A Look at the 2024 Formula 1 Race at COTA
Circuit of the Americas hosts its second sprint race F1 weekend in thrilling fashion
By Matthew Wetzler
The 215-foot-tall COTA Tower acts as a landmark for orienting yourself as you navigate around the track.
Amid a tight championship battle, Austin proved to once again provide an entertaining experience for fans.
While Miami and Las Vegas have brought the total number of races in the United States to three, Circuit of the Americas remains the only track specifically built for Formula 1 racing. Miami’s race takes place in the parking lot around Hard Rock Stadium in Miami and Las Vegas takes place on the streets of the city. Self-described as “the people’s race,” Austin’s event continues to draw the largest crowd of the three races.
Over the last several years, promoters have increasingly leaned into the cowboy/Western aesthetic often associated with the Lone Star State. Entertainment has included line dancers and lasso demonstrations. The fan area follows a ranch theme and is called “Lone Star Land,” where cowboy hats and other Western attire are for sale. They’ve even gone so far as to gift the drivers cowboy hats and boots this year to welcome them to Austin.
But it’s not all cowboy related. “La Cantina” and “The Biergarten” areas celebrate the Latino and German heritage pervasive throughout Texas history. And it wouldn’t be an Austin event if there wasn’t plenty of live music. This year’s major headliners were Sting and Eminem.
So whether you go for the love of the sport or just want a one-of-a-kind experience, F1 has something for everyone. Formula 1 will return to Circuit of the Americas in Austin next year from Oct. 16-19.
The main entrance to the paddock area gives a big—University of Texas-centric—Texas welcome to drivers, media, and VIPs.
Race fans take in the view from the iconic COTA Tower’s observation deck.
The fan zone included a booth where fans can create their own livery for a Formula 1 car and see it in augmented reality via a phone.
LEGO—a recently announced sponsor of Formula 1—had a booth with a full-size LEGO replica of McLaren’s Formula 1 car in ‘exploded view’ and opportunities to build your own miniature F1 car to take with you.
Mini golf, anyone? There’s a Circuit of the Americas-themed course outside the main grandstand, complete with a small replica of the iconic COTA tower.
The University of Texas Longhorn band during the pre-race ceremony.
Race day pole sitter Lando Norris waves to the crowd during the driver parade.
Haas F1’s Nico Hülkenberg—in his car adorned with a special ‘home race’ livery—speeds down the hill towards turn two on the formation lap prior to the start of the race.
Fan Driver Engagements are held for each team throughout the race weekend and allow for fans to get relatively up-close-and-personal with their favorite drivers and teams.
As part of the pervasive “Everything Texas,” there were wandering cowboys doing lasso demonstrations in the main plaza.
One the Austin crowd’s favorite drivers—Sergio “Checo” Perez”—speeds past the COTA Tower during Friday evening’s sprint qualifying session.
The 20-car field exits turn one just after the start of the sprint race.
The McLaren crew prepare to remove Lando Norris’ car from the track area after his third place finish in the sprint race.
Between the first and second round of qualifying fans in general admission watch the action on large screen next to the even larger Texas flag against a beautiful Texas sky.
Max Verstappen speeds through the start/finish straight during the Grand Prix.
A Visa Cash App Red Bull car rounds the COTA Tower in the final stages of the race.
Charles LeClerc pumps his fist in the air celebrating his win at the 2024 Formula 1 Pirelli United States Grand Prix.
Carlos Sainz sprayed champagne at the podium at the conclusion of the race. The final podium was Charles LeClerc and Carlos Sainz of Ferrari, and Max Verstappen of Red Bull.
