Travel + Leisure A-List advisor Kristin Chambers discusses her insights on organizing F1 trips.
The popularity of Formula 1 has increased quickly in the U.S. over recent years, but for most Americans, going to one of these major races is still a new idea. With each race taking over its host city for several days, organizing your trip can become a stressful task. As a travel advisor who has helped plan Grand Prix weekends for clients, I’ve come up with some tips to ensure your F1 weekend goes smoothly.
Stay the Entire Weekend (If Possible)
A Formula 1 competition extends beyond the main race on Sunday—it is a multi-day affair featuring practice sessions on Friday and qualifying rounds on Saturday, along with related activities. There are various stages that provide background for the major event, and they can enhance the overall excitement.
For instance, some songs, such as those inMonacoand Singapore, are characterized by narrow streets where overtaking (when a driver passes another driver) is challenging, making a driver’s qualifying performance—which determines their starting position—crucially important. However, if your interest is more relaxed or you’re incorporating the race into a broader travel plan, you might choose to attend only on race day.
Discover a Sport That Aligns With Your Passions
Every city that stages a Formula One race adds its unique character to the event. Monaco, for instance, is all about show: luxury yachts, exclusive balconies, and high-end people-watching. It’s as much about the atmosphere as the racing itself.
Belgium’sCircuit de Spa-Francorchamps, in contrast, meanders through agricultural areas and wooded regions. It is a historic circuit that offers the best experience when explored with a local guide. A notable accommodation option in the vicinity is theVan der Valk Hotel VerviersAn alternative choice for participants is to spend the weekend in a campsite.
The Dutch Grand Prix takes place in Zandvoort, Netherlands, a coastal area offering many activities in the nearby region. Regardless of which F1 race you prefer, you can easily find one that appeals to you, whether it’s for the vibrant social atmosphere, the track’s heritage, or its distinctive customs.
Consider a Hospitality Package
Many F1 teams provide hospitality packages that feature pit-lane tours, team interactions, and exclusive access. On our first visit to Zandvoort with my family, the experience we selected involved touring the garages, meeting some of the drivers, and receiving a private ride to the track. Another alternative is thePaddock Club, a VIP program provided by F1 that usually features private track access, quick entry, and exclusive hospitality lanes. Having participated in logistically difficult races such as Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, I can confirm that these tailored services make a significant impact.
Plan Your Transportation Beforehand
Circuits located away from major cities, such as Monza in Italy or Suzuka in Japan, might necessitate private drivers or helicopter charters to prevent race-day complications. At races where the track is near an urban area—likeMontreal, Singapore, or Zandvoort—you might be able to hire a local driver or use public transport to reach the gates. A travel consultant will handle these details for you, but if you’re organizing your trip yourself, ensure your transportation is arranged in advance. That way, you can focus on enjoying the event, the tactics behind each pit stop, and the roaring engines that make one of the world’s most exciting mobile spectacles.
Kristin Chambers is a member ofTravel + Leisure’sA-Listand focuses on destination festivities, event tourism, and family vacations. You can design a customized schedule with Chambers [email protected].
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