Trackside at COTA – 2025 United States Grand Prix

Tip 1: I bought a three day parking pass from a local homeowner just outside turn one. Way cheaper than track parking, just as close and way easier to get out after the event. Look for Bubas BBQ.
Tip 2: I brought a small/low camp chair I bought at REI and sat on the hill above turn 1. I think Turn 1is the only place to sit and watch the race. I sat for General Admission price, just below the $600/seat guys in the grandstands. Austin has to be the best place to watch F1 without buying a Grandstand seat…..Hungaroring has to be the second best!

question. can i being my backpack straight from the airport to the track friday? i know the demensions, 20x12x12.. i can male P2 easily directly from the airportt to track, but i don’t think i’ll make it to my airbnb in downtown austin & back to track….any ideas?

Does anyone know if there is a radio station to tune into to listen to commentary? I tried last year but couldnt actually find it, and all the ones listed for previous years were just local stations that weren’t covering it. And we all know that the cell towers out there are way overloaded and listening online doesnt work.

How quickly, realistically can one get from the track to the airport? I’ll have to fly home that night and am looking for a time frame.

If we booked a flight from Dallas to leave on Sunday what time would you recommend leaving the race? Our flight is at 11pm. Is that enough time to get there?

As a three day pass holder, do I need to make any reservation of some sort for the track walk for Thursday?

I checked on the COTA go karting and they said they are actually closed for F1 and the track is being used for VIP parking.

I’ve purchased two GA tickets for the US GP but covid restrictions mean we cannot travel from the UK. Can we request a refund?

Anyone know how strict they are on having clear book bags? I really dont want to purchase a new book bag but their website say it should be clear. And has anyone ever brought a collapsible wagon?

Also how can we find out about Thursday track walk and possibly hotels where racers might be staying to try for some autographs 👍🏻

I’m getting nervous about COVID for this event – I’m super high risk. It’s breaking my heart, as I was going to bring my daughter AND my father to see it together – first race ever we would have seen, and we are all bonkers about F1. I expect to make the call in the next couple days. I see there were a few people interested in three day GA passes – I have two of those, and possibly one more w/grandstand seating. If anyone is interested, feel free to email. Oh, man, it would kill me not to go – we were going to go last year for the kiddo’s birthday present, and then that didn’t happen… (well, maybe next year we will have /two/ races!)

Is there a particular place that’s best to be to try to get autographs or see drivers on practice days or quali day? I would guess race day you wouldn’t see them much. Obviously getting there early is key but the track is so large! Planning our first GP visit for next year! Thank you so much for any tips. This thread is so helpful!

This will be my first time at a F1 event as I am surprising my boyfriend. I am wondering if I only have a grandstand ticket for Sunday race day if I am able to get into the Saturday concert as it states “all F1 ticket holders have access” but the shuttle states you need individual ticket for each day? I also purchased the shuttle pass for Sunday and noticed it says 8 am pick up. Is it appropriate to believe that we will not get to COTA till9/10? Is there any specific attractions that people do from that time till the race starts? Any tours I can book? Lastly upon leaving for the day is it unrealistic to make 6pm dinner plans? Will traffic be too busy with shuttle return or do you get dirty/ need to shower after event? Thank you so much for the help I am really excited to surprise my boyfriend for his 30th! Nothing is bigger than Texas nd F1 combo for such a milestone Bday!

Can we buy advance tickets to the observation tower or only on race days?
Thank you

I am also trying to find out when 21 pilots concert will start? Or about what time? Or at least in prior years what time did concerts start? Question asked several times, but no answers. I want to watch some of the race, but mostly the concert -any help is appreciated.

We have Turn 15 seats (3 day) for 2021 USGP. During practice and qualifying, is it acceptable to sit in other open seats throughout COTA? For race commentary, do you recommend listening on FM or paying for the F1 TV Pro app for the live experience? thank you!

Has anyone had any experience in the past on Fri/Sat leaving after the practice sessions and coming back for the concert? Does parking have in/out privileges? Is it going to be too crazy on the Practice/Qualifying days to even make that worth it?

Andrew,

Thanks for all the help here! I recently purchased parking tickets for LOT F. I’m at a hotel about 8 miles away. Any idea about how long I should plan for the commute from hotel to being parked and heading into the race? I know time of day plays a factor but generally speaking is 90 minutes sufficient?

Late question – in the past it looks like there was a Military hospitality area at COTA- will there be one in 2021? Or any other venue for military/vets?

