The excitement will begin before lights out with a brand-new pre-race show, F1 Grid Gigs presented by American Express, with the first to take place at the Circuit of the Ameicas on Sunday.

A unique blend of music and motorsport, the new feature was inspired by the celebrated F1 75 Live season opener at the O2, watched by an incredible 7.5 million viewers across Formula 1's social channels.

Partnering with world renowned and locally relevant artists around the globe, F1 Grid Gigs presented by American Express will elevate the pre-race entertainment spectacle for fans in the stands and at home as we countdown to the cars heading out on track.

With Austin, widely regarded as the live music capital of the world, the inaugural show will embrace Texas' rich music heritage by giving the stage to Texas-born country singer and songwriter, Drake Milligan.

Known for his chart-topping album Dallas/Fort Worth and hit songs "Sounds Like Something I'd Do," "Honky Tonkin' About" with The Reklaws, and "I Got a Problem," Drake's distinct traditional country sound blended with his own unique modern flare, makes him one of the rising stars of country music.

In Austin, Drake's performance will mark the start of the race preparations, taking to the grid to entertain fans in the stands and at home, just before the drivers leave their garages to head out onto track.

F1 Grid Gigs presented by American Express will return at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with a world class artist performance in the City of Lights before the racing begins at the iconic Las Vegas Strip Circuit.

"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," said Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer at Formula 1. "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."

"I'm thrilled to be performing at the Grand Prix in Austin, TX!" added Drake Milligan. "There's nothing like the energy of this city during race weekend and I'm looking forward to being a part of it.

"It's the perfect stage for live music with the roar of the engines and the passion of the fans! I can't wait to bring some country heat to the Circuit of The Americas!"

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Wokingchap, 52 minutes ago

"Nothing new, the rock group i was in played at the 1966 (or was it 7) Italian GP in Monza. The stage was in the pit lane by the police office, although it was on the Saturday, quali day, to not a very large audience. So, unknown to us and very few others, a taster of things to come. Highlight of the day was driving our old (then) Thames van around the whole circuit ...after everyone had gone home....including the original Parabolica, hilarious."

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2. Posted by Editor, 6 hours ago

"@ Dejan

A pro Hamas march at Silverstone?"

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3. Posted by dejan, 8 hours ago

"They could make it themed:
Pre-race rodeo in Texas
Bull fight in Mexico
Salsa dancing in Brazil
Poker tournament in Vegas

It's almost like the pre-movie commercials and previews - the main movie starts 30+ minutes after the scheduled time as someone needs the eyeballs to watch the commercials. Just pathetic"

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4. Posted by Max Noble, 13 hours ago

"…we have both kinds of music here… Country AND Western… An artist World famous in Texas… I’ll have to give him a quick spin on Spotify and see if he sounds any different to the other 10,001 Country Stars I’ve never heard of…
“Once I went to a concert, and a motor race broke out in the car park…!”
"

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5. Posted by equator180, 14 hours ago

"Can't wait for the WAGs minute of stardom routine, spotlighting their talent of choice."

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6. Posted by Anthony, 16 hours ago

"Each new development is even worse than the last one…."

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7. Posted by KKK, 18 hours ago

"Unreal ! Is it an F1 race or a circus with over-madeup cheerleaders. Its devaluing F1. Its meant to be a race! Not a gig"

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United States Grand Prix to feature first Grid Gig

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