— Everyone who knows me is aware I go to nearly all races at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), here in Austin, Texas. Although I do not know much about cars at all, there is something exhilarating and exciting about sports and those races. Although I missed the very first Formula 1 Grand Prix here, I have been going to COTA since Spring 2013. Besides watching the races, there is another thing that draws me to the Circuit: watching the crowds. I learned soon enough that the element of surprise is always present in large crowds. For a hobbyist photographer like me, that is wonderful. I like COTA so much that I also take advantage of its bike nights throughout the year. There’s nothing like riding my own bicycle on the same track where racing giants compete. I generally go out there with friends. Once I even biked there with one of my nephews, who was visiting us from Brazil.
When I learned of John’s latest Lens-Artists Challenge was about “Faces in a Crowd,” I first thought about using wildlife faces I have photographed in my travels. Then I remembered my ten years of people-watching at COTA. The switch was easy.
The opening photo you see above is the Pit Lane Walk for Formula 1 season ticket holders. It takes place on Thursday of the three-day race weekend. It is during these walks that I get up and close to the cars, drivers, and whoever might just drop by. This crowd is nothing compared to the actual race day.
In order to make this piece more cohesive, though, I decided to be more selective with my entry for “Faces in a Crowd.” The photos below are grouped into three distinct categories: Crowds & Grounds, Sideshows, and Stars.
Crowds & Grounds
Fans can be quite a spectacle in any event at COTA. In Formula 1, I am torn between Red Bull and Ferrari fans. I got say that Ferrari is more striking in any crowd because of its red color. I have seen quite a number of things in these past 10 years, but there was always one constant: The Ferrari Guy. He wears a hat with a Ferrari Formula 1 car. I have seen him every year. Last year, finally, I was able to get a photo with him (I’ll save that for the Stars section below). In 2021, there was a new addition to the Ferrari display: The Ferrari Pope. In another year, there were even some members of Cirque du Soleil doing special performances on COTA grounds. Because Formula 1 takes place in Austin at the end of October, sometimes there will be some special events celebrating the Día de los Muertos. As for MotoGP fans, nothing can compare to Valentino Rossi’s fans. They go out to show crazy colors, generally including a pink wig. Now that Rossi has retired, I wonder what MotoGP 2024 will be like without Rossi’s fans. In the Main Grand Plaza pond, COTA uses that for special displays, such as the fire-producing creature featured here.
Sideshows
In addition to watching people during the three-day weekend long, I always enjoy the various special performers that come to all races. I’m not talking about the musical performers only. In past years, musical acts have included Taylor Swift, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake, and many more. In 2023, the main performer will be Queen with Adam Lambert. In addition to those evening performances, during the day an attendee can see a variety of acts, such as the acrobatics of Aaron Colton on his motorcycle, flame throwers, and also the Canine Stars.
Stars
The most memorable faces I have seen during these races have provided me with great entertainment and photographic memories. Among those big names in Formula 1, I have selected just a few to share here. One of the biggest surprises for me was when I spotted Sir Jackie Stewart walking a few feet away from me during one of the Pit Lane walks. How did I recognize him? It was the plaid cap and matching plaid pants. I also include here the photo I had with the Ferrari Guy. The drivers I feature here are Fernando Alonzo (two-time F1 world champion) & Esteban Ocon, Daniel Ricciardo & Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz & Charles Leclerc, Sir Lewis Hamilton (seven-time F1 world champion), and Sergio Pérez & Max Verstappen (two-time F1 world champion and current holder).
Well, if you have made it this far, I thank you for your patience in checking out these faces. The 2023 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix kicks off with the Pit Lane Walk on October 19. I can hardly wait to see what surprises I’ll see this time.
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JohnRH
Great photos. Love the hats, and Burning Man! Jackie Stewart?! Classic.
Egídio Leitão
Thanks, John. Yeah, spotting Sir Jackie Stewart was a big highlight for me. I appreciate your feedback.
margaret21
This looks much more fun than the motor-races I was forced to accompany my father to as a child. I remember the rank smell of the petrol, the endless boring circuiting of the cars, the sheer dreadfulness of those days. So unlike you, I haven’t got the petrol-head gene. If only there had been sideshows like the ones you illustrate!
photobyjohnbo
What a great gallery! You’ve enticed me to think about attending one of these races just for the photo ops. I read Margaret21’s comment and what few races I’ve attended made me feel more like how she commented.
I think my favorite is that fire creature!
Egídio Leitão
John, that Burning Man structure was emitting a lot of heat when it spewed fire. I was at a fairly good distance and could feel it. As for Sir Jackie Stewart, I was thrilled to have spotted him. Thank you for your feedback.
Egídio Leitão
Things have come a long way, Margaret. I hardly smell any petrol in these races. Even the noise level has reduced quite a bit from old engines. Also, it helps that the circuit is not a donut. It has several curves. Like you, I also love the sideshows. In reality, I plan my arrival at the Circuit based on some of those shows. Thanks for the feedback.
Egídio Leitão
Thank you so much, John. Yes, the photo ops thrill me. I love the sideshows and other displays throughout the grounds. I appreciated your comments.
Anita
What an exciting collection of faces! So much joy and fun, your pictures brought a big smile to my face. Thanks for that 😀
Leya
Well – I have never seen anything like it! Loved the hats!
Egídio Leitão
Anita, I’m so glad the post brought a smile to your face. Thanks for your comment.
Egídio Leitão
Leya, I’m happy to hear you liked the post. Yes, every year I keep looking for those odd hats and other novelties. Thanks for your comment.
Khürt Williams
II’ve an avid F1 fan but I’ve never been to a live race, not even in the USA. COTA is my favourite track. I’m not a fan of Miami.
Egídio Leitão
So glad to hear you like F1, too. In Brazil, it was the second favorite sports after soccer when I was growing up there. Now with a track here in Austin, it’s a lot easier for me to attend all racing events at COTA.