Austin F1 Tickets

History of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix

The United States Grand Prix has been part of the Formula One World Championship calendar since 1959 when it was held at the Sebring International Raceway in Florida. From 1961 to 1980, Watkins Glen hosted the US Grand Prix and was known as the ‘Mecca’ of American road racing while also integrating with the European-oriented Formula One World Championship.

Between 1981 and 1988, no official United States Grand Prix was held, though Formula One racing took place during this time in Detroit, Dallas and Las Vegas. The United States Grand Prix officially returned in 1989, hosted at the Phoenix Street Circuit in Arizona. Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna would win the only three events held at this circuit before another seven-year hiatus of the US Grand Prix.

In 2000, Indianapolis Motor Speedway became the new home of the Formula One United States Grand Prix. The 2005 US GP gave rise to one of the most infamous moments in F1 history. Only six cars started the event due to tyre protests. Those who started ran Bridgestone tyres. The remaining seven teams withdrew due to running on Michelin, which had proven unreliable. Schumacher won what was known as a ‘farcical’ Grand Prix.

Formula One took another break from the United States from 2007 to 2012 until returning to Austin, Texas and the Circuit of the Americas, where it is held to this day. The track, designed by Hermann Tilke, is a favourite among drivers and combines famous sequences of corners from other worldwide circuits into one track. Turns 3-6 are inspired by the Maggots-Becketts-Chapel section of Silverstone (British Grand Prix) and Turns 12-15 are reminiscent of the stadium section of Hockenheim (German Grand Prix – unused by F1 since 2019).

How to Buy Austin F1 tickets for the Grand Prix 2026

Fanatix is the place to secure your 2026 Austin F1 tickets.

Austin Grand Prix Information

2026 Austin Grand Prix Schedule

The 2026 United States Grand Prix runs from October 23-25. Times provided are local:

• Friday 23rd 12:30-13:30: Practice 1
• Friday 23rd 16:00-17:00: Practice 2
• Saturday 24th 12:30-13:30: Practice 3
• Saturday 24th 16:00-17:00: Qualifying
• Sunday 25th 15:00: Race

Previous Winners Austin F1

Below are the key results from the last three editions of the race, including podium finishers, pole position and fastest lap.

2025 United States Grand Prix Summary

Max Verstappen dominated the weekend in Austin, converting pole position into victories in both the Sprint and the Grand Prix to reignite his championship hopes. Lando Norris secured second after a late-race dummy on Charles Leclerc at Turn 12, while championship leader Oscar Piastri struggled to fifth following a double-DNF for McLaren in the Saturday Sprint. The race saw early drama as Carlos Sainz retired after contact with Kimi Antonelli, who recovered to set the fastest lap for Mercedes. Verstappen’s maximum points haul slashed Piastri’s lead to just 14 points over Norris, transforming the title fight into a three-way battle as the season heads to Mexico.

Repeat winners

6 – Lewis Hamilton (2007, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017)
5 – Michael Schumacher (2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006)
4 – Max Verstappen (2021, 2022, 2023,2025)
3 – Graham Hill (1963, 1964, 1965)
3 – Jim Clark (1962, 1966, 1967)
2 – Jackie Stewart (1968, 1972)
2 – James Hunt (1976, 1977)
2 – Carlos Reutemann (1974, 1978)
2 – Ayrton Senna (1990, 1991)

Circuit information

Location: 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Del Valle, TX 78617, United States
Surface: Asphalt
Length: 5.513 km (3.426 miles)
Turns: 20
Direction: Anti-clockwise
Capacity: 120,000

Best grandstands at the Austin Grand Prix

Main Grandstand

• Multiple tiered options that affect the price, including Trackside, Mezzanine and Club seating
• Reserved seats have TV access and weather coverage
• Views of the start/finish straight as well as the pit lane and the podium celebrations
• High-priced ticket options especially if you opt for the Club package

