Roaring engines, beautiful people and glamorous parties, some cities are surely all about living in the fast lane. This month, take a pit stop with Ankita Mamgain in these high-octane destinations.
The paddocks at Bahrain International Circuit have started getting busier as the Kingdom prepares to host all the Formula One action. The iconic race is not just the most anticipated event for the automobile industry, but also has a huge impact on the tourism industry of the city that’s hosting it. Top racers, corporate honchos and celebrities, all descend for this ultimate celebration of (horse) power. Here are three stunning locations where this alluring world of technology, adrenaline and glamour come together and are revered.
Austin, Texas
Circuit of the Americas brings Formula 1 racing to the American Southwest at Austin in Texas. Based on Hermann Tilke’s 2012 design, it is one of the newer F1 tracks and has the European model of 20 turns and 133-foot elevation change. This is America’s first purpose-built F1 circuit and hence is a destination in itself. Beyond the asphalt, it is known to have a hospital, executive meeting suites, a conference centre and a banquet hall, as well as an expansive outdoor live music space.
Moving away from the circuit, this city is often referred to as the live music capital of the world. All over the place you can see bumper stickers urging ‘Keep Austin Weird’ and it has somehow retained its funky charm. As the 11th largest city in US, Austin sits on the banks of the beautiful Colorado River boasting a unique blend of desert and tropical zones. The city has a bohemian character where no one’s really an outsider and there’s always great art, music or a party round the corner.
Mogyoród/BUDAPEST, Hungary
This city is home to Hungaroring circuit and the Hungarian Grand Prix. Opened in 1986, the circuit is a winding track with a few elevation changes and is one of the last old-school tracks on the F1 schedule.
Although you might not find much to do in Mogyoród, the town is just 18 kilometres away from Budapest, the cultural, commercial, industrial and political centre of Hungary. Located next to the Danube River, with the Buda Hills to the west and the Great Plain to the east, Budapest is a gem of a city and a delight for any explorer. This is a treasure trove of great architecture, art, cuisine and romance.
Check out the royal palace; visit the famous thermal baths and pools, the numerous galleries and museums and quaint bars and coffee houses.
This is also a great city for shopping, whether you like traditional folk art, rusty antiques or designer wear, straight off the runways.
Monte Carlo, Monaco
This is the ultimate playground of the rich and famous and perhaps one of the most interesting F1 tracks; a street circuit, that meanders through the city. Races have been held on the course since 1929 when William Grover-Williams won the inaugural contest at the wheel of a Bugatti.
Monaco is the second-smallest country in the world and is in general, and Monte Carlo in particular, a beautiful seaside location on the French Riviera. The circuit is located close to the seafront and the azure harbour views greet racers and fans. Here yachts are as big as mansions, sparkling beverage is perhaps the national drink and even the railway station is swankier than most five star hotels.
There’s a lot to do and see. From the warren of Monaco-Ville, with its souvenir shops, stroll through Monaco’s governmental heart to the royal palace. Savour its fine gardens, clean streets, sensational views and the world’s grandest aquarium.
And contrary to the popular perception you do not need a platinum card to enjoy it. There’s no charge on walking around with the stars, the mega-rich and the country’s zero-tax-paying citizens.
