There are weekends in Formula 1 that feel like a fever dream—where the lines between sport, spectacle, and society blur into a single, dazzling tableau. The 2025 United States Grand Prix at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas was one such weekend. The Texan sun was relentless, the engines thundered, and the paddock pulsed with a constellation of celebrities, influencers, and icons. If you weren’t there, darling, you missed the most glamorous rodeo this side of the Atlantic.
- The Circuit of the Americas: Where Racing Meets Runway
- Hollywood Takes the Grid: McConaughey, Powell, and More
- Music Royalty and Social Media Darlings
- The Fashion Stakes: Denim, Diamonds, and Cowboy Hats
- Athletes, Influencers, and the VIP Rodeo
- The Race: Drama, Dominance, and a Fence-Climbing Frenzy
- The Social Scene: Parties, Yachts, and the Austin Vibe
- The Power of Presence: Why Celebrities Flock to F1
The Circuit of the Americas: Where Racing Meets Runway
Austin’s COTA has, since its 2012 debut, become the American epicenter of F1’s cultural revolution. It’s not just about the racing—though Max Verstappen’s clinical victory and the McLaren drama certainly delivered on that front. It’s about the energy, the exclusivity, and the intoxicating blend of Texan bravado and international glamour.
Historically, COTA has been a magnet for the world’s elite. From Taylor Swift’s record-breaking concert in 2016 to Shaquille O’Neal’s unforgettable “Shaqmobile” podium delivery, the US Grand Prix is where F1’s global ambitions meet American showbiz. This year, the guest list was a who’s who of Hollywood, music, sport, and social media royalty.
Hollywood Takes the Grid: McConaughey, Powell, and More
If you wandered the paddock this weekend, you’d have been forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled onto a film set. Austin’s own Matthew McConaughey was everywhere—on the grid, in the garages, and even sharing a stroll with French Olympic swimmer Leon Marchand. McConaughey, ever the Texan gentleman, was stopped for selfies at every turn, his signature drawl and easy charm making him the unofficial mayor of COTA.
Glen Powell, fresh from his latest blockbuster, brought a dose of Hollywood cool to the grid. The actor’s Instagram was ablaze with behind-the-scenes snaps, and his presence was a reminder that F1’s new American era is as much about star power as horsepower.
Music Royalty and Social Media Darlings
Adele, the queen of heartbreak ballads, was spotted in the paddock, her presence sending fans and photographers into a frenzy. The British superstar, known for her understated elegance, brought a touch of old-money glamour to the Texan chaos. Meanwhile, Shaboozey—singer, rapper, and now F1 livery designer—posed for photos on the grid, his tortoise-print design for the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls cars a talking point among both fashionistas and petrolheads.
Internet personality Hannah Stocking and South Korean superstar S. Coups (Choi Seung-cheol) added a global, Gen-Z twist to the proceedings, their paddock walks chronicled in real time for millions of followers.
The Fashion Stakes: Denim, Diamonds, and Cowboy Hats
Let’s be clear: the US Grand Prix is as much a fashion show as it is a race. This year, the style stakes were sky-high. Former NASCAR and IndyCar star Danica Patrick turned heads with a sleeveless denim top and short skirt, her look a playful nod to Texan tradition and modern femininity. The outfit, which set social media ablaze, was a reminder that in Austin, the paddock is the new runway.
“The hottest thing at that race track is you Ms. Patrick.” — Fan comment on Danica Patrick’s Instagram
Drivers, too, embraced the local flavor. Cowboy hats, boots, and custom racing suits with Western motifs were everywhere, blending seamlessly with the designer sunglasses and tailored blazers favored by the European set. The result? A visual feast that would make even Anna Wintour pause for a second look.
Athletes, Influencers, and the VIP Rodeo
The athlete contingent was formidable. Olympians Leon Marchand and Tara Davis-Woodhall brought gold-medal energy to the grid, while motocross stars Jett and Hunter Lawrence added a dash of adrenaline. Real estate moguls Jason Oppenheim and Jessica Vargas (of “Selling Sunset” fame) mingled with the F1 elite, proving that the paddock is the ultimate networking playground.
Even Charles Leclerc’s dog, Leo, made an appearance—because in 2025, not even the four-legged set is left out of the F1 glamour.
The Race: Drama, Dominance, and a Fence-Climbing Frenzy
Of course, there was a race. Max Verstappen, ever the clinical operator, took a commanding win, while McLaren’s Lando Norris and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc battled fiercely for the podium. The sprint race was pure chaos, with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Norris colliding at turn one, handing Verstappen the perfect opportunity to extend his championship challenge.
But the emotional highlight? Franco Colapinto, the Argentinian sensation, defied team orders, overtook his teammate in the final laps, and—despite finishing 17th—climbed the pit lane fence to salute his adoring fans. The scene, set to the soundtrack of hundreds of Argentine voices, was a reminder that F1’s true magic lies in its ability to create moments of pure, unfiltered passion.
“Vení, vení, canta conmigo, que un amigo vas a encontrar… que de la mano de Colapinto, todos la vuelta vamos a dar.” — Argentinian fans chanting for Franco Colapinto
The Social Scene: Parties, Yachts, and the Austin Vibe
Austin, with its live music, eclectic food scene, and unapologetic weirdness, is the perfect backdrop for F1’s American adventure. The afterparties were legendary—Uber One’s Rodeo event saw Brittany Snow, Brooks Nader, and Malin Akerman holding court, while the city’s rooftop bars and private yachts hosted the kind of gatherings that will be whispered about for seasons to come.
The Power of Presence: Why Celebrities Flock to F1
Why has F1 become the playground of the rich, famous, and fabulous? The answer lies in the sport’s unique blend of danger, drama, and decadence. At COTA, the paddock is a stage, and every attendee—whether Oscar winner or TikTok star—is both spectator and spectacle.
“F1 is the only sport where the grid walk is as important as the race itself. The celebrities aren’t just here to watch—they’re here to be seen, to make statements, to become part of the story.” — Kym Illman, F1 photographer
