Austin offers free F1 fan zones beyond the circuit

Fans without a ticket for Sunday’s United States Grand Prix can still find F1 activities across Austin, from free team hubs to simulator challenges and driver appearances.

Williams’ fan zone at 800 Congress Avenue runs from Monday 19 to Saturday 24 October. Entry is free; visitors can see a show car, try racing simulators and a wind tunnel, and find a Williams x Marvel comic. Q&As with Alex Albon and team principal James Vowles are also on the programme. The venue is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Albon is also scheduled at Duracell’s Power Paddock in Brazos Hall on East 4th Street on Wednesday 21 October. The activities include a simulated bull ride, a horseshoe toss, an RC race track and live music.

Wednesday evening also brings a free F1 meetup focused on women, organised by Aston Martin and Pink Paddock Club at The Bungalow on Rainey Street. It includes a live podcast recording.

Mercedes’ free fan hub at 400 Congress Avenue runs from Thursday to Sunday, with pit-stop challenges and simulators.

Red Bull and Ford host The Pull Up on Wednesday, with Ford Raptor vehicles, an F1 show car, a barbecue and live music. Red Bull Austin Race Nights follow on East Seventh Street from Thursday to Sunday, with pit-stop challenges, simulators and appearances by Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar.

Audi’s Black & White Kickoff Party is on Thursday at Central Machine Works on East Cesar Chavez Street. It is free with an RSVP and features Audi displays and DJ sets. Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson is set to make his musical debut at the Esses Bazaar at Inn Cahoots on Thursday evening; places are limited and RSVPs are required.

The Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas starts at 3 p.m. local time on Sunday 25 October.