Formula 1 US Grand Prix Interactive Seating Chart

US Grand Prix Race Track History and Overview

As mentioned above, the US Grand Prix race has taken place at 10 different locations throughout the years. For the last couple of years, the US Grand Prix has been held at Circuit of the Americas, commonly referred to as COTA, in Austin, Texas. It opened in 2012 and has a capacity of 150,000 people. It has 19 turns and is 2.300 miles.

US Grand Prix Seating Chart

Hover over any section for a row breakdown.

US Grand Prix Seating Breakdown

If you’ve been to an F1 race before, you’ll know that knowing which grandstand to sit in determines the type of experience you’ll have. Below is a breakdown of the US Grand Prix grandstands.

Main Grandstand Lower

The seats in this section of the Main Grandstand are the closest you can get to the grid. You won’t get a lot of interesting race action in this area though other than the post-qualifying interviews. The top 3 qualifiers park up here. You’ll get to see the pitstops and will have to watch the race from the big screens. But you’ll be shaded from the sun and be close enough to nearly touch the race cars at some points.

Main Grandstand Mezzanine

These are some of the best seats on the main straight. You’ll get a great view of the start/finish straight and a distant view of Turn 1. Plus, you’ll be completely covered and protected from the weather. But unlike the lower levels, you won’t be as close to the grid.

Main Grandstand Club

This section offers a broad panorama over the start/finish straight, the pit complex, and the last and first corners. Plus, you’ll have club access to food and drink. However, keep in mind that there have been some complaints regarding the wait and price tag on the food and drink. But, it’s a lounge area that offers a more premium experience for the F1 race. Also, row 6 upwards is under the roof, but below that, it’s not covered.

Turn 1 Grandstand

In the Turn 1 Grandstand, you’ll have the best view of the start of the race. You can see all the action in Turn 1 from this view. Plus, you can see the final turn to turn 2 and the start/finish straight, as well as the pit stops. You also get distant views of the entire lap. The only downside to this section is that the screen to watch the race is tiny. Seriously, you might need binoculars. Thankfully, there’s a large leaderboard visible.

Turn 2 Grandstand

This grandstand isn’t everyone’s favorite. While you do get a good view of the start of the race, when all the cars are still bunched together, that’s about it. If you sit higher up, you’ll also get a glimpse of the uphill run to turn 1 and the long turn 17/18.

Turn 4 Grandstand

Considered part of The Esses, this is an iconic seating option with often exciting overtakes. This grandstand has a side-on view of this sequence of corners. Keep in mind that the further up you go, the better and more broad view you’ll have. Plus, this grandstand is known for its beautiful views.

Infield Grandstand

Also part of The Esses, this famous grandstand also often oversees some exciting overtakes. This grandstand overlooks Turn 6. It’s a newer seating option as well. The head-on view gives a great opportunity for photos. However, front-on views offer less ability to appreciate the speed of the cars than the side view does.

Turn 9 Bleachers

Turn 9 Bleachers at the US Grand Prix is at the top of a hill and overlooks Turn 9. You’ll be able to see cars exit Turn 7 and see them carry on to Turn 12. Though from a distance, you can pretty much see the entire straight at this seating option. It’s also a more affordable option.

Turn 12 Bleachers

This seating option gives an overall broad view of the course. You’ll get views of the track from Turn 1, through The Esses, and the final Turn 20. Therefore, you get about 15 corners in this view.

Turn 15 Grandstand

If you’re up high on this Grandstand, you get a great view of many of the turns. However, seated on the lower sections, you’ll get Turn 15 and that’s about it. But for those seated higher up, it’s one of the favorite sections at COTA.

General Admission

General Admission at the US Grand Prix offers some great overall views on a budget. It’s recommended to watch Turn 1 for a bit then branch out and move around to see some other sections.

Best Seats at the US Grand Prix

Turn 1 and Turn 12 are often considered the best areas to sit at the US Grand Prix. Also, anything on the main straight.

Where to Park for the US Grand Prix

Parking at F1 races is usually not encouraged because of the lack of space around the circuit. Thankfully, the US Grand Prix does have parking options. Parking is available at the circuit. Usually there are parking passes on sale for single days in Lot F or for all 3 days of a race weekend in Lots G-R. Passes typically go on sale closer to the race.

Accessible Seating at US Grand Prix

At the US Grand Prix, there are designated accessibility areas. These accesibility areas are located on the top two rows of the Main Grandstand in sections 204-217. To access it, take the elevator to 2A. ADA Seating is also available in Premium Grandstand Turn 15 and in Turn 12 Grandstand.

Thankfully, TickPick also has an easy way to filter for accessible seats. For those using a wheelchair and/or those looking to attend the US Grand Prix with somebody who is, there is some important information to know. If you’re seeking ADA seating, you’ll find that there are accessible rows at the top of most sections within the ballpark and spread throughout. If necessary, folding chairs are provided to guests, such as ones looking to sit with a fan using a wheelchair. One trick you can use to filter tickets that are ADA accessible is by using our “Additional filters +” button on the event page that allow you to select “ADA (wheelchair accessible),” which shows all seats that the seller marked accessible.

How to Get Cheap US Grand Prix Tickets

There’s no arguing that Formula One tickets are on the pricey side. Thankfully, TickPick has the best price compared to our competitors. Therefore, you can buy cheap US Grand Prix tickets on TickPick. We also never tack on fees at checkout. The price you see is the price you pay. Plus, new users get $10 off. We also guarantee the best price on tickets.

This header image is available through Creative Commons and has been modified from the original. Email [email protected] with any questions.