F1 to Debut New Race-Day Format with ‘Grid Gigs’ at the United States Grand Prix
Formula 1 has confirmed a major update to its race-day format, introducing a brand-new pre-race entertainment segment called ‘F1 Grid Gigs’, which will debut at the United States Grand Prix in Austin this weekend. The initiative is part of F1’s continued effort to enhance the fan experience, both for spectators at the track and viewers watching around the world.
The new feature will bring live music performances to the grid shortly before the drivers begin their pre-race preparations. This addition aims to build up excitement and energy before the lights go out for the start of the race. According to Formula 1, Grid Gigs will become a regular feature of race weekends moving forward, with each event highlighting artists who reflect the local culture and musical heritage of the host country.
For its first edition at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), F1 will celebrate Texas’ rich musical roots by featuring a live performance from Drake Milligan, the popular American country singer and actor. Milligan, known for his classic country sound and charismatic performances, will take to the grid to entertain fans just moments before the drivers leave their garages to head to the starting line. His appearance will mark the start of what Formula 1 hopes will become a signature element of race weekends — blending motorsport with world-class live entertainment.
The inspiration for Grid Gigs reportedly came from F1’s spectacular live season launch earlier this year, which commemorated the 75th anniversary of Formula 1. That event featured high-profile musical acts such as Take That, Tems, and Machine Gun Kelly, setting the tone for the sport’s growing commitment to combining racing with global entertainment. Following the success of that celebration, F1’s commercial team began developing ways to bring similar excitement directly to the racetrack on race days.
F1’s Chief Commercial Officer, Emily Prazer, shared her excitement about the new initiative, emphasizing that the atmosphere on the grid before a race is one of the most electric moments in all of motorsport.
> “There’s nothing like the energy of a Formula 1 grid as the world gets ready for the best drivers to go head-to-head,” she said. “F1 Grid Gigs presented by American Express will elevate one of the most anticipated moments of a Grand Prix weekend. This new pre-race show has been designed to capture and celebrate the thrill of the grid and give fans in the stands and at home a taste of adrenaline and exhilaration before we go racing.”
In recent seasons, Formula 1 has made a concerted effort to turn each race weekend into a larger entertainment spectacle, aligning with the sport’s rapid global growth and its expanding audience base, especially in the United States. The inclusion of live music has become a popular feature at many races, helping to draw in new fans and create a festival-like atmosphere around the events.
The British Grand Prix at Silverstone earlier this year is one example of this trend. That weekend saw performances from top artists such as Raye, Sam Fender, Fatboy Slim, and Becky Hill, all of whom kept the British crowd entertained across the three-day event. The success of such concerts demonstrated how live music can complement the adrenaline of racing, setting the stage for the introduction of Grid Gigs.
By officially integrating live performances into the race-day schedule, Formula 1 hopes to deepen fan engagement and strengthen its reputation as not just a sport, but a global entertainment brand. The move also reflects the influence of American sporting culture, where pre-game entertainment has long been a key part of the spectacle.
With Austin serving as the launch pad, fans can expect F1 Grid Gigs to appear at more races around the world, featuring artists that represent each host nation’s sound and spirit. From country music in Texas to electronic beats in Europe or Afro-fusion in Africa, F1’s new format promises to make race days more vibrant, emotional, and unforgettable.
As the drivers prepare to take on the “tricky” Circuit of the Americas this weekend, the addition of live grid performances will ensure that the 2025 United States Grand Prix delivers not just world-class racing — but also world-class entertainment.
