Due to the success of Netflix’s “just a bit overdramatic” however very enjoyable to look at Drive to Survive, F1 has exploded in recognition, with venues promoting out months prematurely, widespread media protection, elevated superstar attendance, and bidding wars for broadcasting rights.
All these components mixed imply touring to F1 races has grow 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 Method 1 race stay, we’ve bought all the pieces it’s essential learn about F1 journey.
What Is Method 1?
For the uninitiated, Method 1 is Motorsport, or reasonably, automobile racing. Method 1 automobiles are designed to particular guidelines and value hundreds of thousands of {dollars} to construct, run, and restore. Method 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 towards the automobile to assist with pace, turning, and so forth.), and every automobile is its personal entity, as are the drivers. The F1 World Championship as we all know it right this moment has been working uninterrupted since 1950.
A typical weekend begins on a Friday with two observe classes, every an hour lengthy. Then, Saturday sees yet another observe 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 ready, together with the very coveted first place or Pole Place. Sunday is the large occasion, with the precise race happening.
Different occasions happening throughout these weekends might embody F1 Academy (a brand new feminine driver collection), Method 3 and a couple of (hopeful F1 drivers), Porsche Supercup racing, and live shows throughout the weekend. In the previous few 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 properly.
F1 hosts 23 races worldwide, with the majority being held in Europe, although the US is an up-and-coming location as Method 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 driving force’s championship (private glory) or the constructor’s championship (group glory and, most significantly, prize cash to construct subsequent season’s automobile). Typically a group and driver win each with ease the latest being Purple Bull Racing and their star driver Max Verstappen.
The right way to Attend an F1 Race
With 23 races worldwide, you’ve 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 few of the finest and most inexpensive races are in places that assist you to discover close by places simply. The races within the United States are by far the most costly, so for the reason that bulk of essentially the most inexpensive races are in Europe, we’ll begin there.
There are a number of methods to buy tickets, whether or not from the Method 1 website itself (you may as well see the yearly race calendar right here with dates), every race observe’s particular person websites (our most popular technique), or from Third-party distributors. Learn extra about buying F1 Tickets right here.
Prime 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 provide a bit greater than others. Let’s take a look at what we imagine are the 5 finest cities to look at a race AND journey round!
Abu Dhabi, UAE: Yas Marina Circuit
Abu Dhabi might be the most costly of the races within the Center East (Bahrain, Qatar, Jeddah), with main resort chain costs skyrocketing, although smaller price range inns and Airbnb’s can definitely be discovered for inexpensive costs.
Nonetheless, Abu Dhabi can be the final race of the season, which implies it may be crucial, even a title decider. 2021 was a tremendous last 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 open air, because it’s at all times held on the finish of November or early December!
The observe in Abu Dhabi is situated on Yas Island, a couple of 10-minute Uber trip from the airport. There are a number of inns on the island to remain at (e book properly prematurely!), 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, dwelling to the world’s quickest curler coaster! Additionally, water parks equivalent to Yas Waterworld and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. We advocate shopping for a move or mixed tickets in case you’re visiting a couple of park.
For extra tradition, on Saadiyat Island, you’ll be able to go to the very inexpensive 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 planet that non-Muslims can go to and one of the vital gorgeous buildings to see in particular person. 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’ll be able to at all times head right down to Dubai (about 45 minutes by automobile/taxi), the place you’ll be able to see the Burj Khalifa, the tallest constructing on the planet, go to the Palm Dubai with expansive inns just like the Atlantis, and attend a brunch of no matter form fits your fancy!
Associated learn: Prime Issues to do in Abu Dhabi
Budapest, Hungary: The Hungaroring
In comparison with many Western European cities, Budapest presents a full F1 journey weekend for a way more inexpensive worth. In truth, the Hungaroring is usually the least expensive race on all the calendar. On high of all that, Budapest has loads of historical past and lovely structure (like its Parliament) to see and provide you with that true European really feel. Budapest additionally has a beautiful social scene in case you’re on the lookout for an evening out.
