City: Austin, Texas, USA
Circuit: Circuit of the Americas
Date: October 23–25, 2026
Built specifically to bring Formula 1 back to the United States in style, the Circuit of the Americas opened in 2012 and has been a resounding success. Its first corner which is a steep, blind uphill climb is one of the most dramatic race starts in the sport. Beyond the track, COTA has become famous for blending world-class motorsport with live music and entertainment, with headline performances from global artists making it as much a cultural festival as a race weekend.
City Rating: ★★★★☆ Race Experience: ★★★★☆
Our Verdict: Go for the Race + the Party
THE CITY
Austin is Texas at its most creative and least typical, a liberal university city known for live music, tech culture and some of the best food in the United States. Sixth Street is all live music bars. South Congress has the boutiques and restaurants. The food scene stretches from exceptional BBQ to world-class Mexican and Tex-Mex. Austin is warm, fun and genuinely welcoming.
PRACTICAL FOR AFRICAN TRAVELLERS
Late October in Austin is ideal, so expect warm days around 22 – 26°C, cool evenings and generally clear skies. Austin-Bergstrom airport is well-connected. The circuit is about 15 minutes from downtown by car. Uber is widely used. American tipping culture applies.
WHAT TO EAT
Franklin Barbecue is one of the most celebrated BBQ restaurants in the world, so its queue is long but worth the wait. Terry Black's is an excellent alternative. Veracruz All Natural does breakfast tacos that Austin residents will defend with genuine passion. The food in Austin is great.
THE RACE EXPERIENCE
COTA is a genuinely world-class circuit built specifically for Formula 1. Its dramatic uphill first corner is one of the most exciting race starts in the sport. The fan experience is exceptional, with large screens, extensive fan zones, live music performances from major artists across the weekend and the general feeling that the event is run with genuine care for the audience. The crowd is enthusiastic and the atmosphere is consistently good.
THE HONEST WORD
American race weekends are expensive. Austin is more affordable than Miami or Las Vegas, but hotel prices inflate significantly during race week. Book accommodation early and consider staying slightly outside the city centre. Public transportation in the U.S. is quite unlike most other parts of the world, so car rentals and Uber rides are the way to go here.