Because of the success of Netflix’s “just a bit overdramatic” however very enjoyable to look at Drive to Survive, F1 has exploded in reputation, with venues promoting out months upfront, widespread media protection, elevated celeb attendance, and bidding wars for broadcasting rights.
All these elements mixed imply touring to F1 races has turn out to be a little bit of a aggressive sport. Regardless of this, there are methods to maximise your time at a race and see a brand new nook of the world!
So, in case your dream is to look at a Components 1 race stay, we’ve obtained all the things it’s worthwhile to find out about F1 journey.
What Is Components 1?
For the uninitiated, Components 1 is Motorsport, or fairly, automotive racing. Components 1 automobiles are designed to particular guidelines and price hundreds of thousands of {dollars} to construct, run, and restore. Components 1 automobiles race round non-linear tracks at speeds between 90 to 340 kilometers per hour. There are ten totally different groups, every with two automobiles for a complete of 20 drivers on the ‘grid.’
Totally different tracks require various kinds of tires or downforce (managing wind in opposition to the automotive to assist with velocity, turning, and many others.), and every automotive is its personal entity, as are the drivers. The F1 World Championship as we all know it in the present day has been operating uninterrupted since 1950.
A typical weekend begins on a Friday with two apply classes, every an hour lengthy. Then, Saturday sees yet another apply session and the qualifying session for the Sunday Grand Prix. Qualifying has three totally different classes, with 5 drivers eradicated from every one till ten stay, and the order to start out the race is about, together with the very coveted first place or Pole Place. Sunday is the massive occasion, with the precise race going down.
Different occasions occurring throughout these weekends could embody F1 Academy (a brand new feminine driver collection), Components 3 and a couple of (hopeful F1 drivers), Porsche Supercup racing, and live shows throughout the weekend. In the previous couple of years, F1 has additionally launched the Dash format, which features a 100km dash-style race on Saturdays, which carries factors for the World Championship as effectively.
F1 hosts 23 races worldwide, with the majority being held in Europe, although the US is an up-and-coming location as Components 1 continues to penetrate the US market. Six of those races embody a Dash race. Every race has the drivers competing for factors to win both the motive force’s championship (private glory) or the constructor’s championship (crew glory and, most significantly, prize cash to construct subsequent season’s automotive). Typically a crew and driver win each with ease the newest being Crimson Bull Racing and their star driver Max Verstappen.
Learn how to Attend an F1 Race
With 23 races worldwide, you could have many choices to look at a race. So how are you going to maximize your time in a location whereas touring earlier than or after and nonetheless watch the race?
Fortunately, a number of the finest and most reasonably priced races are in areas that assist you to discover close by areas simply. The races within the United States are by far the costliest, so because the bulk of probably the most reasonably priced races are in Europe, we’ll begin there.
There are a number of methods to buy tickets, whether or not from the Components 1 web site itself (you may also see the yearly race calendar right here with dates), every race observe’s particular person websites (our most popular methodology), or from Third-party distributors. Learn extra about buying F1 Tickets right here.
High 5 Finest Cities to Watch A Race and Maximize F1 Journey
With so many various races worldwide, there are numerous choices for watching a race, however some cities supply a bit greater than others. Let’s take a look at what we consider are the 5 finest cities to look at a race AND journey round!
Abu Dhabi, UAE: Yas Marina Circuit
Abu Dhabi might be the costliest of the races within the Center East (Bahrain, Qatar, Jeddah), with main lodge chain costs skyrocketing, although smaller funds accommodations and Airbnb’s can actually be discovered for reasonably priced costs.
Nevertheless, Abu Dhabi can also be the final race of the season, which implies it may be crucial, even a title decider. 2021 was a tremendous ultimate race between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen to resolve the Driver’s Championship on the final nook of the final lap. The climate is ideal to be outdoor, because it’s at all times held on the finish of November or early December!
The observe in Abu Dhabi is positioned on Yas Island, a few 10-minute Uber experience from the airport. There are a number of accommodations on the island to remain at (guide effectively upfront!), however a lot to do!
