Austin, USA

The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is the finest purpose-built circuit in the United States — a Hermann Tilke design that borrowed the best elements from the world's great circuits: the Turn 1 uphill hairpin from Istanbul, the Maggotts/Becketts complex from Silverstone, the esses from Suzuka. The result is a genuinely challenging and spectacular circuit on the edge of Austin, Texas. And Austin itself — live music capital of the world, university city, barbecue destination — is one of the most enjoyable cities in America.

F1 2026: 23–25 October. Late October in Austin is outstanding — warm (22–26°C), low humidity, the summer heat fully gone. One of the best times of year in Texas. Book accommodation months ahead; COTA weekend is the largest annual event in Austin and hotel prices increase dramatically.

COTA is 15km east of Downtown Austin. Shuttle buses run from multiple Downtown collection points on race days — strongly recommended over driving. Within Austin, the city is largely car-dependent but ride-sharing is excellent. The 6th Street entertainment district and South Congress Avenue are both walkable from Downtown hotels.

Downtown Austin is the best base — walking distance to Rainey Street, 6th Street and the Congress Avenue Bridge. South Congress is Austin's most characterful area — independent hotels, excellent restaurants and the famous Congress bridge bat colony. East Austin has the most vibrant independent food and bar scene at better prices than downtown. Avoid the chain hotels on the highway corridor near the airport.

6th Street and Rainey Street — the live music venues of Austin operate every night of the week; the concentration of quality live music in a small area is unmatched anywhere in America. The Blanton Museum of Art at UT Austin — a genuinely excellent university art museum with outstanding Latin American and contemporary collections; free on certain days. The Texas State Capitol — larger than the US Capitol in Washington and set in expansive grounds; the rotunda and legislative chambers are open for free tours. Barton Springs Pool — a natural spring-fed swimming pool in Zilker Park, open year-round, maintained at a constant 20°C; one of the most beloved places in Austin. The LBJ Presidential Library at UT Austin — one of the most candid and historically rigorous presidential libraries in the US system; the Vietnam War materials are extraordinary.

Austin's food scene is one of America's finest and most diverse. Franklin Barbecue (brisket; queue begins at 5am, sells out by noon; worth it) is the standard against which all Texas BBQ is measured. La Barbecue is the best alternative for those unwilling to queue at dawn. The East Austin food trucks — particularly on Rainey Street and along East Cesar Chavez — represent the most honest version of Austin's food culture. Uchi is the city's finest Japanese restaurant and consistently ranks among the best in the US.

Austin is largely car-dependent — comfortable walking shoes essential for the entertainment districts but the distances are considerable. COTA involves significant walking on the hillside circuit terrain. October weather is ideal for outdoor events.

Austin is a safe city in the areas described. The emergency number is 911. Travel insurance essential given US healthcare costs.

Turn 1 grandstand at COTA is the finest viewing position — the uphill hairpin at the first corner gives a view of the entire field arriving at the first braking zone simultaneously on lap 1; the elevation gives a panorama of the circuit and the Austin skyline beyond. The Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk (March–October) — 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from under the bridge every evening at sunset; one of the great wildlife spectacles in North America and entirely free. Sixth Street on Sunday night after the race — the combination of F1 visitors and the regular Austin music crowd creates one of the great race weekend post-celebrations in motorsport.