Choice of venue?
Discussion
My wife has said, since I've never been to an F1 weekend, I should do so next year (before I get too old to do it, perhaps).
I know she will miss me and the dog will pine so I don't want to be away for more than 3 days if possible.
I've been browsing online companies offering packages but it's so hard to choose. Money isn't a limiting factor, she says, though I don't want to go mad; max of, say, about £2,000. Silverstone seems relatively over-priced. Singapore is much better value but would take me away for too long.
So, does anyone have experience of these packages? Which ones should I be looking at?
I know she will miss me and the dog will pine so I don't want to be away for more than 3 days if possible.
I've been browsing online companies offering packages but it's so hard to choose. Money isn't a limiting factor, she says, though I don't want to go mad; max of, say, about £2,000. Silverstone seems relatively over-priced. Singapore is much better value but would take me away for too long.
So, does anyone have experience of these packages? Which ones should I be looking at?
Never done it but in your position I'd be looking at Spa. Other half can go shopping while the GP is on, and err the dog can look after the house. Alternatively Italy/Monza.
Don't get Monaco unless you can actually access somewhere decent, went off season and it was a dump, should have stayed in Nice!
Don't get Monaco unless you can actually access somewhere decent, went off season and it was a dump, should have stayed in Nice!
toastyhamster said:
Don't get Monaco unless you can actually access somewhere decent, went off season and it was a dump, should have stayed in Nice!
Monaco is a concrete dump most of the time!I concur on Silverstone.
Closer to home than Singapore, I'd look at Hungary, Monza, Spa, maybe France for next year? For £2k you could do 2.
There could be some fun in doing Spa, and then a roadtrip down through France and the Swiss alps to meet the next race in Monza?
I organised a Stag to Barcelona for the Spanish GP circa 2010
Last years of the big engine noise, loved it!
On topic though. Its a bit far out but do-able from the centre. Weather normally awesome and you can get a Pelouse ticket to wander about. Never any trouble getting a beer and finding places to sit and watch.
Silverstone is a grey windy horrible expanse of farmland in comparison. I had Grandstand tickets I am glad I went, but I couldn't highly recommend it to anyone TBH. Nothing else to do nearby either. I did see Hmilton win a British GP so box ticked but it wasn't a nice venue or experience
Last years of the big engine noise, loved it!
On topic though. Its a bit far out but do-able from the centre. Weather normally awesome and you can get a Pelouse ticket to wander about. Never any trouble getting a beer and finding places to sit and watch.
Silverstone is a grey windy horrible expanse of farmland in comparison. I had Grandstand tickets I am glad I went, but I couldn't highly recommend it to anyone TBH. Nothing else to do nearby either. I did see Hmilton win a British GP so box ticked but it wasn't a nice venue or experience
We were in Singapore the week before this years race, it's a stunning setting but if you think Silverstone is expensive, Singapore is at a whole different level!
General entry tickets 'started' at £350 with grandstand packages being over a grand. It's not the cheapest place to stay, eat or drink either.
For me, I'd be looking at Monza or Barcelona.
General entry tickets 'started' at £350 with grandstand packages being over a grand. It's not the cheapest place to stay, eat or drink either.
For me, I'd be looking at Monza or Barcelona.
Another idea OP - choose Barcelona, but go twice - once for testing, then once for the race.
Red Bull do a hospitality package for testing
Last years:
https://www.grandprixevents.com/testing
About £600.
Red Bull do a hospitality package for testing
Last years:
https://www.grandprixevents.com/testing
About £600.
Hungary would be good. I was in Budapest a few years ago while the GP was on (although I didn't go, I regret that) and the hotel we were staying in (Hotel Charles) had a shuttle service for the GP. Was relatively cheap, although if going to Hungary always pay with their Forint, not in Euros as you'll get ripped off.
Having been lucky enough to have been to every GP on the calendar bar Austin I would say your best bet is either Spa or Austria. The issue with Spa is it is a hardcore fan's circuit and you can only see a small portion of the track. My preference and favourite European track in terms of combination of view, fun, the event , the country etc. is Austria. You can see 2/3 of the circuit with a general admission ticket on the back straight and the scenery is stunning. I love Austria anyway so that helps, but I have done it staying at the track and staying in Graz which has a great atmosphere around GP time. If I were you I'd avoid the packages and book it all yourself... it'll be cheaper and you can choose where to stay, fly, drive, eat etc.
The one I have penciled in for the future is paul ricard as part of a slow trip down on minor roads taking in the beautiful countryside and food.
Did it on a motorcycle 20+ years ago and that was a bit mad to repeat on a regular basis but the more civilized world of F1 means its a possibility again.
Did it on a motorcycle 20+ years ago and that was a bit mad to repeat on a regular basis but the more civilized world of F1 means its a possibility again.
If you want to combine with a bit of a break, Barcelona and Monza are both a great shout and accessible on public transport. Spa of course is epic and a must-see but honestly you’d have a better experience of the track at the 24 Hours. I worry about whether the Dutch Verstappen ‘fans’ will end up ruining it as an experience.
Austin is mega and such a great city - awesome food, booze and music culture. The other I’ve done is Montreal which is a great event. The whole city goes F1 mad and you can reach the circuit by metro.
Red Bull Ring is a lovely place and the roads around there are great - definitely one to drive to rather than fly.
Austin is mega and such a great city - awesome food, booze and music culture. The other I’ve done is Montreal which is a great event. The whole city goes F1 mad and you can reach the circuit by metro.
Red Bull Ring is a lovely place and the roads around there are great - definitely one to drive to rather than fly.
driverrob said:
I'm leaning towards Budapest at the moment: not far from circuit or airport, good value hotel+flight packages at the moment and reasonable grandstand deals.
As for the F1 hospitality packages starting at about £3.5k !!!!!!!!!!
We went to Hungary in 2015 and had a great time, only criticism would be it's a bit short on atmosphere compared to Monza, Spa and Silverstone, apart from that it's brilliantAs for the F1 hospitality packages starting at about £3.5k !!!!!!!!!!
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