The Hungaoring at all times presents nice races for F1 followers and novices alike. It’s a quick 24km from downtown, although taking a cab is advisable. As this race at all times falls in the course of the summer season, you normally have some good climate (although rain isn’t unusual). The circuit itself is reasonably quick (slightly over 4 km) with many corners, making overtaking troublesome. Technique, teamwork, and studying the climate situations are key to successful in Hungary.
From Budapest, you’ve aplenty of journey alternatives! Bratislava, Vienna, and Zagreb are all only a few hours’ prepare trip away. You may enterprise a bit additional as properly and make your option to Poland and Germany or head south to Romania and Serbia. No matter your desire, yow will discover one thing or someplace to maximise your enjoyment.
Associated learn: The right way to Spend a Weekend in Budapest
Amsterdam, Netherlands: Circuit Zandvoort
This race at Zandvoort takes place about 45 minutes outdoors of Amsterdam and is likely one of the extra simply accessible races, as you’ll be able to 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’ capacity to take the automobile round high-speed corners. The proximity to the ocean additionally means it’s essential 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’ve loads 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 prematurely!).
Nightlife is discovered aplenty (Amsterdam is fairly well-known for this), and day journeys abound. You may bike throughout the Netherlands (together with to Zandvoort itself – a most popular technique of arrival). Utrecht is a stunning 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’ll be able to enterprise into northern Germany to Cologne for schnitzel and the beautiful cathedral or head south into Belgium for a few of the world’s finest beer, fries, and waffles.
Associated learn: 3 Days in Amsterdam: What To not Miss
Singapore: Marina Bay Avenue Circuit
Singapore is a road circuit, which means town modifies itself to accommodate the high-speed chase of 20 Method 1 automobiles throughout town. Being a road 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 all, if not the hardest, races on the calendar resulting from Singapore’s humidity and the observe’s low-speed corners, Singapore requires a fine-tuned mixture of race tempo, group 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 presents among the best meals scenes on the planet, with influences from all the encompassing areas. And whereas Singapore may be very costly ($70-100 for a meal for 2 with drinks at a restaurant), the most effective meals on the native (hawker) stalls could be very inexpensive (and higher!).
Singapore has a incredible and inexpensive public transportation system, which makes getting round extremely straightforward. You too can go to Gardens by the Bay, which is completely gorgeous 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 Resort, which is located proper subsequent to a part of the observe.
Due to 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 (assume not more than 2-3 hours flight) away. You may discover seashores, museums, temples, and a lot extra, all whereas flying by means of Changi Airport, which is persistently ranked as among the best, if not normally the most effective, airports on the planet!
Associated learn: Exploring Singapore: What you Must Know
Mexico Metropolis, Mexico: Autódromo Hermanos Rodriguez
Maybe the most inexpensive 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’ll be able to win on race tempo and downforce alone.
Town itself presents loads to do! You may take time to see Tenochtitlan and the traditional Aztec Pyramids, go to Mexico Metropolis’s markets equivalent 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 various flavors of Mexican delicacies (it’s so way more than simply tacos and burritos)!
Relying on the date of the race, you would additionally plan to remain in Mexico for the ever-vibrant Día de los Muertos and expertise one of the vital 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’ll be able to head over to Jalisco, dwelling of the agave plant and thus…tequila! There are lots of totally different varieties, together with loads of tequila you don’t simply shoot or combine however sip like a positive wine or whisky!
Mexico additionally presents wonderful seashores (assume Zihuatanejo, Cancún, Puerto Vallarta, and extra) so that you can relaxation and calm down earlier than or after a race. With its all-inclusive resorts, you’ll be able to pay on your keep and eat, drink, and tan till you’ve had your fill! For those who enterprise out past the resorts within the Yucatán Peninsula, you may as well go to Chichen Itza, dwelling 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! Town is a brief flight from quite a few locations on the West Coast of the US, equivalent to Los Angeles or Las Vegas. You can additionally fly to Bogotá (4-5 hours) and discover all of the Colombia has to supply in its fantastic mountains. Or you would head to Central America, like Panama or Costa Rica, the place you’ll be able to 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, Method 1 races are entertaining spectacles. In addition they take pleasure in being hosted in a slew of nice cities world wide. We’ve given you what we imagine to be the most effective 5 cities to look at and journey to, however we advocate you discover additional and discover town and race that matches you finest!
