Budget-Friendly F1: How to attend 'Formula One' races without breaking the bank
Formula One is often the playground of the rich and the famous. At every glamorous race from Monaco to Montreal, photographs showing the world’s A-list jet set gallivanting around the paddocks give the impression that only those with a royal familysized bank account can attend.
But it doesn’t have to be so. Especially in recent years, the sport has worked hard to shed its image and become more accessible. For instance, more circuits now use streets in urban centres rather than purpose-built tracks outside city limits.
The intended message seems to be that you can attend a race without spending a king’s ransom. All it takes is a little foresight and creativity. Here are some pointers to get you started:
Timing Matters
Familiarise yourself with the ticket structure of the race. For instance, in Miami, a $450 Campus Pass is actually a three-day general admission ticket. This gives access to trackside viewing platforms, car displays and the F1 FanZon, which includes car simulators and other activations.
In comparison, a three-day grandstand pass at Monaco costs $430, while at the Italian GP, three-day passes can cost as little as $115. The lesson: It pays to shop around.
Buy tickets directly from the circuit rather than from third-party sellers. This will ensure you’re paying face value and not more.
Sometimes, buying tickets the day you attend will be cheaper than buying in advance; prices drop when tickets aren’t selling. For instance, during last year’s GP, the cheapest tickets for Thursday night were for $119 and
