Beyond the Checkered Flag: An Accessible Guide to F1 Race Day at COTA

Race Day at the United States Grand Prix (USGP) was everything I hoped it would be and more. But with a sold-out crowd and the high energy of race day, navigating Circuit of the Americas (COTA) as a wheelchair user presented some unique challenges and surprises. Here’s a recap of my experience and accessibility tips for future race fans.

Arriving at COTA with the Crowd

Getting to COTA on Sunday was the toughest yet, as thousands of fans headed to the sold-out event. This time, I opted to bring my electric wheelchair since we’d secured better seats, making it easier for me to manage the day’s long schedule. However, the packed crowd made it challenging to move around, and navigating through so many people required patience and cooperation from others.

Friendly Faces and Community Spirit

Despite the crowds, I found everyone—from the staff to fellow race enthusiasts—to be super friendly and helpful. This friendliness made a big difference, especially with the day’s challenges, and added to the fun of sharing the race excitement with others.

Settling into Our Seats at Turn 15

Our seats had a great view, but we quickly realized there was no shade, and we were directly in the sun. Thankfully, some generous race fans nearby had an extra umbrella they let us borrow, which made a huge difference in our comfort. This small act of kindness allowed us to fully enjoy the race without battling the intense sun, and it really highlighted the camaraderie among fans.

Pre-Race Parade and the Start of the Grand Prix

The experience from our seats was unique. We had a fantastic view of the drivers’ parade, where drivers rode in the backs of pickup trucks, waving to fans as they circled the track. However, since our seats were far from the starting grid, it was hard to follow the pre-race ceremony and know when the national anthem began until we saw fans around us standing up. This could be improved with more announcements or screens showing the main events, especially for fans seated farther from the start line.

Enjoying the Race Action

Once the race began, the energy was incredible! We watched a close battle unfold between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, two top drivers in the championship standings. The tension built as Lando pulled off a daring overtake on Max, only to get a five-second penalty for going off-track during the maneuver. This intense moment added excitement to the race and had everyone on the edge of their seats.

Final Thoughts: A 4 out of 5 Race Day

Overall, Race Day was an amazing experience that I’d rate 4 out of 5. Now that I’ve navigated COTA as a wheelchair user, I have a better idea of where to sit and what essentials to bring—like an umbrella for shade! The thrill of the race combined with the support from both staff and fellow fans made it a memorable day.

For wheelchair users planning a trip to COTA, here are some tips:

• Consider a seat near the Grand Plaza for easy accessibility and concrete paths.

• Bring sun protection, like an umbrella or hat, as none of the sections have any shade.

• Prepare for crowds and give yourself plenty of time to get in and out of the venue.

I’d absolutely attend another Grand Prix, and I’m already looking forward to next year’s race! Each day taught me a bit more about making the most of the experience, and I hope my insights help other wheelchair users enjoy the event just as much.