Why drivers love the United States Grand Prix in Texas

When the Formula 1 circus arrives in Austin, it feels like it fits right in. The Texan capital doesn’t need a Grand Prix to be lively – it's already a city full of character, music and energy – but the race weekend adds an extra edge to it all.

The United States Grand Prix has quickly become one of the most popular events on the calendar since its 2012 debut at the Circuit of The Americas (COTA), with a mix of top-class racing, atmosphere and a vibrant personality that the drivers embrace each year.

Ask around the paddock and there’s an easy affection for this one. Perhaps it’s the circuit layout, maybe it’s the intoxicating crowd atmosphere, the vibrant city itself, or maybe it’s the sense of humour that runs through the whole weekend — but something about this magical October weekend at COTA stands out. From cowboy hats to barbecue smoke, and a track that borrows the best bits of F1’s greats, there’s plenty to love about the sport’s Texan stop.

Cowboys in the paddock

If Monaco is all about tuxedos, elegance, and champagne, Austin is denim, fringe and cowboy hats so big they could double as parasols to shield from the intense Texas sun. It’s become a bit of a ritual now, as drivers and teams fully lean into the Texas theme with special liveries and helmets, team kit, and merchandise. And frankly, who doesn’t love dressing up for an exciting occasion? Enter: Daniel Ricciardo .

Honorary Texan Ricciardo set the standard a number of times, especially in 2022 when he rode into the paddock on horseback, dressed head to toe in authentic cowboy gear. “When in Texas,” he grinned. His steed, of course, was nicknamed Horsey McHorse.

Five-time COTA winner Lewis Hamilton has gone full Western more than once, arriving in unique embroidered shirts and sharp cowboy hats that look like they were tailored for him. Even Max Verstappen has joined in for media events, and when pit crews show up in flannel shirts and bolo ties, it’s clear everyone in the paddock is embracing life in the Lone Star State.

The dressing up isn’t just a gimmick. It reflects the whole weekend’s easy-going, slightly mischievous energy. The paddock feels more relaxed, the music’s louder, the smiles wider, and drivers often talk about how much they enjoy the unique atmosphere at COTA.

America’s motorsport soul

Formula 1 might have taken its time to find a proper home in the United States, but motor racing dates back to before the first F1 World Championship race was even devised. From dirt ovals and drag strips to the Indianapolis 500 and Daytona, motorsport runs deep here.

Despite only opening in 2012, it is clear that COTA carries that heritage proudly. It’s hosted MotoGP, NASCAR, endurance racing, and even rallycross. For drivers, that gives the weekend extra weight – it gives the feeling that this is a place where GP winners become legends amongst American motorsporting royalty.

And the fans at COTA? Oh well – they’re loud, they’re knowledgeable and they are absolutely fully invested. You’ll see rosso corsa, papaya and all shades of blue side by side with stars and stripes in the stands. They cheer everyone, they stay until the end, and they make sure the drivers know they’re appreciated and admired. F1 might have arrived relatively late to the party, but now it’s very much the life and soul of it.

A track made of legends

Ask any driver what they like about COTA and they’ll probably start with the circuit characteristics. Hermann Tilke designed it as a sort of “best of” collection from F1’s greatest corners.

Turn 1 is pure magic – a steep, blind, uphill left-hander that rewards commitment. Drivers often say it’s one of the most dramatic opening corners in the sport, with a 40-metre climb that makes the start of each race spectacular as the grid fans out into the braking zone.

What follows is a sequence of high-speed Esses inspired by Silverstone’s Maggotts and Becketts, before the rhythm changes through a flowing middle sector. The long back straight echoes Shanghai, while the fast, multi-apex Turn 17 complex nods to Istanbul Park’s infamous Turn 8.

It’s a circuit that demands precision and bravery in equal measure. As three-time winner Max Verstappen has said: “The COTA track is very special, it’s a new track but with a lot of old school corners in it (but with more run off), which makes it really cool to drive. Turn 1 has such a big radius it gives a lot of overtaking opportunities, and then the whole of the first sector has the Esses, it’s a bit like Silverstone or Suzuka. It is a really fun circuit to race.”

Austin keeps it weird

Aside from the race, there’s Austin itself. It’s hard to think of another host city quite like it – laid-back but lively, creative but easy-going, and all with a genuine warmth that visitors instantly pick up on.

During Grand Prix week, the city is abuzz. South Congress is full of fans queuing for incredible street food such as tacos or brisket sandwiches, and the bars on Sixth Street spill over with live music and downtown becomes one big street party.

Drivers often want to hang around the city a little longer when they arrive for race weekend. It’s the perfect opportunity to wander around the city, grab coffee, ride scooters by Lady Bird Lake, or sneak into a gig. It’s a place that invites people to relax a little... even uptight Formula 1 drivers!

Beyond the vibrant nightlife, the breathtaking Texas Hill Country offers stunning cycling and running routes and quiet roads. The city’s “Keep Austin Weird” slogan might sound a little tongue-in-cheek, but we reckon it captures the spirit of the weekend perfectly!

The heart of F1’s American era

COTA might have to share the US stage with Miami and Las Vegas these days, but it remains the cornerstone of F1 in America. With its perfect blend of European racing tradition and American showmanship, it just worked.

Each autumn, as the grid lines up and the grandstands come alive, it reminds us how COTA has earned its place among the modern classics and makes us fall in love with this special race all over again.