beerAccording to the AP, in shocking news, people in Austin seem to be a big fan of drinking alcohol while they watch live Formula One races. Circuit of the Americas became the state’s top liquor seller in November as the inaugural Formula One race weekend in Austin drew more than 260,000 very thirsty fans.

The Texas comptroller’s office says Circuit-related events had $2.8 million worth of beer, wine and mixed drink sales.

Lewis Hamilton won the Nov. 17 U.S. Grand Prix, the first Formula One race on American soil since 2007, in his fourth victory of the 2012 season.

The Austin American-Statesman reported Monday that citywide alcohol sales for November reached $48.4 million, or 23 percent higher than a year earlier.

Some business owners credit the increase to race fans in Austin for the mid-November events. ATX Brands owner Doug Guller says it was a great first year for Formula One.