Since 2015, my wife and I have been dedicated volunteers at the F1 Austin, and each year, the event continues to surpass our expectations. Our motivation for volunteering comes from the high costs of F1 tickets and the absence of parking included in the price. If you want to camp, that adds to the expenses as well. However, volunteering provides an incredible opportunity to witness the action in a VIP-style, and free camping, with the only catch being that you have to put in some effort. Yet, it doesn’t feel like work at all. We find ourselves right in the front row, ready to assist in case of any incidents at our spot. Sign me up again!

This year, Max has already secured the F1 world championship, but the battle for 2nd and 3rd place remains intense for the rest of the season. Personally, I’m not rooting for the drivers competing for the 2nd and 3rd positions in the season. The drivers I’m wholeheartedly supporting are Daniel Ricardo and Yuki Sonoda.

Yes, they may be considered underdog drivers, but I have a soft spot for them. After all, Max was once an underdog himself, and now he’s a three-time world champion. Yuki’s passion for racing is evident, and his emotional and fiery reactions when a race doesn’t go as planned are genuinely endearing. It seems like he improves every year, and perhaps, one day, he’ll earn a spot on the podium. As for Daniel, he has already achieved podium finishes, proving himself as a top-tier driver who could clinch a championship with the right team. What’s more, I admire Daniel’s personality, both on and off the track. Some drivers may put on a facade on TV, but Daniel comes across as authentic, and that’s something I truly appreciate. I understand that top drivers have worked incredibly hard to reach their positions, and they might prefer not to be bothered by fans when they’re out and about.

One of the additional benefits of volunteering is that, after the races conclude, a bus conveniently picks you up at your corner station and takes you to the parking lot. No more long walks. Of course, if you happen to miss your ride, you’ll have a lengthy walk back to the parking lot. But, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore the paddock, and you never know who you might bump into.

In my case, I stumbled upon the F1 Academy drivers! The F1 Academy serves as a launchpad for young females aspiring to break into F1. Its goal is to groom these racers for the world of F1, and if you’re a talented driver winning races, chances are you’ll progress to a higher level. Joining the F1 Academy is a substantial financial commitment, as you require sponsors and financial backing. Nevertheless, the potential rewards are enormous if you have a successful season. I truly admire the determination of the young girls and everyone working behind the scenes to carve out a career in racing. It’s a realm that demands a great deal of sacrifice, financial investment, and hard work to eventually retire from racing.

I also had the privilege of snapping a picture of the F1 Prema Team!

Another fantastic perk of volunteering is the opportunity to enjoy the concerts. This year, we had The Killers on Friday, followed by Queen with Adam Lambert on Saturday. It was a pleasant surprise to discover that Adam had been with Queen for some years now, and his incredible vocal range left a lasting impression. Unfortunately, we couldn’t catch Tiesto on Sunday due to the delightful chaos as the F1 crowd flooded the track. It was an electrifying experience!

Rest assured, we’ll be back again next year, eagerly looking forward to another thrilling F1 Austin experience!

Don’t forget, AE86 matsuri will be hosted at Houston, Tx December 3! Link below: https://texasae86matsuri.wordpress.com/