F1 2024 Insider's Guide No. 19 – United States

Around the world in 24 races: Discover Texas and beyond with Jak Crawford 

Stunning scenery, delicious food, fantastic cities. Together with our Global Luxury Luggage Partner, Globe-Trotter, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team junior driver Jak Crawford reveals some of the best places to visit in Texas ahead of the United States Grand Prix in Austin.  

 

Situated on the outskirts of the vibrant city of Austin, the Circuit of the Americas is gearing up to host Formula One®’s latest visit to the Lone Star State. Opened in 2012, it was the first circuit in the USA purpose-built for F1®, and it stands out not only for its thrilling elevation changes and challenging turns, but also for its commitment to sustainability, being one of the few F1® circuits designed with eco-friendly principles in mind. 

A hugely popular destination, Austin is an exciting hub for live music and entertainment—making it the perfect backdrop for the fastest sport on the planet. Just one of the many incredible places to visit in sprawling and diverse Texas, Aston Martin Aramco junior driver Jak Crawford gives us his guide to the state, fresh from having driven an F1®1 car on the streets of Houston. 

 

Jak, tell us what you loved about living in Texas? You were based in Houston, right? How long for, and do you still visit family there? 

Texas is a great place to live. I spent my childhood there, and I have some great memories. We moved to Texas when I was five years old, and I grew up in a suburb just outside Houston. 

The best thing about living there is the variety; you can go out on a lake with friends, head into the countryside, ride bikes, all while having some incredible cities on your doorstep. 

Where do you love to go in Texas?  

The first time I went to Austin was for the inaugural Grand Prix there in 2012. 

San Antonio is a place I’d recommend. It’s full of historical landmarks and monuments—we went there on school field trips a few times. It’s just over an hour’s drive from Austin, so you could easily visit as part of a trip to the United States Grand Prix. 

I also love the coast. From where I grew up, it’s about an hour’s drive to Galveston, which is an island city with beautiful beaches and stunning scenery. There are plenty of gorgeous spots along the coast. When I’m home for long enough, my family and I like to go to the beach or head to a friend’s lake house, where we take a boat out and go fishing. There are some great spots to relax by the water, both on the coast and inland. 

Lastly, Houston is home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center. I’ve been on the tour several times, and it’s really cool. It’s incredible to see what’s been accomplished there, and even if you’re not that into space, I’d still highly recommend a visit. 

What’s the best food to eat in Texas? Do you have any favourite BBQ spots or anything more unexpected?  

I’ve been to some great BBQ places in Austin; honestly, it’s hard to find a place that doesn’t serve good BBQ. You also have to try as much Tex-Mex as you can—it’s a mix of Texan and Mexican flavours. The first thing I do when I get home is find some Mexican food. I absolutely love burritos, tacos, enchiladas—anything like that. 

The sushi in Texas is also really good because of the coastline. 

 

What makes the Circuit of the Americas in Austin such a great circuit? 

It’s an incredible track. The run to Turn One is so steep you can brake ultra-late because you have so much grip going uphill, and then straight away you go downhill. The car wants to go down, but your body wants to stay where it is through that section, which is a thrilling feeling.  

There are a lot of elevation changes and bumps, which add to the challenge, and you have the exciting esses section in Sector One, which is fantastic to drive. It’s a long lap, with a nice balance of high- and low-speed corners and long straights, so the car needs a bit of everything. 

 

Are there any iconic places for US motorsport or car culture that you’d recommend? 

Indianapolis is the home of IndyCar, and many of the teams are based around there, so it’s a very cool place to visit. It’s also the venue for the Indy 500, one of the biggest events in motorsport. I’ve been to the race before, and the noise is incredible as the field roars past at more than 300km/h. 

Charlotte, North Carolina, where I was born, is another great place for motorsport fans—it’s home to a lot of NASCAR teams. When I was really young, my dad would take me to visit their workshops for my birthday. NASCAR’s most iconic race is the Daytona 500, and that’s another must-attend event for any motorsport enthusiast. 

Insider's Guide: USA 

 

Part 1  

Texas 

Hanging with the hipsters in Austin 

Texas’ capital city will come alive during the USA Grand Prix at the Circuit of The Americas, but this city is famous for so much more. The Austin City Limits music festival and the SXSW festival of film, music, and tech attract visitors from across the globe. Austin is known as one of the live music capitals of the world and is also home to some of the best BBQ, where meat lovers can truly rejoice. With plenty of pubs and bars, it’s perfect for night owls, while the lakes, rivers, and forests surrounding the city are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. 

Where to stay in Austin 

Postmodern punches of peach and pink will add a pep to your step when you enter the Downright Austin, a classy downtown gem with a new pool bar and swim club. The Loren offers a swish stay overlooking Lady Bird Lake, with sweeping city views. The Carpenter is nestled in a lovely location within an old pecan grove. The Archer, located in The Domain near tons of shops, boasts big rooms perfect for storing your purchases. The Line is a boutique bolthole with a great pool area. The South Congress Hotel, located in the happening SoCo neighbourhood, is a really cool place to hang out and stay. 

Cities in Texas - finding the best urban experiences 

San Antonio has recently become a hipster haven, with numerous bars, restaurants, and boutiques. It is also home to the famous Alamo, an important artefact from the short-lived period when Texas was an independent republic in the 1800s. Houston, of course, is known as the home of NASA, and space enthusiasts will love exploring the Space Centre and its fascinating control rooms. Dallas continues to honour the memory of JFK's assassination in the 1960s, with museum exhibits and tours dedicated to the tragic event, ensuring history is not forgotten. Nearby Fort Worth is home to the famous Water Gardens, a brutalist city park that combines flowing water with concrete sculptures you can climb on. The Water Gardens famously featured in the 1970s sci-fi film Logan’s Run. 

