r/CircuitOfTheAmericas

I'm headed to my first US Grand Prix this year and first F1 race ever. I'm looking for advice on what to do and tips/tricks. I bought grand stand tickets for turn 15 and have purchased the shuttle pass as well. I got a hotel in downtown Austin so will not have a car and will be using the Waterloo stop. I'm flying in late on Thusday and departing Monday. I have an amex card so I know that it is possible to get the Amex radios. I also understand that it can be very hot so prepare for the sun and have refillable water bottles. I also understand that the merch is extremely expensive at the event so probably best to pick that up in advance.

What is the schedule like on race weekend? Do we go first thing in the morning? Are there other races beyond practice sessions and qualifications on Fri and Sat? What time should we get there sunday? My thought process was to walk around the GA area part of the day on the non race days to get different views of the track? Are we supposed to spend the entire day at the track or stay in Austin for part of the day? I only know what I have seen on tv so not sure what to do in person. Any advice would be appreciated. We would fly out Monday.

COTALAND officially opens September 26th from 4 pm - 10 pm

That means your first day at COTALAND is officially on the calendar.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW

hello everyone just want some advice on the best places to get last minute tickets (the week of is the earliest I’ll try). I’ve seen quite a few people talk about it and everyone says a few different answer. What do you guys think is the best one to do? I’ve heard about getting them at the track, Ticketmaster, and a few different cites. Thanks 🙏

Hi!

I have tickets to the F1 USGP this year, and we’re getting close enough to the weekend that I’m starting to get anxious about it. I’m lucky to have Champions Club tickets to look forward to, and I was just wondering if there’s anything I definitely need to bring with me or that you would particularly recommend bringing with me.

Also, anything I should know or be prepared for ahead of time that I won’t be able to find on the website or the information they’re sending out in advance? Thanks in advance everyone, this is my first in-person race :)

For everyone going to the 6hrs, here’s the schedule for the event !

My husband and I bought tickets to the COTA F1 race in October. This is our second F1 race — the last race we went to (Canada) was digital tickets not physical. We got the email to verify our shipping address. We went in and the address matches our shipping address. Is there anything else we need to do? There was no formal account verification process so want to make sure we aren’t missing anything. If anyone can offer any insight that would be helpful!

Hi guys,
This year is my first year at Cota for the lone star Le Mans and I get an accreditation so what’s the best spot for photographer you can advise me ?

Thanks for your answer

Is anyone willing to DM me with the actual email or phone number of someone that works at COTA instead of the generic ones listed on their website? I’m going to the F1 race in October, I already have tickets for everything, but I have a sensitive question I need answering that I’m not willing to put on here. I’ve already tried the info@ email a couple of times but have yet to get a response.

Hey, this will be my first rune going to an F1 race
I got the 3 day GA pass through Costco.
Any tips or heads up which I should know?
Like best places to park, what would my basic experience be like, would I be expected to walk like 10 miles everyday lol.
Anything helps

Thanks

First time going to the USGP and trying to figure out the best way to get to/from the track.

For those who live in Austin or have done F1 at COTA before:

- Do you usually take the shuttle or drive?
- If you drive, where do you park? COTA parking, private lots, Park & Ride.
- Any specific parking lots/areas you’d recommend?
- If you take the shuttle, which pickup location do you prefer?

I’ve heard very mixed things about driving vs. shuttle, so would love to hear what actually works best from people who’ve done it before. Thanks!

This year will be my first race and first time at COTA. We’re planning on driving in and have seats Turn 15. I’ve heard COTA parking can be a mess in and out and to look at private lots. Is there any recommendations near that turn that are best in everyone’s opinions? Appreciate everyone’s experience!

Going to the F1 race on Sunday, does it make sense to do the shuttles or drive/Uber

Going to the USGP at COTA this year and I’ve seen people mention the Amex radios/headsets they’ve given out in previous years.

Is that still a thing for 2026? Do you need to be an Amex cardholder to get one, and if so, does any Amex card qualify?

Also, are they actually worth picking up for the race weekend? I’ll be there all three days and sitting in the Turn 12 grandstand, so being able to follow commentary/race info while watching would be pretty awesome.

First time at COTA, so any tips on when/where to grab one would also be appreciated!

Does anyone know if there will be any support races for Lone Star Le Mans? I know they had Mustang Challenge last year but I haven’t picked up on anything for this year.

I am going to my first ever WEC event, in fact my first ever Motorsport event at all at Lone Star Le Mans coming up. I also got the paddock pass. Any advice and things to make sure I bring? Also I keep checking for the track times and they have t been released. Any guess on when they will?

I'm attending my first Lone Star Le Mans next month, and need a little advice. I've been the GT World Challenge America several times, and usually sit in main grandstands (shaded - I'm a wimp that way). For the LSLM, my parking pass is for Lot F. Are there shuttles from that lot to the main grandstands? I'm not purchasing the paddock pass, so that's not a factor.

Looking for a good deal on a hotel for Austin GP in October. It seems like all I can find is hotels where my car will get broken into or hotels that cost more than my mortgage.

Also, how far is too far for me to stay in order to get to the track fri/sat/sun? If I stay in the city I might be able to find a better deal but I worry the traffic will be too much to go back and forth for a few days.

Thank you all in advance.