If you’ve ever stood at the bottom of the hill leading up to Turn 1 at the Circuit of the Americas, you know that feeling. It’s basically a wall of red-painted asphalt rising 133 feet into the Texas sky. On TV, it looks steep. In person? It’s terrifying.
Every year, the Formula 1 race Austin Texas brings in a crowd that would make most small countries look sparsely populated. We’re talking about 440,000 fans packed into a three-day weekend. That’s more than the entire population of New Orleans showing up to one racetrack.
But there’s a lot of noise out there about what this race actually is. Some people think it’s just a "Netflix fan" meet-up. Others think it’s losing its soul to Miami and Vegas.
Honestly? They’re wrong.
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The "Everything is Bigger" Tax
Let’s talk money for a second because the numbers are actually wild. In 2021, the direct spending in Austin was around $434 million. By last year, some experts like those at Visit Austin suggested the total economic impact is pushing toward $1 billion.
You’ve probably seen the hotel prices. A mid-range room that usually goes for $150 might hit **$2,227** for the race weekend. It’s a lot.
But here is the thing people miss: Austin is a permanent circuit. Unlike the Las Vegas or Miami races, which have to spend tens of millions every year just to build the track and then tear it down, COTA is just there. It cost about $400 million to build back in 2012, and because the infrastructure stays put, it’s arguably the most profitable F1 stop in the United States.
The state of Texas even chips in from a "Major Events Reimbursement Program." For the 2021 race, the state put about $29 million into a trust fund to help run the show. They aren't doing that out of the goodness of their hearts—they’re doing it because the tax revenue from all those brisket tacos and hotel stays is a massive win for the local treasury.
Why the Track Layout is Actually a "Greatest Hits" Album
If you feel like you've seen these corners before, it's because you have. Hermann Tilke, the architect, basically went around the world and "borrowed" the best parts of other tracks.
- Turns 3 through 6: These are a direct rip-off of the Maggotts and Becketts complex at Silverstone. High speed. High G-force.
- Turns 12 through 15: This is a nod to the "stadium section" at Hockenheim in Germany.
- The Turn 16-18 Carousel: This mimics Istanbul Park’s famous Turn 8.
The blind apex at Turn 1—often called "Big Red"—is the real star, though. You’re accelerating uphill, you can't see the corner until you're on top of it, and the track is incredibly wide. This width is intentional. It allows drivers to take three or four different lines, which is why we see so much overtaking there. In 2024 alone, there were 91 overtakes recorded during the race.
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The Logistics Nightmare (And How to Skip It)
Look, getting to the Formula 1 race Austin Texas can be a disaster if you don't plan. The circuit is about 15 miles from downtown, but on race day, that 15 miles can take two hours.
The biggest mistake fans make? Trying to drive themselves and park in the grass lots.
Parking is expensive, and getting out of those lots after the checkered flag can take three to four hours. I’m not exaggerating. Most "pro" fans take the shuttles. They have dedicated lanes that bypass the gridlock. If you’re feeling particularly wealthy, there are even helicopter transfers, which sounds like a joke until you’ve been sitting in a Ford F-150 in the Texas sun for three hours without moving an inch.
Beyond the Grandstands
By 2026, the experience is changing. They’re opening COTALand, a 30-acre theme park right on the grounds. It’s going to have the Circuit Breaker coaster, which has a 90-degree vertical drop.
Usually, F1 fans just hang out in the Fan Zone between sessions. You do the Pit Stop Challenge, you buy a $90 hat you’ll never wear again, and you eat some mediocre pizza. But in Austin, you actually get world-class concerts included with your ticket. We’ve seen everyone from The Rolling Stones to Eminem and Green Day play the Germania Insurance Amphitheater on-site.
Wait, what about the actual racing?
The lap record is still held by Charles Leclerc, who set a 1:36.169 in 2019.
Lewis Hamilton is the king of this track with 6 wins, though Max Verstappen has been chipping away at that lately.
One thing to watch for in 2026 is the track surface. COTA is built on "Blackland Prairie" soil, which is basically clay that expands and contracts. It makes the track incredibly bumpy. The drivers hate it; it vibrates their teeth out. The circuit has to keep repaving sections every couple of years just to keep the cars from bottoming out and getting disqualified (which happened to Hamilton and Leclerc in 2023).
Actionable Tips for Your Trip
If you’re actually going to the Formula 1 race Austin Texas, don't just wing it.
- Hydrate or die. Seriously. Even in late October, Texas can hit 90 degrees. Bring a reusable water bottle; there are filling stations, though they’re hard to find.
- Walk the track on Friday. Your ticket usually lets you roam. Go to the Tower at Turn 17 or the top of Turn 1. The views are better than any grandstand.
- Eat in the city, not the track. You’ll save $40 a day and actually get to try real Austin staples like Terry Black’s BBQ or breakfast tacos from Veracruz All Natural.
- Download the COTA app. They update the shuttle schedules and concert times in real-time. Cell service at the track is notoriously spotty when 100,000 people are trying to upload Instagram stories at once, so screenshot your tickets and maps beforehand.
The 2026 race is set for October 23-25. If you haven't booked your stay yet, you’re already behind the curve.
Next Steps for You: Check the official COTA website for the 2026 Grounds Pass release dates. These are usually the most cost-effective way to get in, but they sell out fast. Also, look into "Park and Ride" locations in North or South Austin—it's the only way to beat the traffic.