CoTA manages to achieve something that few other modern F1 circuits do: it has character. Its a venue that is instantly recognizable and very much a product of its location, and a reflection of its surroundings.
From the red, white and blue run off areas to the now iconic observation tower, this isn’t some generic design-a-circuit by numbers track that you could pick up and put anywhere.
The place is dripping in the very essence of American motor racing and can stand proudly alongside such legendary tracks as Laguna Seca, Indianapolis and Watkins Glen.
It’s rare to have a venue that excels in so many areas and easy to see how the Texas circuit has become an instant classic.
For F1 Specatators, the United States Grand Prix is very highly rated for views, across all grandstands and general admission viewing areas.
Besides the race track, there’s Austin, who’s funky, alternative vibes present a colorful backdrop to an already awesome event. It’s a city that knows how to entertain its guests, and you’d have to be a very picky traveller to not find something to love here in your time away from the track.
For most F1 fans the US Grand Prix isn’t up there with the likes of Spa, Monaco or Monza in terms of a Grand Prix that they simply must go to, but honestly, it should be.
United States Grand Prix F1 Spectator Tips
- Check out some amazeballs views of the circuit from the top of the observation tower (access: $25).
- Catch-fencing tends to spoil views in the lower rows. Get seats higher up and experience double the value for just a bit more.
- Even if you’ve reserved a seat in a grandstand, take time to walk around general admission areas for a change of scenery and some surprisingly impressive views
Quick Facts and must-have Information
| Currency | US Dollar ($USD) |
| Time | UTC -6/-5 |
| Language | English (and there are a lot of Spanish speakers) |
Austin has a humid subtropical climate. It is usually over its hottest spell by the time F1 comes to town but you can still expect to see temperatures in the mid 20’s.
In 2015 sessions were postponed and cancelled amid the tail end of Hurricane Patricia which brought torrential rain.
US Grand Prix Track Schedule 2018
| THURSDAY 18th OCTOBER | ||
| Formula 1 | Press Conference | 11:00 - 12:00 |
| Formula 1 | Formula 1 Pirelli Hot Laps | 15:15 - 15:45 |
| Formula 1 | F1 Experiences - Pit Lane Walk/Truck Tour (F1 Experiences Guests Only) | 17:45 - 19:15 |
| FRIDAY 19th OCTOBER | ||
| F3 Americas Series | Practice Session | 08:45 - 09:15 |
| Formula 1 | Practice 1 | 10:00 - 11:30 |
| Formula 4 Series | Practice Session | 11:55 - 12:25 |
| Formula 1 | Press Conference | 12:00 - 13:00 |
| Formula 1 | Formula 1 Pirelli Hot Laps | 12:30 - 13:00 |
| Paddock Club | Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk | 12:30 - 13:20 |
| Formula 1 | Practice 2 | 14:00 - 15:30 |
| Formula 4 Series | Qualifying Session | 16:00 - 16:20 |
| F3 Americas Series | Qualifying Session | 16:45 - 17:15 |
| Paddock Club | Paddock Club Truck Tour | 17:20 - 17:50 |
| SATURDAY 20th OCTOBER | ||
| Paddock Club | Paddock Club Truck Tour | 10:00 - 10:30 |
| Paddock Club | Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk | 10:00 - 11:00 |
| Formula 1 | Team Pit Stop Practice | 10:15 - 10:45 |
| F3 Americas Series | First Race (10 Laps or 25 Mins) | 11:40 - 12:10 |
| Formula 1 | Practice 3 | 13:00 - 14:00 |
| Formula 1 | Formula 1 Pirelli Hot Laps | 14:20 - 14:40 |
| Paddock Club | Paddock Club Truck Tour | 14:45 - 15:15 |
| Paddock Club | Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk | 14:45 - 15:15 |
| Formula 1 | Qualifying | 16:00 - 17:00 |
| Formula 1 | Press Conference | 17:00 - 18:00 |
| Formula 4 Series | First Race (10 Laps or 25 Mins) | 17:30 - 18:00 |
| Paddock Club | Paddock Club Truck Tour | 18:10 - 18:40 |
| SUNDAY 21st OCTOBER | ||
| F3 Americas Series | Second Race (10 Laps or 25 Mins) | 09:15 - 09:45 |
| Formula 4 Series | Second Race (10 Laps or 25 Mins) | 10:15 - 10:45 |
| Formula 1 | Formula 1 Pirelli Hot Laps | 11:00 - 11:20 |
| Paddock Club | Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk | 11:00 - 12:00 |
| Paddock Club | Paddock Club Truck Tour | 11:25 - 11:55 |
| Formula 1 | Formula 1 Drivers' Parade | 11:30 - 12:00 |
| Formula 1 | Starting Grid Presentation | 12:00 - 12:20 |
| Formula 1 | National Anthem | 12:54 - 12:56 |
| Promoter Activity | Helicopter Fly Past TBC | 12:58 - 12:59 |
| Formula 1 | Grand Prix (56 Laps or 120 Mins) | 13:10 - 15:10 |
I’m Danny, an incurable Formula 1 fan for over 25 years and founder of The F1 Spectator. My aim is to inform and inspire, arming you with helpful tips and advice for your next F1 trip.
featured image: © CaterhamF1 | FLICKR
