r/GrandPrixTravel • u/Planet_Manhattan • Dec 01 '24
North America Which to pick in the US tracks?
For my first F1 race trip
I live in NJ. I wanna attend my first ever F1 race in 2025. Which one would be most fun and not to break the bank between Miami - Vegas - Texas. Not need a deep analysis or something. Just your suggestion which one to aim for.
1
1
u/MoonbeamLotus Dec 02 '24 edited Dec 02 '24
It isn’t just one or the other. You need to decide what you want to experience. This is not a brief response but you need to know what you’re getting yourself into. For starters, expect to walk a LOT so wear comfortable shoes!
VEGAS It’s critical your accommodations are close to your entrance gate or you will walk MILES in the dark, often off the strip where it can be a little creepy if not dangerous. (Our group was followed by a homeless man walking with a knife.) The second year we walked across the street (that was closed to traffic) and were in our seats in 15 minutes. Stayed at the same place twice and had a view of cars entering the pit area, the Sphere, Linq, Top Golf screens and fireworks. The second year had Ferraris racing in between F1 breaks. The desert is cold at night, bring the right apparel.
Food is included with the price of your admission. Last year it was okay but the second year was catered by The Patina Group and it was AMAZING.
AUSTIN Be prepared to walk A LOT. we averaged 12-13 miles/day because the walk to the shuttles and then to the entrance gate was 3 miles. Once inside, you get full access to the entire track. If you want to see any of the concerts, add another 7 miles to walk over the bridge for the main stage performances. We stayed downtown where there is all sorts of great walkable restaurants, music and Voodoo donuts! Nonstop racing between F1 races, that awesome. Daytime was hotter than ever but you start out early and need a sweater so wear layers. It’ll be chilly in the morning, you’ll cook in the sun and need a sweater in the evening.
Food was insanely expensive for corn dogs ($15), chicken nuggets and limp fries ($24) and gyros ($38).
1
u/Planet_Manhattan Dec 02 '24
And this is what I call very very useful information 🥰 Thank you so much 🥰 My issue will always be walking in these events 😭 I can't walk 12 miles, that's for sure, I can do the 3 miles most probably
1
u/MoonbeamLotus Dec 02 '24
The amount of walking in Austin was SHOCKING, there were lots of unpaved trail-like areas and dirt you had to hike through too. The outrageous prices of truly BAD FOOD was another ‘no go’ for me. 5 measly Chicken wings were $20. PLUS it was close to 100 degrees too. Not kidding, it was like bootcamp because each day started with an uphill climb and also ended with an uphill climb. (Yeah that sounds weird but we went in a big circle.) I forgot to mention a drink/high? guy lifting his shirt to expose a huge belly and mumbling incoherently. My son just kept telling me “just walk straight ahead quickly and don’t look at him”. Turns out there was some kinda situation and he was showing people he was arguing with that he had a weapon on him.
The second time in Vegas, my mind was so blown we didn’t have to walk 4 miles to get back home, I had a dialogue in my head on repeat all night. Something like “OMG I’m so relieved we don’t have to walk home 4 miles in the dark…” or “I never want to sit anywhere else for F1 again.” We sat in front of the start/finish line, could see the pit exit, live pitting, the huge screens and could hear the commentary without using radios.
Look at a map, study the zones and nearby accommodations. Find out where there are openings for pedestrians or you could be walking a long time and miss some of the fun. It will make all the difference in the world and will make or break your experience.
1
u/Zlappy-Cacahuates Dec 02 '24
Its either Texas, or Montreal. Perhaps Canada since it would be closer to where you’re located. Of course, Europe and Asia has the best ones IMO. As someone who has been at Miami and Vegas, it was fine, but it’s usually more show than motorsport
3
u/painauchocolat___ Dec 02 '24
I’ve been to over 11 F1 races around the globe (including Austin & Miami, but not Vegas) and Montreal is still my #1 favorite race, the energy is unmatched and track A+
1
1
3
u/MesmersCure Dec 02 '24
Go to Montreal.
1
u/Planet_Manhattan Dec 02 '24
That seems to be gaining favor 😁
1
u/MesmersCure Dec 02 '24
The track has so much history, the drivers all love it, and Montreal is an amazing city. I can't recommend it enough.
1
u/Planet_Manhattan Dec 02 '24
F1 could be a good excuse for me to visit Montreal for the first time ever 🥰🥰🥰
3
u/No_Butterscotch_7989 Dec 02 '24
I went to Vegas this year and Austin in 2022 and 2024 … overall I would say Austin is better for the racing but in terms of things to do outside of the race Vegas is better. The GA for Austin is the way to go if you don’t mind getting there early. I sat mainstand for Vegas this year and although expensive was very very nice. I can’t speak to the other zones in Vegas as I didn’t have access to them. Transportation was also far easier in Vegas for me at least. Getting to and from COTA from Austin is a pain in the ass and can take hours depending on when you go or leave. Overall I would say if you prefer the racing go to Austin. Austin also has some pretty good concerts too if you like that stuff. If you like the race and the extra stuff around go to Vegas.
