United States Grand Prix

This is one of the stand-out races of the year and takes place at the Circuit of the Americas, a 25-minute drive from downtown Austin.

This race draws one of the largest crowds of the year and has been run since 2012. If you’re wanting to catch a glimpse/autograph/selfie of your favourite driver, you’d need to be at the main paddock swipe gates but even if you can get access (you’d need to have Paddock Club tickets), security will move you on.

One way to see the drivers is to book an F1 Experiences package in a suite above the garages. At the back of the suites are two balconies that provide you with a great view into the paddock and many fans will lower items down to drivers on a string for them to sign. It’s a quirky Austin thing.

This track has a magnificent tower at turn 17 which you can ascend over the weekend for a fee. The view is magnificent but you can only stay for a short period.

As for the best viewing? I would go for the turn 1 grandstand or take the cheaper option of a general admission ticket and sit on the hill in front of that stand but be warned that it is packed on Saturday and Sunday.

I normally do a meet n greet on the Friday at the roundabout just below this area. More details a few days prior on my Instagram page.

Most of the accommodation is in the city but the prices are jacked up deluxe and rooms are booked out a long way in advance. This means those booking late get absolutely reamed or are forced to stay in the suburbs.

Sixth Street is a lively destination at night with bars a plenty although the crowd is normally 70% males. There are two parts to 6th Street, one grungier than the other so choose wisely. If you’re looking for something a bit more upmarket, head to South Congress Street for a variety of eateries and bars.

Food-wise you must try Texas BBQ. It’s radically different to what Australians call BBQ, it’s mighty tasty and expensive. Many of the drivers stay in the city at the Fairmont, Four Seasons and JW Marriot where crowds of fans wait out the front morning and night to catch a glimpse.