From an exclusive Cadillac F1 paddock experience and a conversation with Valtteri Bottas to Texas barbecue and Kentucky bourbon, the 2026 United States Grand Prix brought two iconic American brands together for an unforgettable weekend at Circuit of The Americas.

Every October, Austin shifts into high gear as Formula 1 takes over the city for the United States Grand Prix. The Texas capital becomes an international destination with celebrity sightings, exclusive parties, incredible food, and plenty of Texas hospitality.

This year, there is a uniquely American story making its debut on the international stage of Formula 1. Jim Beam, the world’s best-selling bourbon, has teamed up with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team for its inaugural season, bringing together two legendary American brands.

I had the opportunity to experience the partnership firsthand during Saturday’s race weekend festivities, which included an exclusive Cadillac garage tour, a behind-the-scenes look at driver Valtteri Bottas preparing for the track, incredible hospitality in the Paddock Club, a special Texas barbecue dinner, and a Jim Beam bourbon tasting.

A Partnership 90 Years in the Making

Some partnerships are simply about putting a logo on a race car. Others have a story worth telling. The relationship between Jim Beam and Cadillac falls into the latter category.

Nearly 90 years ago, James B. Beam had a nightly ritual that would ultimately help preserve the iconic bourbon brand. Each evening, he placed a mason jar containing his family’s proprietary yeast in the front seat of his Cadillac and drove it home for safekeeping from fire and prohibition.

The yeast was essential to the family’s bourbon recipe. Today, that same yeast remains a vital part of Jim Beam’s production process.

When Jim Beam announced its partnership as the Official Spirits Partner of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, the collaboration brought that family history full circle.

Two American Icons Take on the Global Formula 1 Stage

Formula 1 has always been an international sport, with European manufacturers and racing teams historically dominating. But the sport’s growing popularity in the United States has opened the door for a new chapter in the world of motorsports.

Enter Cadillac.

The Cadillac Formula 1 Team made its debut this year, becoming the first new team to join the grid since 2016. And for Jim Beam, the opportunity to join Cadillac on that journey made perfect sense.

Jim Beam is no stranger to motorsports, having previously been involved with NASCAR, the Indianapolis 500, and Australia’s Dick Johnson Racing. But Formula 1 offers something different: a global platform where racing, fashion, food, music, and entertainment come together.

Behind the Scenes with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team at the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin

One of the highlights of this year’s Formula 1 weekend was getting an inside look at the Cadillac Formula 1 Team during Saturday’s practice and qualifying sessions at Circuit of The Americas.

The experience began with a pit lane walk, followed by an exclusive tour of Cadillac’s garage, where the team’s mechanics and engineers were preparing for the day’s action. It’s one thing to watch Formula 1 on television, but watching the team behind the scenes gives you an entirely new appreciation for the sport.

One of the most memorable moments was being invited into the viewing gallery in Valtteri Bottas’ garage. From there, I watched as Bottas ran through final checks with his engineer, then suited up, weighed in, climbed into his race car, and accelerated out of the garage onto the pit lane.

The rest of the day was spent enjoying Cadillac’s hospitality in the Paddock Club. The Cadillac suite featured an impressive buffet with everything from prime rib to lobster pasta, along with complimentary drinks throughout the day. Between the food, hospitality, and incredible racetrack views, it was an experience that would leave anyone feeling like a VIP.

A look inside the Paddock Club at the U.S. Grand Prix. Video Wendi Baird.

From balcony seats overlooking the pit lane, we watched practice runs and qualifying sessions as teams prepared their cars and drivers pushed for their best lap times. Seeing the blur of cars race by us was a reminder of just how fast-paced and intense Formula 1 really is. And the powerful engines were so loud that you could not hear the person next to you talking.

A Conversation with Valtteri Bottas, Texas BBQ, and a Jim Beam Tasting

As exciting as the day’s racing activities were, the evening brought another unforgettable experience.

Following qualifying, we were given a second VIP pass that allowed us entry into the paddock (which is different from the Paddock Club). This is the restricted “backstage” working area where teams, drivers, media, and officials operate. We gathered in Team Cadillac’s lounge for a special Texas barbecue dinner.

But before dinner, we were treated to a special appearance by Cadillac Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas, who joined our group for an intimate roundtable discussion.

After watching Bottas prepare for his session inside the garage earlier that day, having the opportunity to sit down with him just hours later was particularly memorable. It was a chance to see a different side of the driver, away from the intensity of the cockpit and the pressure of competition. He was very polite and soft spoken as he answered our questions about racing for Cadillac and visiting Austin.

Bottas is no stranger to Austin. In fact, he won the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin in 2109. When asked what he loves most about Austin, Bottas said, “It’s the vibe of the town–the people, the food. And the cycling is quite nice here.”

“The live music is very cool,” he added. “Maybe tomorrow night I’ll go out and enjoy it.”

When asked about joining Team Cadillac for their inaugural F1 season, Bottas said. “I’m proud to be part of this team from the beginning, be a part of creating this team.”

The evening continued with a Texas-style barbecue dinner. Following dinner, we participated in a Jim Beam bourbon tasting experience, a fitting conclusion to a day celebrating the partnership between the Kentucky distiller and Cadillac.

A Limited-Edition Jim Beam Bottle Celebrates Cadillac’s First Formula 1 Season

For fans looking to commemorate Cadillac’s historic debut season in Formula 1, Jim Beam introduced something special: a limited-edition 2026 Jim Beam x Cadillac Formula 1 Team bourbon bottle.

Inspired by the Cadillac Formula 1 Team’s racing helmet design, the bottle features checkered-flag detailing with both iconic American brands displayed side by side. Inside is the same Jim Beam bourbon that has been produced using a family recipe passed down through generations.

For bourbon enthusiasts and racing fans alike, it’s more than a collectible. It’s a celebration of two American brands whose histories became intertwined nearly a century ago, long before anyone imagined they would one day share the international Formula 1 stage.

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Cover Photo Courtesy Cadillac Formula 1 Team.

Wendi Baird is the Editor in Chief of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. A sixth-generation Texan, Wendi has a deep love for the Lone Star State and brings a rich perspective to the magazine’s coverage of travel, culture, and lifestyle across Texas and beyond.