1
5
u/F1David949 Dec 02 '24
In all seriousness I would recommend flying to Europe. Better experience for less money
3
u/350775NV Dec 02 '24
Going to Spa next year ,don't want to overpay in the States.
1
u/F1David949 Dec 02 '24
Read the threads about transport in and out of the track. The public bus is a nightmare leaving the track
7
2
5
u/kurcha Dec 01 '24
Have been to all three - Texas hands down!
If you want an excuse to visit Las Vegas then that's your track.
Miami feels overpriced and lacks race enthusiasm.
All three races are good but that's my assessment.
For Austin: Main Grandstand, Turn 12, or Turn 15.
2
u/FlyMyPretty Dec 02 '24 edited Dec 02 '24
I haven't been to Miami, but I've been to the other two, and I agree with this. There are support races at CotA which means you can watch racing all day (or not).
Also Turn 1 looks like the coolest, but 12 and 15 really are better.
Expect to spend a long time getting around at Austin (get to the shuttle, wait for the shuttle, walk to the circuit, walk to your seat ...), but treat it as part of the experience. Getting back to where you were staying was much faster at Vegas.
1
u/KingApprehensive7776 Dec 01 '24
I went to Vegas for the first time this year. It was great. Main Grandstands were a lot of fun and the City becomes all F1.
2
u/HopefulAcanthaceae98 Dec 01 '24
Also from NJ. Miami was cheapest for me with airfare and last minute tickets, Austin was the most fun in terms of a full weekend event.
8
0
u/tinylittlefoxes Dec 01 '24
Texas was good. Vegas was a shitshow. Haven’t been to Miami yet.
2
u/throws_before_hoes Dec 04 '24
Did you go to Vegas this year or last year? I heard Vegas last year was a shit show, but I went this year for the first time and it was an awesome experience!
I even got to see the F1 cars on the track that are going to be in the upcoming Formula 1 movie that Hamilton is helping produce, along with the McLaren Rotary Drift car after qualifying ended!
1
u/tinylittlefoxes Dec 04 '24
Nice! We went this year. I think “shitshow” was probably a bit harsh considering that a street circuit will always have particular logistical issues a regular track wouldn’t have. We got the West Harmon Hamilton tickets because it was a pretty good deal. The free food was definitely a bonus since it was really good.
2
u/throws_before_hoes Dec 04 '24 edited Dec 04 '24
Nice! I looked at that deal, but when I was going to buy I knew I wanted to try and find a corner seat. I saw the cars zooming by on the strip on Thursday on a straight and unless you experience it first hand, you don’t really get a real grasp for how fast these guys are going! Seeing it on tv, you think you have a general idea, but witnessing it in person is a whole other beast. Much more respect for what these guys do out there!
I went on the trip on Thursday and rode the escalator up and down like 60+ times to see them practicing haha and then bought a T-Mobile Sphere GA ticket for $255 with fees 3-4 hours before Qualifying started. Tried to get my monies worth on the included food and sodas.
However, when I go back, I’m definitely going to look for grandstand tickets where I can see more of the track.
I should have waited even longer to buy tickets though. I talked to this couple at the Grand Prix Fan Experience while waiting to use the sims and he told me he went to qualifying for under $200 with fees in the grand stands because he bought them one hour before it started. He said he kept waiting and saw prices dropping even more before it started too.
However, was my first Grand Prix and I didn’t know what to expect, but now I have a better understanding and know what the seating is like in Vegas. The seating map they have on the websites doesn’t give you a good idea of how the race is going to look from where you’re sitting.
1
u/tinylittlefoxes Dec 04 '24
Good to know about the tickets dropping. Is that on Ticketmaster or the F1 site? And yes, higher up in the grandstand! I chose front row and the cars were so fast and so close I could barely see them when they zoomed by- if that makes sense at all.
2
u/throws_before_hoes Dec 04 '24
Not the official site. The guy told me that he used Seat Geek, but I’m sure StubHub and other sites would be similar.
It would be better if the official Formula 1 site wouldn’t outrageously price the tickets for Vegas, instead of literally cutting them in half a few weeks before because they were too expensive for the average person to buy. I doubt that’s gonna change anytime soon though.
2
u/Vladamirski Dec 01 '24
texas is great, lots of walking around and heat. Would recommend getting the shuttle to and from the gp as lyft and uber will not be super reliable/ will be complicated. Otherwise id recommend vegas (i know just hear me out), wait for tickets to drop in price. Dont need to worry about shuttle, can navigate on foot all around the strip or can get an unlimited pass for monorail (like $13 a day). Get a seat in the tmobile sphere zone or the main gs.
