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.
