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Video: What Does Austin Really Think of F1?

While the Formula 1 Grand Prix’s Austin debut has inspired excitement among racing fans, many Austinites are wary. Since the announcement, questions over public investment in the race and the Circuit of the Americas track have largely dominated the discussion over F1.

Promoters initially asked the city to pay millions into a trust fund to cover fees associated with the event, before private investors offered up the cash themselves. Brinksmanship between local promoters and F1 bosses nearly derailed the project as well.

And the debate on whether F1 really meshes with Austin’s character has overshadowed the sport’s local arrival, with questions about its environmental impact and how richer fans’ ostentatious spending is dominating the discussion.

Videographer Filipa Rodrigues spoke with three Austinites – all new to F1 – on whether F1 is a good fit for Austin. You can watch it above. 

Wells has been a part of KUT News since 2012, when he was hired as the station's first online reporter. He's currently the social media host and producer for Texas Standard, KUT's flagship news program. In between those gigs, he served as online editor for KUT, covering news in Austin, Central Texas and beyond.
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