 

Texas wine country 

Fredericksburg is the undisputed wine capital of Texas, with numerous bucolic vineyards surrounding this quaint town. Founded by German settlers, many of the town's original buildings from the 19th century still stand, the Pioneer Museum showcases its interesting history. While English is spoken throughout the town, there are still a few older residents who speak Texas German, a unique dialect that evolved from the early settlers. In the town’s hinterlands, you can visit cellar doors and enjoy wine tours at renowned wineries such as Grape Creek and Lost Draw, all located in Hill Country, where the hot temperatures of the rest of the state are tempered by altitude and cool breezes. It’s a beautiful way to relax after the F1® thrills. 

 

The great outdoors of Texas 

Texas is home to Big Bend National Park, a monumental canyon in the valley of the Rio Grande, near the Mexican border. This desert and mountain landscape is even home to bears and mountain lions. The state’s other national park, Guadalupe, features Texas’ highest mountains, offering climbers and hikers the chance to get lost in a spellbinding backcountry. Enchanted Rock, near Austin, is a place of spiritual significance, with enormous rock formations that have drawn people for thousands of years. 

 

Coastal Texas 

Galveston and South Padre Island are popular vacation spots, and Texas offers more beaches than you might imagine along the Gulf of Mexico. The Padre Island National Seashore protects miles of precious barrier island landscapes, where seals and birdlife abound, and the coast is perfect for sailing, paddleboarding, or sea kayaking. 

 

Part 2 

Across the USA 

Denver 

Colorado’s largest city blends mountains, craft beer, and music. The famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre is nearby—an open-air venue carved into the mountains where one type of rock meets another. The cool mile-high city also boasts street art, brewpubs, and easy access to hiking and trails, with the Rockies just a hop, skip, and jump away. 

 

Monterrey 

California’s coastal gem is a haven for surfers, swimmers, and sea lions. Fishermen love to head out to sea and trawl for fresh catches from the deep Pacific, while boaters stop by on their way down the California coastline. This picture-perfect town is also a must-see stop on the Pacific Coast Highway, linking Los Angeles and San Francisco. 

 

Santa Monica 

The seaside resort at the end of Route 66 has another claim to fame—the pier featured in the film Forrest Gump. Ye Olde King’s Head, a quirky British-themed pub, restaurant and shop stocks Cadbury’s products and Marmite, drawing in expat Brits and the curious. A dazzling new addition to Santa Monica is the Regent, which has just opened its doors. This showstopping luxury hotel is changing the game with iconic interiors designed by AvroKO and a Michael Mina-helmed restaurant called Orla. Situated right by the beach, it brings opulence to Santa Monica. 

Hollywood and Beverly Hills 

West Hollywood mixes celebrity culture with renowned comedy, and music venues and trendy eateries. Don’t miss the chance to stay at the Pendry in West Hollywood, boasting a gorgeous palette of interiors and artworks curated by Lendrum Fine Art. The hotel exudes a blend of elegance and attentive service. The rooftop restaurant, Merois, is a standout, and who could resist a swim in the pool with a phenomenal view? It’s a clear winner. 

Hollywood itself offers a mix of movie glamour, bars, studios, and shopping. Mama Shelter hosts comedy shows on its roof and has two lively bars. Its rooms feel like a place where stars would enjoy themselves, and some rooms even feature movie scripts for you to read. Beverly Hills offers high-end shopping and peaceful green parks amid grand mansions. The Sofitel is a top-quality stay with plenty of modern conveniences, while the Fairmont Century Plaza, which has hosted countless stars, recently underwent a major refurbishment, making it even more spectacular.  The London West Hollywood, with its British theme, cool rooftop pool, and glamorous atmosphere, boasts one of the largest rooftop penthouses in LA. 

 

Downtown LA 

Downtown LA is making a major comeback with trendy microbreweries and art giants like Hauser & Wirth, alongside sushi and taco joints. The Figueroa is a new breed of hip hotel with a retro flair, catering perfectly to the cool crowd. The new Conrad hotel offers exquisite spaces and a glamorous pool deck, with decor inspired by Mexico and the Southwest. The Millennium Biltmore, one of LA’s oldest hotels, has stood in for New York in many films and remains a stunning historic landmark. 

 

New York  

No American road trip is complete without a stop in New York City. The city that never sleeps is as vibrant as ever, offering Broadway musicals, nightlife, world-class dining, shopping, and renowned art galleries and museums. Kixby is a fantastic boutique hotel, while the Walker Greenwich exudes charm and sophisticated style. The Gansevoort in the trendy Meatpacking District is a luxurious stay, perfect for fashionistas. Penny is another cool hotel with a great vibe. Over in Brooklyn, the new Arlo offers spectacular views of Manhattan, while the Moxy brings stylish designs and an approachable feel. The Wythe remains one of the best hotels in all of New York, with two excellent restaurants and industrial-chic rooms that impress with their space and light. 

 

The Globe-Trotter x Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team partnership celebrates a shared commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and heritage; bringing together the timeless style of Globe-Trotter’s handcrafted luggage and the cutting-edge design and performance of the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team.