Formula 1 Austin: 5 Reasons Why You Should Go

Austin TX

20 October, 2021

2:00 PM

Description

AUSTIN, TX — Racing fans from across the globe will be heading to Austin this weekend for the Formula 1 Aramco United States Grand Prix. The weekend-long fest will kickoff at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin and will stretch from Friday through Sunday for the U.S. premier Formula 1 race. While there are several things you can do at this year's event, here are five reasons why you should drop everything and head to Formula 1 in Austin. Live in Austin? Click here to subscribe to our free breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and download our free mobile app on Android or iPhone. The Big Race — Hamilton v. VerstappenRacers Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, who have rarely left the leaderboard this season, will be at COTA this weekend. Verstappen, 24, holds a six-point lead over seven-time world champion Hamilton, 36, with six races to go this year. Their heated rivalry has culminated in at least three dangerous crashes throughout the season. Expect either or both to end at the top of the leaderboard, and make sure to bring up either name to a committed fan if you're looking for some sideline banter. When's the race? Drivers will be on the track for two practice sessions on Friday at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Qualifying sessions will be from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday with the 56-lap race set to start at 2 p.m. Sunday. Twenty One Pilots, Billy Joel will perform at Germania AmphitheaterPopular artists Twenty One Pilots and Billy Joel will perform at Formula 1 this weekend. Twenty One Pilots is set to take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Billy Joel at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Germania Amphitheater at COTA. General admission to the Germania Insurance Super Stage lawn is included with all USGP tickets. If you haven't bought tickets, COTA will have a limited number of Friday-only tickets for Twenty One Pilots and Saturday-only tickets for Billy Joel available. Shaquille O'Neal will be the DJ — no, seriously!Shaquille O'Neal, the NBA Hall of Fame center and actor, will be at Formula 1 this weekend as DJ Diesel. One of the shows will be at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 at Circuit of the Americas as part of the race track's Formula 1 United States Grand Prix concert series. DJ Diesel's curated set will take place after the race. O'Neal will perform on COTA's ONEderland stage in the infield of the race track and joins Billy Joel, Kool and the Gang and Twenty One Pilots as musical acts performing while the world's top open-wheel racecar drivers navigate the circuit. Enjoy some of Austin's best eateries at the foodie spotsThere will be more than 30 dining options at this year's Formula 1 at COTA. Visitors will have a wide selection of spots to choose from at "Taste of Texas," "La Cantina" and the "Biergarten." Some local favorites you can spot at "Taste of Texas" are Sazan Ramn, Bohemian BBQ, Tiny Pies, Bao'd Up, J's Hibachi, Cavalier, Nervous Charlie's, Wing Daddy, Kababaque, Chivata, Four Brothers, Shawarma Point, Wings N More and Amy's Ice Cream. At "La Cantina" you can find the Eldorado Cafe, Asador Taco, Taco Flats, a beer sampling and entertainment shows like Lucha Libre Wrestling, live music and a Selena Quintanilla-Perez tribute. The "Biergarten" will also offer pretzels, ZeWurst, beers on tap, Lots A Brats and live music and a polka band. ONEderland, Lone Star Land will offer fun activities for the whole familyIf you're not into watching this year's races, that's okay! COTA will feature six villages to offer entertainment for families. Two of the villages to look out for are Lone Star Land and Onederland. At Lone Star Land, you'll find armadillo racing, Austin's classic chicken sh*t bingo, line dancing lessons and shops. The village is located at Tunnel Road between the two pedestrian bridges. ONEderland, located in the circuit infield, will feature El Pulpo Mechanico "Burning Man" Art Car and Numbskull Art Car, interactive sculptures, fire skeet-ball, carnival rides, face painting, live performances, axe throwing, hair braiding, live music and the SPAMARAMA Major League Eating World SPAM Eating Championship on Saturday.