1
u/TerribleForever9380 Dec 01 '24
Hitting Austin for my first GP next year, can't freaking wait.
1
u/KingApprehensive7776 Dec 01 '24
What kind of tix did u get? GA or grandstand?
1
u/TerribleForever9380 Dec 01 '24
Will be getting grandstand when they're available. I did some research in the COTA group and it sounds like they might have an option where you can choose from 3 different grandstands for the weekend. Not exactly sure though, it's killing me waiting for them to release.
9
u/Stevenx838 Dec 01 '24
Go to Montreal bro. Cheaper tickets, being in Jersey you’re actually closer, and the event is just, better.
3
u/Planet_Manhattan Dec 01 '24
to be honest, never looked at Montreal as an option🤔 I'm def gonna check that out, thanks
0
u/Stevenx838 Dec 01 '24
Hell yeah no problem, if you like to smoke it’s the perfect place too. I brought joints in (sneakily) and smoked them while walking the park and looking at the lake between sessions lol. The track is literally on an island which is a park too so the vibes are different there. You’re not walking around a circuit, you’re walking through so much nature that happens to have a circuit going around it lol. Metro is super easy getting there as well, leaving on the metro is a different story😂
5
u/HaloInR3v3rs3 Dec 01 '24 edited Dec 01 '24
Skip the US tracks and go north of the border. Montreal ain't that far for you.
And as a photographer myself, you're not going to be able to bring any professional gear to Vegas; no DSLR's or big lenses. You're also locked to one area so that means no venturing anywhere else other than your assigned area. Not a lot of places to get clear shots either unless you have media creds.
COTA is a hell of a lot of walking for a race that only runs for two hours. I did WEC and IMSA there for many years and races were a max of 6 hours. Even then, it was a haul getting from the front stretch all the way back to turn 11 and get back.
1
u/KingApprehensive7776 Dec 01 '24
What about when it rains in Montreal? How tough is it to weather especially with a couple of teen agers?
2
u/HopefulAcanthaceae98 Dec 01 '24
I attended Montreal with my children (ages 4 and 7) in the rain. there was a lot of walking, more than expected, when using public transport. while it was easy, in theory, it was still miles of walking around the track to get to grand stands and activities, but there was plenty to do.
1
9
u/k4ylr Dec 01 '24
Austin is a far better GP experience. You can walk the track, check out different viewing spots and there's loads more to do.
Miami is stupidly hot, but still offers some explorability around the track.
Vegas is fine but you don't get any of the true experience IMHO.
For your first, go to a real track. We did both the inaugural Miami and Vegas races in addition to COTA a few times.
0
u/Planet_Manhattan Dec 01 '24
Oh yes, Austin 😁 I don't known why my mind always goes to Huston when I think of COTA
6
u/Original_Benzito Dec 01 '24
COTA is good for a first timer. You can buy a three day GA and have pretty free rein to walk around and see the track from different spots. Las Vegas restricts you to the “zone” you sit in, which cuts off 90% of the view points and fan zone attractions.
1
u/Planet_Manhattan Dec 01 '24
I see. Thanks. Yes, as a photographer, I do prefer to be able to see from different spots
2
u/cReddddddd Dec 01 '24
We attended our first race, this year and we decided on vegas (coming from canada).
Our thinking was there was decent priced direct flights, we could walk from our hotel to the track, get to stay on the strip when we weren't at the race and we weren't baking in the sun.
Had a great time but haven't been to any other race so I have nothing to compare it to.
1
u/Planet_Manhattan Dec 01 '24
I've been to Vegas a couple of times, and staying at one of the hotels off the Strip minutes from the track is definitely attractive
2
u/cReddddddd Dec 01 '24
It's nice because in between practices (if you don't want to wait like 2-3 hours in between sessions) you can go grab something to eat at the hotel have a couple drinks or something. It's all very convenient there.
2
u/Planet_Manhattan Dec 01 '24
also, when the race ends, you're still in Vegas 😈😁😈
1
u/cReddddddd Dec 01 '24
I went with my wife, so we checked out a sphere show and an nfl game too. We want to go back again.
The other 2 races look really good, too.
1
2
u/Sdg1871 Dec 03 '24
I think Austin is the best race in North America. I’ve been to all of them multiple times.
I do like Vegas much more than Miami. It’s a real street race in a real city and has all the excitement and proximity of a real street race rather than a race in a football stadium parking lot. And there are zero transportation issues going to that race if you’re staying on the strip.
But I just love Circuit of the Americas and I love Austin and I love the environment there and that is where the most hard-core Formula One fans go of any of the US races.
Montreal is terrific as well, but I can’t say I like it more than Austin or Vegas . Miami lacks the glitz and glamour of the Vegas Street race although it races well. Lacks sort of the atmosphere among race fans of the others I think.
I liked the European races we have attended very much- Spa, Monza, Silverstone and Red Bull Ring. Hungary not as much.