Turn 1 Grandstand

• Reserved seating with comfortable chairs and cup holders
• TV screens allow you to follow the action across the entire lap
• Seats are uncovered but are some of the more popular options due to the views of Turn 1 – a great overtaking hotspot

Turn 15 Grandstand

• Reserved seating with cup holders and TV access (though this grandstand is uncovered from extreme weather)
• Great visibility of Turn 12, the heavy braking zone that was the scene of plenty of overtaking and drama in the 2024 race
• Mid-range pricing and generally one of the more affordable grandstands without much sacrifice in views

Travelling to Austin

Key information

• Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is your closest and most common airport, around 10 miles from Circuit of the Americas (COTA)
• Parking is possible at COTA, but pre-purchased tickets are essential and costs can vary, starting at $20 per day
• A lot of parking venues also offer shuttle buses from the car parks to the circuit included in the price of your parking ticket, which can be great value for those travelling with family or friends in one vehicle

Shuttle buses

• Official shuttle buses operate from downtown Austin, near Waterloo Park, and run through suburban areas such as Travis County Expo Centre and Barton Creek Square Mall
• Pricing for shuttle buses starts at $40 for a three-day pass and rises to $129 depending on which part of Austin you’re travelling from

Uber/Taxi

• Austin isn’t short of taxi and ridesharing services
• Fares from Austin to COTA cost approximately $50 each way
• Fares from AUS (airport) to COTA cost approximately $30 each way

FAQs about Austin F1 Tickets

Where is the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) located?

The circuit is located in Del Valle, about 15 miles southeast of downtown Austin. It is a purpose-built facility known for its dramatic elevation changes, most notably the steep climb into the iconic Turn 1.

How do I get to the track from downtown Austin?

Because COTA is located in a rural area with limited road access, we strongly recommend using the official COTA Shuttle service. Shuttles typically run from multiple hubs, including Downtown Austin and the Travis County Expo Center. While rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available, they operate out of a dedicated lot (McAngus) which requires a long walk or a secondary tram ride to reach the circuit gates.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Outside food and alcoholic beverages are not permitted. You are allowed to bring one factory-sealed plastic water bottle (up to 20 oz / 0.6L) per person. Empty plastic refillable bottles or Camelbaks are also allowed and can be filled at free hydration stations located around the track (near Turn 1, Turn 3, and the Grand Plaza). Glass and metal containers are strictly prohibited.

What is the difference between a Grounds Pass and a Grandstand ticket?

The Grounds Pass is Austin’s General Admission option. It allows you to roam the circuit and watch from various grassy embankments, including the famous Turn 1 hill. Grandstand tickets provide a reserved, permanent seat with backrests and cupholders. For the best views of overtaking, Grandstands at Turn 1, Turn 12, and Turn 15 are highly recommended.

Do F1 tickets include access to the concerts?

Yes! Every 3-day or single-day ticket for Friday or Saturday includes access to the Germania Insurance Super Stage for the headlining concerts. Past performers have included global superstars like Taylor Swift and Green Day. The concert area is a festival lawn, so access is first-come, first-served unless you purchase a specific “concert upgrade” for closer viewing.

Are the grandstands covered?

Most grandstands at COTA are not covered, including the popular Turn 1 and Turn 15 sections. Only the Main Grandstand (on the start/finish straight) and certain premium club levels offer shade. Texas weather in October can vary from intense heat to sudden “Northers” (cool fronts), so we recommend bringing a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and light layers.

Can I bring a chair for General Admission?

Yes, portable and collapsible chairs are permitted for those with Grounds Pass tickets. However, these chairs are strictly prohibited inside the grandstands or bleachers. Be sure your chair is compact enough to carry, as you will likely be walking long distances between different viewing areas.

Is there a track invasion after the race?

COTA typically hosts a fan track invasion after the checkered flag. This allows fans to enter the track at designated points to watch the podium ceremony at the start/finish line. It is a great opportunity to take photos on the famous “Stars and Stripes” run-off areas, but be prepared for a brisk walk if you are coming from the far end of the circuit.