Circuit of the Americas: A Year of Firsts for an F1 Fan

Two weekends ago at Circuit of the Americas wasn’t just any race for me—it marked my one-year anniversary of attending my first Formula 1 race. Looking back, it’s hard to believe how much has changed since that very first experience, especially now that I’m here as a content creator in the F1 community.

The excitement started long before I even set foot on the track. I wanted to bring a piece of myself into this weekend and get creative with my outfit, so I designed a pair of custom jeans and a cowboy hat that shouted out my Ferrari fandom. The response was unbelievable! Not only did I get recognized by another fan who admired my jeans, but I also caught the eye of none other than Lando Norris’s photographer. They took my picture in my custom Lando-inspired cowboy hat and even posted it on their social media—a surreal moment that left me stunned. Seeing my favorite driver’s team post that photo truly opened my eyes to how much I’m meant to work in the world of F1. It felt like confirmation that I’m on the right path, bringing my passion for F1 to life through creativity and content.

This year, I was lucky enough to have a front-row seat in the main grandstand, directly across from the Alpine garage. Watching the teams set up right in front of me was like a dream come true. I could see every detail as the crew meticulously prepared the cars, making final adjustments to the tires, fuel, and wings. The energy was electric as they performed last-minute checks, and the intense focus in the Alpine garage—and across the entire paddock—was palpable. Witnessing the coordination and precision that goes into every second of preparation gave me a whole new appreciation for the sport. It’s one thing to watch the race, but to see the behind-the-scenes action unfold before the lights go out was unforgettable.

The race itself was nothing short of spectacular. Watching the action from the stands, I had the perfect view of each overtake, tire lockup, and daring move into Turn 1. The atmosphere was electric, with the crowd cheering as drivers took the infamous uphill corner and wrestled for position on the tight, winding sectors of the circuit. Ferrari’s pace was phenomenal, and as the race unfolded, it became clear that a 1-2 finish might actually happen. Each lap added to the tension and excitement until, finally, both Ferrari drivers crossed the finish line in the top spots. Seeing that moment live was incredible—it felt like years of supporting the Scuderia had all led up to this.

One of the highlights of my experience at Circuit of the Americas this year was the incredible community. From fellow Ferrari supporters to fans of every team, the sense of camaraderie was incredible. I met so many amazing people who share the same passion for the sport, and each conversation only amplified the excitement of being part of this unique F1 world.

Then, there was the race itself. Watching Ferrari secure a 1-2 finish in person was absolutely thrilling, especially since I’ve supported the team for so long. There’s nothing quite like hearing the roar of the engines and the cheers of the crowd as your favorite team crosses the finish line. For me, it was a full-circle moment—a year of memories, hard work, and passion, all coming together at the Circuit of the Americas.

As I reflect on the weekend, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement for what’s to come. I’m already looking forward to next year’s race, hoping this time to be invited by a team or sponsor for my content creation journey. Here’s to many more races, unforgettable experiences, and connecting with fans from all over the world. Circuit of the Americas, you’ve outdone yourself once again.

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Lissie Mackintosh