AUSTIN (KXAN) — Formula 1 returns to town October 17-19, and Austin is hosting plenty of pit stops for fans as they prepare for the United States Grand Prix.
Arriving in Austin in 2012, the Circuit of the Americas racing and music event has brought more than 400,000 people to Austin in recent years. As Formula 1 picks up speed in the US, it has expanded to Miami and Las Vegas and is building new collaborations with American brands.
This year, Formula 1 fans have new opportunities to participate in the action.
F1 Center
In the heart of South Congress, the F1 Hub is home to exclusive in-store merchandise. Shoppers can find official team items and US Grand Prix apparel, as well as collaborative items from brands like Peanuts and LEGOs.
The pop-up is open until Monday, October 20th.
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The F1 Center in South Congress is open until Monday, October. $20 for fans to purchase exclusive US Grand Prix merchandise. -
The F1 Center in South Congress is open until Monday, October. $20 for fans to purchase exclusive US Grand Prix merchandise. -
The F1 Center in South Congress is open until Monday, October. $20 for fans to purchase exclusive US Grand Prix merchandise. -
The F1 Center in South Congress is open until Monday, October. $20 for fans to purchase exclusive US Grand Prix merchandise. -
The F1 Center in South Congress is open until Monday, October. $20 for fans to purchase exclusive US Grand Prix merchandise. -
The F1 Center in South Congress is open until Monday, October. $20 for fans to purchase exclusive US Grand Prix merchandise. -
The F1 Center in South Congress is open until Monday, October. $20 for fans to purchase exclusive US Grand Prix merchandise.
McLaren Racing Live: Zone Studio
McLaren, one of Formula 1’s iconic racing teams, is hosting fans for an up-close look at the technology behind the sport, in collaboration with Dell Technologies at 612 W. Fourth Street.
The free event, which takes place from Thursday to Saturday, will include a virtual reality experience, live mural painting and racing simulators.
Williams Atlassian Racing Fan Zone
Another racing team, Atlassian Williams, is hosting fan experiences throughout the week on Congress Street. The free pop-up will feature racing and truck driving simulators, Williams merchandise, and the opportunity to attend a Q&A session with past and current drivers.
Barilla’s takeover of pasta
Barilla, an official partner of Formula 1, is distributing more than 5,000 free pasta meal kits on scooters in downtown Austin Thursday through Sunday.
Meanwhile, Fareground Austin, a food hall on Congress Street, will host a Barilla pop-up so fans can find free pasta. The HEB store in Pflugerville, 2641 E. Pflugerville Pkwy, will be home to a pop-up as well, with lasagna tastings and a buy-one-get-one-free promotion for shoppers.