F1 US Grand Prix: Where, When, Tickets & Predictions
For F1 racing fans in the U.S., there are few events on the calendar bigger than the United State Grand Prix. Dating back to 1908, the race has been held dozens of times, becoming a yearly event since 2012. The US Grand Prix event in 2022 is shaping up to be one of the best in the history of the race, making it something that F1 fans won’t want to miss. To prepare for this year’s event, especially for those who want F1 US Grand Prix tickets, let’s learn a little more about the history of the US Grand Prix and what fans can expect from it in 2022.
When and Where
The 2022 US Grand Prix will take place on Sunday, October 23, at 2:00 pm local time. While there are events all weekend, that is when the main event begins. The race will transpire at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. COTA has been the site of the US Grand Prix every year since 2012, with the exception of 2020, when the race was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Track
In the history of the F1 US Grand Prix, ten different race tracks have hosted the event. But as mentioned, the Circuit of the Americas has been the host since 2012. COTA is one of the most unique race tracks in Formula 1 racing. The track is 5.515 KM or 3.427 miles in length, with the race consisting of 56 laps, which equals just under 192 miles.
For drivers, COTA is one of the most challenging tracks. However, it’s one of the most enjoyable venues in racing for fans. The Grand Plaza near the main entrance offers beautiful landscaping and a reflecting pool, as well as space for concession and retail vendors. Another highlight of the track is the 251-foot observation tower, which provides spectacular views of downtown Austin and a 360-degree view of the track. There is also an amphitheater onsite for hosting concerts that accommodates up to 14,000 people.
Tickets Still Available
Since the 2020 US Grand Prix had to be canceled because of the pandemic, there has been a huge demand for tickets to the event in each of the past two years. But even with the massive demand for tickets as soon as they went on sale, it’s still possible to find tickets for the 2022 US Grand Prix on the secondary market. In fact, waiting until the final days before the race can be the best way to find a great deal on F1 tickets.
One-Day or Three-Day Passes
Not only are there still tickets available for the 2022 US Grand Prix, but fans have several options. After all, this is a three-day event, with the race itself happening on Sunday but plenty of other events taking place on Friday and Saturday. That gives the fans the option of buying a three-day pass to the entire event or only buying tickets for a particular day.
Tickets for Friday are the cheapest, as this is primarily a practice day. Of course, the amphitheater at COTA will also be hosting a Green Day concert for anyone with tickets for Friday or all-session tickets. Things pick up a little on Saturday with qualifying sessions. The day will also be capped by an Ed Sheeran concert at the amphitheater. Finally, Sunday is the day of the US Grand Prix, with plenty of other events and entertainment leading up to the start of the race at 2:00 pm.
The General Admission Experience
Whether it’s in the grandstands or the bleachers, where fans choose to sit is a personal choice. The track at COTA is filled with so many twists and turns that there is almost no bad place to sit. This is also why fans should consider general admission seats, which are typically the cheapest but also provide a little bit of freedom. Fans with general admission tickets can bring their own chair and umbrella and find a place to relax for the day. They can also move from one spot to another during the three-day event, checking out the track from different angles to find one that they like the most. While it’s not the same as having a reserved seat, a general admission ticket at the US Grand Prix can be a special experience at an affordable price.
And the Winner Is…
There are several obvious candidates to win the 2022 US Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton is one of the leading favorites, as he’s won this race six times, including five times since 2012, when it started to be held at COTA every year. He undoubtedly has a certain comfort level with the track, although he’s not won the US Grand Prix since 2017, so it’s been a few years since he was victorious.
Last year’s winner Max Verstappen is another one of the favorites. The 25-year-old Dutchman is the son of former F1 driver Jos Verstappen and has emerged as one of the top drivers in the world over the last couple of years. He won the 2021 Austrian Grand Prix and scored a hat trick at the 2021 French Grand Prix, so it’s not a stretch to think that he can win in Austin for a second straight year.
The likes of Sergio Perez, Valterri Bottas, and Lando Norris shouldn’t be ruled out. However, the level of difficulty of COTA sometimes means that only elite drivers should expect to do well at the US Grand Prix. With that being said, Verstappen is our pick to finish first at the 2022 F1 US Grand Prix.