Austin Welcomes Formula One And The Global Community

Austin was on the world stage this past weekend. Formula One arrived at our front door step, and the world watched to see if the United States could somehow find a way to embrace F1. Would Austin be the right place to do so? It is odd to have a “world championship” without having a premiere event in one of the world’s most important markets, yet this was to be the first grand prix on US soil since 2007.

On the Wednesday before the race, former F1 driver (and current BBC commentator) John Watson noted that the Circuit Of The Americas was the first US course deserving of a Formula One race since Watkins Glen.  Hallelujah, John. The last F1 race at Watkins Glen was 1980, so it has been quite some time since F1 has been successful in the US.

Until now.

Austin was ready to step onto the world stage, and Formula One was ready for Austin. It was a match made in F1 heaven.

When I found out that Formula One was coming to Austin, I knew there was no way that I would miss it. I have been to my share of Formula One races: at least 19 events in some form or another - practice, qualifying, and/or the race itself. My first F1 experience was in 1972 at the age of 7. Since then, race venues have included Mosport Park (1972 – 1977), Watkins Glen (1972 – 1980), Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal (at least three times, most notably in 1995 for Jean Alesi’s only F1 victory), and Indianapolis (2005). The US Grand Prix in Austin would mark the 40th anniversary of my first Grand Prix event!

With the laid-back vibe, music scene, and high tech industry, Austin is a great place to embrace F1 – and vice versa. It is central to all parts of the United States, and provides easy access for Latin American fans. It all made sense on paper – but would it work in reality?

Yes. A resounding yes.

Teams loved the facilities, and drivers loved the course. There wasn’t a bad seat in the house, either reserved or general admission, at least from what I could see. The traffic nightmare that was expected never really materialized to the extent that most people (including myself) feared. There were rave reviews from all points of the globe.

The attendance? Phenomenal -

Day One: 65,360

Day Two: 82,710

Day Three: 117,429

Three day total: 265,499

Sure, there were some barren areas lacking landscaping. There were some issues with credit card and ATM machines, and some concessions apparently ran out of food and drink at times (though I didn’t experience this myself). But given that this was a brand new event that had over 265,000 people in attendance, I would rate it as an organizational success. Any minor glitches faced by spectators this year will be easily remedied for 2013, especially after a few more race weekends take place prior to the next F1 race.

In retrospect, I don’t think that there is one adjective that would adequately describe the event this weekend. But let’s try anyways. How about memorable? Dramatic? Spectacular? Impressive? Epic? They would all suffice simultaneously.

The world got to witness and experience the great city of Austin and the friendly nature of its citizens. The community really pulled together to make this an amazing exhibit of Texas hospitality. I can honestly say that I felt great pride in being an Austinite this weekend. The event was light years beyond ACL and SXSW or even our beloved University of Texas Longhorns. Austin officially became a world-renowned city – or well on its way to that status – right before our very eyes, and for all the right reasons.

Time will tell if the United States fully embraces F1. I suspect that year two will be far more important than year one. For now, the answer is a resounding yes. Hey world, welcome to Austin – Live Music Capital Of The World and now the Home Of Formula One in the United States. We are glad you could make it, and we look forward to having you back again in 2013. See y’all next year!

Photo credits: abesselink