Yas Island boasts Warner Brothers World, an indoor theme park devoted to all issues Warner from Gotham Metropolis, Bedrock, and Looney Tunes. Proper subsequent to the observe are Yas Mall and Ferrari World, residence to the world’s quickest curler coaster! Additionally, water parks corresponding to Yas Waterworld and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. We advocate shopping for a move or mixed tickets in the event you’re visiting multiple park.
For extra tradition, on Saadiyat Island, you may go to the very reasonably priced Louvre Abu Dhabi, which has works and artifacts from all through historical past and shared items between the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay. Saadiyat may also embody, sooner or later, a Guggenheim and a Pure Historical past Museum.
Lastly, you’d be remiss to not see the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It’s the largest mosque on the earth that non-Muslims can go to and one of the crucial beautiful buildings to see in individual. It’s free to go to, although there are strict gown code necessities.
If that wasn’t sufficient and also you need a bit extra, you may at all times head right down to Dubai (about 45 minutes by automotive/taxi), the place you may see the Burj Khalifa, the tallest constructing on the earth, go to the Palm Dubai with expansive accommodations just like the Atlantis, and attend a brunch of no matter type fits your fancy!
Associated learn: High Issues to do in Abu Dhabi
Budapest, Hungary: The Hungaroring
In comparison with many Western European cities, Budapest affords a full F1 journey weekend for a rather more reasonably priced worth. In reality, the Hungaroring is usually the most cost-effective race on the whole calendar. On high of all that, Budapest has loads of historical past and beautiful structure (like its Parliament) to see and provide you with that true European really feel. Budapest additionally has a beautiful social scene in the event you’re searching for an evening out.
The Hungaoring at all times affords nice races for F1 followers and novices alike. It’s a quick 24km from downtown, although taking a cab is beneficial. As this race at all times falls through the summer season, you normally have some good climate (although rain isn’t unusual). The circuit itself is fairly quick (somewhat over 4 km) with many corners, making overtaking troublesome. Technique, teamwork, and studying the climate circumstances are key to profitable in Hungary.
From Budapest, you could have aplenty of journey alternatives! Bratislava, Vienna, and Zagreb are all just some hours’ prepare experience away. You’ll be able to enterprise a bit additional as effectively and make your approach to Poland and Germany or head south to Romania and Serbia. No matter your choice, you’ll find one thing or someplace to maximise your enjoyment.
Associated learn: Learn how to Spend a Weekend in Budapest
Amsterdam, Netherlands: Circuit Zandvoort
This race at Zandvoort takes place about 45 minutes exterior of Amsterdam and is among the extra simply accessible races, as you may attain it in about 45 minutes by public prepare.
Zandvoort isn’t normally thought-about one of many extra thrilling races on the circuit, however the climate can play havoc with the race and make it extra entertaining than F1 races. Zandvoort is a quick circuit, additionally quick, with fairly a couple of curves that take a look at the drivers’ capability to take the automotive round high-speed corners. The proximity to the ocean additionally means you will need to deal with the wind and presumably rain at Zandvoort (the 2023 race was an absolute deluge!), which provides to the problem.
Being close to Amsterdam means you could have a lot to do! Amsterdam has one thing for everybody, from museums and historical past. There are museums just like the Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Anne Frank Home (reserve upfront!).
Nightlife is discovered aplenty (Amsterdam is fairly well-known for this), and day journeys abound. You’ll be able to bike throughout the Netherlands (together with to Zandvoort itself – a most popular methodology of arrival). Utrecht is a beautiful metropolis and a college city; very very similar to Amsterdam however much less touristy and solely about an hour away, as are The Hague and Rotterdam. A bit additional, you may enterprise into northern Germany to Cologne for schnitzel and the attractive cathedral or head south into Belgium for a number of the world’s finest beer, fries, and waffles.
Associated learn: 3 Days in Amsterdam: What To not Miss
Singapore: Marina Bay Road Circuit
Singapore is a avenue circuit, that means town modifies itself to accommodate the high-speed chase of 20 Components 1 automobiles throughout town. Being a avenue circuit means, nevertheless, that you needn’t journey far to look at the occasions.
