ahoyne9For this year’s Grand Prix, I chose Austin, Texas, which turned out to be a fantastic decision. Not only did I get to catch up with my dad and friends Anthony and Kaustav, but it also provided a great opportunity for a group meet-up to enjoy the race together. For those that are new to my blog, I do try to attend a Formula One race each year. Past races have been Montreal, Mexico City, La Castellet, Melbourne, and Miami.
I purchased General Admission (GA) tickets in advance for $500, but in hindsight, I should have waited for the Costco deal that came out later for $350 for the weekend. I flew into Austin from a regional airport and flew back from San Antonio—a useful tip for future Grand Prix attendees, as return flights from Austin can be quite pricey post-race.
The Grand Prix experience itself was exhilarating. To avoid the hassle and cost of parking, I highly recommend using the shuttle service. The parking at Travis County Exposition Center is free, and the shuttle service to the track costs $50 for the weekend. This method saved a lot of time compared to the traffic and parking delays my friend Kaustav and I faced.
For GA ticket holders, the flexibility of sitting anywhere without assigned stands is a bonus. I found a great spot near the Germania Insurance Amphitheater between turns 18 and 19. It’s wise to bring a sun umbrella and a small camping chair to stay comfortable and shaded.
After the race, I took a FlixBus for $18 from Austin to San Antonio, which took about 1.5 hours. In San Antonio, I had around six hours before my flight, so I explored two must-see spots: The Alamo and the San Antonio River Walk. The Alamo, smaller than I expected, is renowned for the 1836 battle where defenders like Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie made their stand. Admission is free, though donations are encouraged.
The San Antonio River Walk, stretching over 15 miles, offers a beautiful setting with lush pathways, charming restaurants, and shops.
I wrapped up my trip with a city bus ride to the airport for only $5. It was quick and convenient. While I enjoyed the Austin Grand Prix, next year’s adventure will take me to Qatar. The rising costs for Grand Prix events in the U.S.—including tickets, concessions, and accommodations—are making international trips seem more cost-effective. The Netflix series may have boosted Formula 1’s popularity in the U.S., but it’s also driven up the prices for fans. Cheers!