Formula 1 has rapidly grown in popularity in the U.S. in recent years, but attending one of these high-profile races is still a relatively new consideration for most Americans. And as each race takes over its host city for multiple days, planning your trip can quickly turn into an overwhelming experience. As a travel advisor with experience curating Grand Prix weekends for clients, I’ve developed a few strategies to make sure your F1 weekend is all green lights.
Stay for the Whole Weekend (If You Can)
Kirk Fisher/Getty Images
A Formula 1 race isn’t just about the race on Sunday—it’s a multi-day event that includes practice on Friday and qualifying races on Saturday, as well as tangential events. There are several phases that add context to the big race, and can make the whole experience even more thrilling.
For example, certain tracks, like those in Monaco and Singapore, are filled with narrow streets on which overtaking (when a driver passes another driver) is difficult, so a driver’s qualifying performance—which establishes their starting position—is extremely important. But if your interest is more casual or you’re folding the race into a larger itinerary, you may opt for race day only.
Find a Race That Resonates With Your Interests
Each city that hosts a Formula One race brings its own personality to the event. Monaco, for example, is pure spectacle: mega yachts, private terraces, and top-tier people-watching. It’s about the scene as much as the sport.
Belgium’s Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, on the other hand, winds through farmlands and forest. It’s a historic track that is best experienced with a guide by your side. One great hotel in the area to stay at is the Van der Valk Hotel Verviers. An alternative option for attendees is camping for the weekend.
The Dutch Grand Prix is located in Zandvoort, Netherlands, a beachside location with plenty to do in the surrounding area. No matter which F1 race you are interested in, it’s easy to find one that is personally interesting, whether it’s for the social scene, track history, or unique traditions.
Consider a Hospitality Package
Kirk Fisher/Getty Images
Many F1 teams offer hospitality packages with pit-lane walks, team meet-and-greets, and insider access. The first time my family attended Zandvoort, our chosen experience included visiting the garages, meeting some of the drivers, and a personal ride to the track. Another option is the Paddock Club, a VIP program offered by F1 that typically includes private track access, fast-track entry, and dedicated hospitality lanes. Having attended logistically challenging races like Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps in Beligum, I can tell you that personalized services like this make a big difference.
Plan Your Transportation Beforehand
Antoine Lapeyre/Getty Images
Circuits outside of major cities, like Monza in Italy or Suzuka in Japan, may require private drivers or heli-charters to avoid race-day headaches. At races where the track is close to an urban center—like Montreal, Singapore, or Zandvoort—you could feasibly hire a local driver or take public transportation to the gates. A travel advisor will take care of these logistics for you, but if you’re mapping out your own trip, make sure your transportation is planned beforehand. Then you’ll be free to tune into the spectacle around you, the strategy of each pit stop, and the sounds of engines that define one of the world’s most thrilling traveling circuses.
Kristin Chambers is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and specializes in destination celebrations, event travel, and family trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Chambers at [email protected].
