F1 US Grand Prix: Circuit of the Americas Grandstand Guide

The F1 US Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas delivers a bold, high-energy Formula 1 experience set in the hills outside Austin, Texas. Purpose-built for top-tier motorsport, the circuit is defined by dramatic elevation changes and a layout that rewards commitment, precision and confidence. From the steep charge into Turn 1 to the fast, flowing sequences that follow, COTA consistently produces exciting, unpredictable racing throughout the weekend.

What sets the United States Grand Prix apart is how much of the action fans can see. The circuit’s open design and natural terrain allow spectators in both grandstands and general admission areas to enjoy wide-ranging views of the track, often covering multiple corners at once. This makes it easier to follow race strategy, wheel-to-wheel battles and overtaking attempts as they unfold in real time.

Off track, the event embraces Austin’s reputation as a live music and entertainment capital. A packed schedule of performances, fan experiences and social spaces creates a festival-style atmosphere that runs alongside the racing, making the weekend feel like far more than just a Grand Prix.

With so many vantage points and ticket options available, we’ve put together a detailed grandstand guide to the F1 US Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas – helping you choose the ideal tickets for an unforgettable Formula 1 weekend in Texas.

Sign up for 2026 F1 US Grand Prix ticket alerts here

Best grandstands to watch the race at the F1 US Grand Prix

Circuit of the Americas Grandstand Map

Image: www.f1americas.com

Main Grandstand

Big screen: Yes
Covered: Select seats
Numbered seating: Yes

The Main Grandstand at Circuit of the Americas puts you at the heart of the action along the start-finish straight. Overlooking the pit lane, team garages and podium, it’s the perfect spot to take in the most important moments of the United States Grand Prix – from the charge off the line to the final celebrations.

As the largest grandstand at COTA, it offers clear views of race starts, pit stop strategy and post-race ceremonies, with tiered seating providing better sightlines at higher levels.

Fans watch the action from the main grandstand

Turn 1 Grandstand

Big screen: Yes
Covered: No
Numbered seating: Yes

The Turn 1 Grandstand sits at the apex of COTA’s iconic opening corner, offering a dramatic vantage point as the field charges uphill into one of the most challenging braking zones on the circuit. From the opening lap onwards, this corner is a hotspot for late moves, bold overtakes and decisive race moments.

Spectators can watch the cars slow from top speed before fighting for position through the corner, making it one of the most action-packed viewing areas on the track.

Turn 4 Grandstand

Big screen: Yes
Covered: No
Numbered seating: Yes

The Turn 4 Grandstand is located along one of the most flowing sections of COTA, overlooking the transition from Turn 3 into Turn 4. Drivers commit to speed and precision as they link corners and carry momentum through the opening sector.

From this vantage point, spectators can watch cars change direction at high speed and jostle for position as the field spreads out after the opening laps.

CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – OCTOBER 22: George Russell, Mercedes F1 W14 during the United States GP at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday October 22, 2023 in Austin, United States of America. (Photo by Glenn Dunbar / LAT Images)

Turn 9 Grandstand

Big screen: Yes
Covered: No
Numbered seating: Yes

The Turn 9 Grandstand sits in one of the most technical sections of the circuit, offering wide-ranging views across the sweeping esses. Spectators can follow the cars as they flow through multiple corners between Turns 6 and 11, linked by short bursts of acceleration.

This section rewards precision and rhythm, making it an excellent place to appreciate driver skill and car balance throughout a sustained sequence of corners.

Turn 12 Grandstand

Big screen: Yes
Covered: No
Numbered seating: Yes

The Turn 12 Grandstand overlooks one of the key overtaking zones at COTA, as cars brake hard after the long back straight into the tight left-hand corner. It’s a prime spot to watch drivers make late moves and defend position under intense pressure.

Spectators can see the setup and outcome of overtaking attempts as the cars slow dramatically into the corner, making it one of the most consistently busy sections of the track.

Turn 13 Grandstand

Big screen: Yes
Covered: No
Numbered seating: Yes

The Turn 13 Grandstand provides an excellent view of COTA’s closing sector. From here, spectators can follow the cars as they sweep from Turn 12 through Turns 13 to 15, where momentum and precision are essential.

With sightlines covering multiple corners in quick succession, this grandstand offers continuous action and a strong sense of speed as drivers prepare to return to the main straight.

Turn 15 Grandstand

Big screen: Yes
Covered: No
Numbered seating: Yes

The Turn 15 Grandstand sits at the final heavy braking zone before the start-finish straight. This tight hairpin often produces close racing as drivers defend position or attempt overtakes in the closing moments of a lap.

The grandstand is split into two sections, offering different perspectives of this crucial corner and a clear view of the skill required to carry speed out onto the straight.

CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – OCTOBER 19: Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB20, leads George Russell, Mercedes F1 W15, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari SF-24, Lando Norris, McLaren MCL38, Carlos Sainz, Ferrari SF-24, Kevin Magnussen, Haas VF-24, and the rest of the field at the start of the Sprint race during the United States GP at Circuit of the Americas on Saturday October 19, 2024 in Austin, United States of America. (Photo by Glenn Dunbar / LAT Images)

Turn 19 Grandstand

Big screen: Yes
Covered: No
Numbered seating: Yes

The Turn 19 Grandstand overlooks the last sector of COTA, one of the final overtaking opportunities before the start-finish straight. Drivers often make late moves here, creating high tension as the lap concludes.

Spectators can watch cars brake hard, fight for position and accelerate toward the final corner, making it an exciting spot for late-race action.

Turn 19B Grandstand

Big screen: Yes
Covered: No
Numbered seating: Yes

The Turn 19B Grandstand offers a clear view of the final corner and closing sector of COTA. From this vantage point, fans can follow the cars as they approach and enter the last corner, catching late-race drama and last-minute overtaking attempts.

This grandstand provides an excellent perspective on driver skill and precision as cars carry speed back onto the start-finish straight.

General Admission views at Circuit of the Americas

For fans looking for flexibility and a more immersive experience, general admission at COTA offers access to a wide range of vantage points around the circuit. These areas allow spectators to explore multiple corners, find their own preferred viewing spots, and enjoy the natural elevation of the track, which provides excellent sightlines over sweeping turns and straights. Popular areas include the Esses, Turns 3-4, and the back straight near Turn 12, all of which offer thrilling views of overtaking opportunities and close racing.

General admission tickets also give fans the freedom to move between different sections, soak up the atmosphere of the Fan Zone, and catch live entertainment scattered throughout the venue. While seating is not reserved, many areas offer grassy banks or tiered mounds where spectators can bring blankets or chairs for comfort. This option is ideal for fans who want a more casual, flexible, and social experience, while still being right in the heart of the action at the United States Grand Prix.

2026 F1 US Grand Prix tickets

Tickets for the 2026 F1 US Grand Prix are not yet on sale, but you can sign up to be notified as soon as they become available via the button below.

Sign up for 2026 F1 US Grand Prix ticket alerts here

Race Ready: United States F1 Schedule and Travel Guide