Grandstand guide
Turn 12 Upper - Circuit of the Americas Grandstand Guide
Our verdict
Turn 12 Upper best suits overtaking at the end of the back straight.
- Numbered seat
Turn 12 Upper highlighted; other sections in grey.
Turn 12 Upper is a numbered grandstand at Circuit of the Americas offering upper-level views of a recognised overtaking zone at the end of the back straight. From the back rows, you'll see the braking zone into Turn 12, the sharp left-handed corner itself, and sight lines extending through to Turn 15, with the esses visible across the infield. The stand is mostly in direct sun and sits close to the Grand Plaza and Super Stage.
What is the view like from Turn 12 Upper at Circuit of the Americas?
Turn 12 Upper delivers views of one of the circuit's premier overtaking opportunities. You will watch drivers brake from over 200 mph as they approach the sharp left-handed Turn 12 from the end of the back straight, where the most daring passes unfold. The upper rows extend your sight lines through to Turn 15, and the esses are visible across the infield from the back rows of the grandstand.
This grandstand is mostly exposed to direct sun, so plan accordingly with sunscreen and hydration. Turn 12 Upper offers numbered seating, and the stand is positioned close to both the Grand Plaza and Super Stage, giving you easy access to those facilities between on-track action.
Best suited for
Turn 12 Upper is ideal if you want to focus on overtaking and aggressive racing, especially the high-speed braking battles down the back straight into one of the circuit's most demanding corners.
Turn 12 Upper vs other Circuit of the Americas grandstands
How Turn 12 Upper compares to the other main F1 grandstands at Circuit of the Americas, so you can decide where to sit before you book.
| Grandstand | Covered | Numbered seat | Big screen | Podium view | Pit lane | Overtaking | Seats together | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turn 12 UpperYou're viewing | No | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Up to 10 | Overtaking at the end of the back straight |
| Champions Club E/W Main Grandstand | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Up to 2 | Pit lane action, race starts, podium ceremonies |
| Turn 1 | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Up to 6 | Race starts and Turn 1 braking zone |
| Turn 1 Mid Level | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Up to 10 | Race starts and Turn 1 braking zone |
| Turn 12 + Cota Tower Access | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Up to 10 | Overtaking at the end of the back straight |
| Turn 12 Lower | No | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Up to 10 | Overtaking at the end of the back straight |
| Turn 15 Lower Level | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Up to 10 | Stadium section overtaking and back straight views |
| Turn 15 Mid Level | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Up to 3 | Stadium section overtaking and back straight views |
| Turn 15 Top Level | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Up to 10 | Stadium section overtaking and back straight views |
| Turn 19 | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Up to 6 | Last overtaking chance before the finish straight |
| Turn 4 | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Up to 6 | High-speed direction changes in the opening sector |
| Turn 4 + Welcome Party | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Up to 10 | High-speed direction changes in the opening sector |
| Turn 9 | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Up to 6 | Panoramic view of the esses and Turn 11 hairpin |
Frequently asked questions
What corners and sections of track can I see from Turn 12 Upper?+
You will see Turn 12, the braking zone from the back straight, through to Turn 15, and the esses are visible from the upper rows across the infield. This grandstand overlooks a recognised overtaking zone, making it prime viewing for passing moves.
Is Turn 12 Upper covered or in the open?+
Turn 12 Upper is mostly in the sun, so you will be exposed to direct sunlight during the race. Bring sun protection and consider the heat when planning your day.
Do Turn 12 Upper seats have numbers?+
Yes, Turn 12 Upper offers numbered seating, allowing you to choose and reserve your specific seat in advance.
What is special about Turn 12 for racing action?+
Turn 12 is where drivers brake from over 200 mph into a sharp left-handed corner at the end of the back straight, making it a prime overtaking zone where the bravest competitors make their moves.
Are there facilities near Turn 12 Upper?+
Yes, Turn 12 Upper is positioned close to the Grand Plaza and Super Stage, giving you convenient access to those areas during the race.
