‘Why the United States Grand Prix is the Best F1 Grand Prix’

Now a content creator in the motorsport space, Tasia is all about bringing people together and learning.

“The community that I've created online really does mean a lot to me,” she explains.

“I started my page as I was new to the sport and I wanted to learn, plus experience races in person or go to watch parties together.

“To me, a lot of it was rooted in my identity as a black woman in the space and wanting to show ‘it doesn't matter who you are, and what you look like, you belong’ as fans of Formula 1 should be diverse.”

Embrace ‘All Things Cowboy’

The Lone Star State is certainly proud of their links to cowboy culture, and it is very present in the paddock and beyond. No visit to Austin is complete without a trip to Allens Boots, with drivers often rocking up to the track in a custom Stetson or funky footwear.

Although they might look the part, Tasia is keen to tell fans that their choice of footwear when at the circuit is vital.

“I've been wearing cowboy boots since I was young, but there was so much more walking than I expected. I can’t stress enough how important it is to wear shoes that you know are comfortable,” she says.

“COTA really cares about the fans and the fan experience, and that creates a stronger community. They have a thing this year where you wear your cowboy hat on Grand Prix Saturday, so they’re calling it ‘Haturday’.

“I love visiting Texas because, aside from the heat, it is just such a fun state. Austin is definitely a really cool city. There’s the Southern charm, the vibes, the Yeehaw, it's everything. I just love it,” says Tasia.

Fun Is Everywhere

When a city has the motto “Keep Austin Weird" you know you’re in for a good time. There’s no shortage of live bands in tiny bars or delicious food on every corner, with it feeling almost impossible to visit them all over a single race weekend.

“Rainey Street is really fun in general,” Tasia says. “But there is a place called Banger’s along there, and they're famous for their sausages and there’s a beer garden. It's really fun and they have a really cool outdoor area with picnic tables, it’s very Texas!”

Another popular spot for entertainment is the famous Sixth Street, which has plenty of places to unwind, sing and dance after a long day at the track. Pete's Dueling Piano Bar is always busy, with there being no shortage of bands performing all night long.

The circuit is also one of the best for arranging big music acts in the evenings on the calendar, with Tasia saying she saw The Killers as one of the stage performances in 2023. Eminem, Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift have also put on a show for the Austin crowds over the years.

Show Your Colours at COTA

The growth of Formula 1 stateside has been evident in recent years, and fans are just as passionate in the US. Whether that’s designing their own merchandise, repping the latest team kit, or making friendship bracelets to hand out to other fans across the weekend.

“I wore Mercedes merch all weekend,” Tasia says of her most recent visit to COTA.

“Mercedes was the team that really got me into the sport, so I just remember I was so excited and would take pics of literally anything and everything Mercedes-related,” says Tasia.

“It was really cool for me to look into the Mercedes garages during the Thursday pit lane walk, albeit from afar and through crowds of people. I’m excited to experience that again!”

All the Love for Austin

Although the atmosphere is top tier, the racing spectacle is also excellent at COTA. With the help of iconic designer Hermann Tilke, the track takes inspiration from some of the best parts of other circuits, from Silverstone to Suzuka.

“It's really cool to hear the drivers talk about how much they love the track,” Tasia says.

“It's just such a cool circuit, and I feel like it's fun and there’s nothing else like it. The vibes are the best.”

Sprint Weekends Are Back

Just like the previous two years, the US Grand Prix is hosting a Sprint weekend. Tasia attended her first race at COTA back in 2023 and was able to have three days of unmissable sessions thanks to the format, which will also appear in Brazil and Qatar next month.

“I really love Sprint weekends when you’re at the track,” Tasia says. “There are tonnes of track activities. It's also a great option for people because F1 tickets can be really expensive, so if someone can only afford one day, you're going to get some good action!

“If someone can only come Friday, at least they get to see a qualifying session. If someone can only come Saturday, they get to see a Sprint race and the more traditional qualifying session, and on Sunday you get the traditional grand prix.”