Great page Andrew. So much helpful information. I have attended the USGP every year since 2014.
2021 was a very different USGP. There were a LOT more people there with the added grandstands and the extra GA tickets that were released. The place was so crowded in afternoons it was nearly impossible to move around or get anything after 2pm. That said it is true that Friday is much less congested.
My comments/suggestions for those attending:
1. Traffic. As mentioned repeatedly, the traffic is a nightmare. Especially getting out. This is also true for the shuttles which sometimes have dedicated lanes. Go early and stay late no matter where you are sitting. Pack a cooler and enjoy the wait for the traffic to ease up after the day’s events. It took almost two hours for any movement in our lot last year after the race.
2. GA. GA is fantastic at COTA but it requires more effort. Obviously turn 1 is the most popular for GA and people start lining up early in the am before the gates open. You need to go very very early on race day. You can stake your claim where you want to be and you will probably be ok leaving your chairs and blankets, but people will fill in very close to your space so you probably do not want to leave them alone for very long as the day goes on. Turns 7 and 11 are great and so is 19.
2. Merchandise. Every F1 fan loves the merchandise. Another reason to go early. The best merchandise booths are the official F1 booth and the large team booths which I recall are near the fanzone. There are merch booths located around the track but there are fewer items available.
3. Food. Personally I have not been all that impressed with the food at COTA (yes even the BBQ). You will need to eat at some point. It is a long day at the track. Just grab something and don’t overthink it. It wont be healthy. You will probably be fine throwing a couple bars in your bag if you want to avoid the sausages, burgers, dogs, tacos etc.
4. Drink. Plenty of places to grab a beer or water and they have vendors around the track in addition to the food stands. As with other mentions they become scarcer as the day goes on. COTA does sell cocktails around the track and take a guess, lines are long in the afternoon. And stay hydrated!
5. Commentary/Live Timing. Prior to 2021 I never had a problem accessing to the F1 app on my phone. Due to the larger crowd last year, I had a lot of trouble accessing my app even using cell service. This is my one complaint about attending this race in person. Inaudible loudspeakers and a lack of information regarding what is happening around the circuit. I am going to look into the FM/ESPN suggestion. If that is happening it will be a big improvement.
6. Weather/Terrain. Check the weather and be prepared. It is a rain or shine event. It can be 40 degrees, it can be 100 degrees or it can be both! Also, this race comes with a free hike! You will walk way more than you anticipate. I suggest walking the entire track if you are there Friday or early on Saturday. It is amazing to walk and photograph cars on the entire track. If there has been any rain in the days leading up it will be muddy around the track. Do not wear your fancy sneakers unless you have hospitality. Bring comfortable, weather appropriate footwear.
7. Concerts. I have never stayed for the concerts as my group is ready to leave when the racing is finished. We go for a full day of cars on the track and then a good dinner in Austin. Enjoying Austin’s great food and night life is a big part of the experience. That is a personal choice.
8. Hospitality. Pit tours, the drive around the track on a flatbed and other amenities are for those that purchase F1 Experiences, Paddock Club, or COTA hospitality packages. I have done this on two occasions and it is amazing. F1 hospitality is on another level. Especially the air conditioned suites with monitors and an open bar. If it is in your budget hospitality comes highly recommended in Austin due to the unpredictable weather and the crowds.

Sorry for the long comment! I hope some of this is helpful and see you in Austin!

Does anyone have any knowledge or experience in where the drivers might walk by to get a photo or autograph at COTA?

Hello I will be attending my first F1 race in Austin this Oct. Just wondering what is the best way to get a driver to sign your hat or at least be able to just see the drivers from a far in person.

We purchased tickets that have PSL Lounge access? We’re traveling with kids and are trying to be as prepared as possible. Can you tell me what areas this lets us enter?

Many thanks in advance.

Hi! I bought tickets for this year at turn 19, and which are bleacher seats I believe, will there be a screen there/ will I be able to hear the broadcasters?

Hi! It’s gonna be my first GP and I’m getting GA tickets for COTA this year. Is Turn 1 the best spot for a GA ticket? Are there TVs in front of it? Do you think there’s a chance for a GA to have an autograph?

Hi there,

Question about entering the track. I purchased parking pass from lot G, and I’m sitting at turn 4 grandstand. Which entry do you recommend to go to (and take the tram) in order get to the seat asap. Would it be a long walk? We are flying in early Friday afternoon, would like to make it to the quali in time. Appreciate your help in advance!

Thanks!