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Chi getting ready for the race to begin<\/p><\/div>\n
The main event is spectacular, but the lead-up and post-show entertainment complement the race nicely. I was lucky enough to see Stevie Wonder live! The activities before race day and the qualifiers are just as adrenaline-pumping as the final. Even the weather pleasantly surprised me, from a dreary start to a stunning afternoon.<\/p>\n
The Austin<\/a> F1 Grand Prix is an exciting event, but also a fantastic excuse to explore one of the USA\u2019s coolest cities. It\u2019s also a busy time to visit, so you\u2019ll need to plan ahead to make the most of your trip. Here\u2019s what I learned about doing it like a pro.<\/p>\n Working out the logistics is vital. It helped me determine the best place to stay, as I only had a few days in Austin and wanted to cram in as much of this (awesome) city as possible. I hired a car<\/a> and it was definitely worth it, as being able to easily get around helped me discover the local scene and see Downtown from a different perspective (via kayaking!). By the time the race came around, I was all ready. I\u2019d even sorted out a parking permit (public transport in Austin is not easy to navigate \u2013 especially trying to get to the track for a big event.<\/p>\n Downtown accommodation and hotels close to the track sell out early, so you\u2019d better book ahead if that\u2019s where you want to stay. Alternatively, why not stay in one of the surrounding suburbs so you can do some exploring and have a different experience of Austin? For me, when I go to a new city, I want to check out as much as I can and see how the locals live. Staying outside the tourist centres is a great way to discover new places and add to the recommendation list you share with your family and friends.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a big day (or for those who have the weekend passes, it\u2019s a couple of big days!), so make sure you drink your water and don\u2019t go *too* crazy in the evenings. My F1 was action-packed, with a lot of walking from one side of the track to the other. We\u2019re all guilty of wasting money on video arcade games at some point in our childhood, so I thought I was ready to take on Austin\u2019s grown-up F1 racing simulation game \u2013 how wrong I was. Personally, I think I\u2019ll stick to racing F1 cars on a slot car track and leave the real racing to the pros.<\/p>\n As much as I would have loved sitting next to the pit stops and seeing the magic of tyre changes happening at lightening speed, my seat on one of the turns \u2013 where I could watch the cars straighten up and shoot off into the straight \u2013 was pretty impressive. With the speed of the cars charging through, you see them\u00a0more than 50 times a day, no matter where you sit. It\u2019s exciting every time \u2013 even more so when you see an overtake.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t worry if you can\u2019t afford one of the premium seats. You won\u2019t miss any action, as the Circuit of the Americas\u2019 big screens cover every angle and the commentary blasting through the speakers will keep you well informed. The live engine-roaring intensifies the experience and you can feel the energy of the crowd when an overtake is about to happen.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.lemediavault.com\/images\/238d67e887426debd0f59f841b0a48aa.jpeg\")
\n\u00a01. Plan ahead<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\n 2. Book early<\/strong><\/h3>\n
3. Get your rest<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\n 4. Every seat is amazing<\/strong><\/h3>\n
5. The big screens have got you covered<\/strong><\/h3>\n