moments during the course of the entire weekend.
Tips to Enhance Your Experience
Here are some of the most important things I would recommend for those visiting a race for the first time:
- Get there early!
- If you want to get the absolute out of the entire race weekend, get there right when the park gates open. This way you won’t have to wait in crazy long lines to get into the circuit and you can do everything you want to. Don’t worry, there are so many attractions that even if they’re aren’t cars on track that you’ll be busy all day.
- Bring Water/Sun Protectant.
- If you’re spending time at a track in the summer months, it will get super hot. When I went to COTA it was in the 70-80 F (21-26C) and I was burned to a crisp the first day! Even if you think you won’t need sunblock because its cloudy, put some on to be safe. This is especially important if you are in a GA area with no cover.
- Spring for Grandstand Tickets
- This one might be a little bit more controversial, but I would say if you can afford it, go for grandstand tickets. On the first 2 days, I was on the GA lawns and it was INCREDIBLY difficult to find good spaces, let alone space, in the lawns where you could really see the cars well. In grandstands, you have assigned seats above the fencing on the track, usually most have shade as well. Being in a grandstand space really elevates the entire weekend.
- Talk to Strangers
- Everyone is so friendly! Remember that we are all attending a race because we like the sport. Ask questions, give compliments, and be outgoing! I’ve made so many friends that I am still connected with from different races that I’ve attended.
Personal Details: What I did to have the BEST time at COTA.
Flights: I took a plane from Chicago, Illinois to Austin, Texas Wednesday afternoon before the race weekend.
Accommodation: I stayed in an airbnb approximately 5 miles from the circuit. This was much, much cheaper than a hotel
Transportation: We used a circuit shuttle to get to and from the track for the last 2 days. We had a parking pass for our car (which was a nightmare if you didn’t get there early enough).
Tickets: I had a 4 day GA pass that I ended up upgrading to a Turn 1 Grandstand Ticket on race day.
Things I brought with me to the track: I brought my camera bag (which is NOT a requirement for you guys), water bottle, sunscreen, chapstick, a hat, sunglasses, a portable charger, and a sharpie (for autographs because you never know who you’ll run into)
PHOTOS!!
