Austin, Texas, October 15, 2025
News Summary
Austin, Texas, is set to launch F1 Grid Gigs, a new pre-race show at the United States Grand Prix. This event, presented by American Express, features local artist Drake Milligan performing before the race. Inspired by a successful London event, F1 Grid Gigs aims to enhance the motorsport fan experience with lively performances alongside the thrilling competition on track. With Oscar Piastri leading the championship standings and favorable weather conditions expected, this race weekend promises to attract over 400,000 spectators.
Austin, Texas, is gearing up for an exciting addition to the United States Grand Prix with the debut of a new pre-race show, F1 Grid Gigs, presented by American Express. This vibrant entertainment experience will take place this weekend at the famed Circuit of The Americas, a venue celebrated for its rich music heritage. The initiative aims to provide fans at the venue and those watching from home with an engaging blend of music and racing excitement.
The inaugural performance of F1 Grid Gigs will feature local country singer and actor Drake Milligan, known for his popular album “Dallas/Fort Worth” and hit songs like “Sounds Like Something I’d Do” and “I Got a Problem.” Milligan is set to take the stage just before the drivers roll out of their garages onto the track, setting the mood for the much-anticipated race.
This new pre-race show is inspired by the successful F1 75 Live season opener held at The O2 arena in London, which attracted an impressive 7.5 million viewers across Formula 1’s social media channels. With F1 Grid Gigs, organizers aim to elevate the motorsport fan experience by creating a celebratory atmosphere that showcases live performances alongside the thrill of racing.
Looking ahead, F1 Grid Gigs will return for the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix, promising another spectacular performance from a world-class artist. The excitement surrounding these musical events captures the essence of the F1 community and aims to enhance the overall experience for attendees and viewers alike.
In addition to the musical performances, the United States Grand Prix will see fierce competition on the track. Currently, Oscar Piastri leads the championship standings, followed by Lando Norris in second place. Max Verstappen trails in third, 63 points behind the leader, which sets the stage for an intense weekend of racing.
This race weekend marks the fourth sprint weekend of the season, featuring an exciting sprint race and qualifying sessions scheduled for Friday and Saturday. The main race on Sunday promises to be a spectacle, as the event regularly attracts over 400,000 spectators and is anticipated to set new attendance records this year.
Austin’s Circuit of The Americas is widely regarded as a favorite among drivers, boasting a challenging track layout that promotes overtaking opportunities. The starting time for the race on Sunday is set for 20:00 BST, with favorable weather conditions expected, including clear skies and temperatures reaching 34°C.
FAQ
What is F1 Grid Gigs?
F1 Grid Gigs is a new pre-race show presented by American Express that will debut at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, featuring live performances to enhance the racing experience.
Who is performing at the United States Grand Prix?
Local country singer and actor Drake Milligan will perform at the United States Grand Prix.
When will F1 Grid Gigs occur?
The inaugural performance of F1 Grid Gigs will take place this weekend just before the drivers exit their garages at the United States Grand Prix.
What are the championship standings for the United States Grand Prix?
Oscar Piastri leads the championship standings, followed by Lando Norris. Max Verstappen is third, 63 points behind Piastri.
What can fans expect from the Austin Grand Prix weekend?
Fans can expect an enthralling race weekend that includes a sprint race, qualifying sessions, and a pre-race entertainment show featuring live music, with favorable weather conditions predicted.
Key Features of F1 Grid Gigs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | F1 Grid Gigs |
| Location | Austin, Texas |
| Debut Performance | This weekend at the United States Grand Prix |
| Featured Artist | Drake Milligan |
| Championship Leader | Oscar Piastri |
| Sprint Weekend | Fourth of the season |
| Expected Attendance | Over 400,000 spectators |
| Weather Forecast | Clear skies, temperatures reaching 34°C |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Formula 1: It’s Race Week – 5 Storylines
- Wikipedia: Formula One
- BBC Sport: F1 Article
- Google Search: Formula 1 2025
- Grand Prix 247: F1 Grid Gigs in Austin
- Google Scholar: Formula 1 2025 United States Grand Prix
- Motorsport: Haas F1 Unveils New Livery
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Formula One
- Culture Map Austin: F1 Events and Parties 2025
- Google News: 2025 United States Grand Prix
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