The Singapore Grand Prix was the primary night time race within the F1 calendar and has been a staple since 2008. One in every of, if not the hardest, races on the calendar as a consequence of Singapore’s humidity and the observe’s low-speed corners, Singapore requires a fine-tuned mixture of race tempo, crew technique, bodily endurance, and most focus. It’s not unusual for the Singapore GP to take the utmost allotted time of two hours to finish.
Singapore is a good metropolis for having fun with a race and having fun with a spot! Singapore affords among the finest meals scenes on the earth, with influences from all the encompassing areas. And whereas Singapore could be very costly ($70-100 for a meal for 2 with drinks at a restaurant), one of the best meals on the native (hawker) stalls may be very reasonably priced (and higher!).
Singapore has a incredible and reasonably priced public transportation system, which makes getting round extremely simple. You can too go to Gardens by the Bay, which is totally beautiful in its design, and the indoor gardens are one thing to behold! If you wish to dish out a couple of extra {dollars} and ball out, keep on the Marina Bay Sands Lodge, which is located proper subsequent to a part of the observe.
Because of its location, Singapore is a good jumping-off level to journey in Southeast Asia! Kuala Lumpur, Bali, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand are all simply quick (suppose not more than 2-3 hours flight) away. You’ll be able to discover seashores, museums, temples, and a lot extra, all whereas flying by means of Changi Airport, which is constantly ranked as among the finest, if not normally one of the best, airports on the earth!
Associated learn: Exploring Singapore: What you Must Know
Mexico Metropolis, Mexico: Autódromo Hermanos Rodriguez
Maybe the most reasonably priced race within the Americas, Mexico Metropolis, is at all times attention-grabbing as a result of altitude challenges that drivers and groups face. The excessive altitude in Mexico Metropolis slows automobiles down significantly, so it’s not a race you may win on race tempo and downforce alone.
The town itself affords a lot to do! You’ll be able to take time to see Tenochtitlan and the traditional Aztec Pyramids, go to Mexico Metropolis’s markets corresponding to Central de Abastos, or go to close by cities like Xochimilco or Zacatecas. No matter the place you go, indulge your self on the numerous flavors of Mexican delicacies (it’s so rather more than simply tacos and burritos)!
Relying on the date of the race, you might additionally plan to remain in Mexico for the ever-vibrant Día de los Muertos and expertise one of the crucial significant occasions in Mexican tradition. Set your sights on some Lucha Libre and watch the Luchadores of their eccentric masks interact in over-the-top wrestling!
Venturing barely additional away from town, you may head over to Jalisco, residence of the agave plant and thus…tequila! There are a lot of totally different varieties, together with loads of tequila you don’t simply shoot or combine however sip like a fantastic wine or whisky!
Mexico additionally affords wonderful seashores (suppose Zihuatanejo, Cancún, Puerto Vallarta, and extra) so that you can relaxation and chill out earlier than or after a race. With its all-inclusive resorts, you may pay to your keep and eat, drink, and tan till you’ve had your fill! Should you enterprise out past the resorts within the Yucatán Peninsula, you may also go to Chichen Itza, residence to the traditional Mayans, and the Xcaret Archaeological Park close to Playa del Carmen.
Mexico Metropolis is a good jumping-off level for another journey alternatives! The town is a brief flight from quite a few locations on the West Coast of the US, corresponding to Los Angeles or Las Vegas. You may additionally fly to Bogotá (4-5 hours) and discover all of the Colombia has to supply in its great mountains. Or you might head to Central America, like Panama or Costa Rica, the place you may absorb loads of seashores and jungles!
Ultimate Ideas
Whether or not you’re a seasoned fan, a beginner Drive to Survive provoke, or only a informal observer, Components 1 races are entertaining spectacles. Additionally they take pleasure in being hosted in a slew of nice cities around the globe. We’ve given you what we consider to be one of the best 5 cities to look at and journey to, however we advocate you discover additional and discover town and race that matches you finest!
