F1 Fan Zone explained: everything you can do at the circuit

If you’ve ever been curious about what devotees do when there's no vehicle zipping by at 300 km/h, they're most likely spending time in the F1 Fan Zone. Almost every race weekend features one nowadays, and it's become one of the contemporary Grand Prix's most delightful accoutrements. Imagine it as the sport's interactive installation — a zone of sorts, where fans can immerse themselves in the F1 of it all, take in some entertainment, and enjoy the food and merch, all without having to vacate the premises.

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What is the F1 Fan Zone?

The Fan Zone is a place within the racing circuit where fans can enjoy more than just the on-track action. This area is developed to keep the vibes going throughout the weekend with all sorts of fan-friendly activities and entertaining stage events.

While all the individual versions are tailored to the particular track and weekend race, the essentials are the same: interactive activities that involve the audience, often through humorous or competitive means; show cars that keep the top-flight motorsport community in mind; and enough music, food, and space to enjoy some relaxed vibes between sessions.

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Activities you’ll usually find

• Sim racing – Ever watched the pros and thought, “I could do that”? Here’s your chance. The simulators let you race on virtual F1 tracks against other fans.
• Pit stop challenge – Grab a wheel gun and see how fast you can swap tyres. Spoiler: it’s harder than it looks.
• Show cars and trophy displays – Perfect for photos, and a chance to get up close with cars you’d never see in the wild.
• Driver stages and Q&As – Depending on the race, you might catch drivers or team members answering questions, signing autographs, or just waving awkwardly at a very enthusiastic crowd.
• Big screens – Don’t worry about missing the action. The Fan Zone streams live sessions, so you can still follow qualifying while demolishing a burger.
• Music and entertainment – Concerts, DJ sets, or cultural performances, depending on the location. In Austria, for example, the Fan Zone doubles as a concert stage well into the evening.

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How do you get in?

Access depends on the race:

• At some circuits, entry to the Fan Zone is included with certain tickets or grandstand sectors. For example, in São Paulo, fans in sectors like N, H, or Porto Grandstand got automatic access.
• At others, the Fan Zone is open to all ticket holders, or you can add it on as an upgrade.
• Big events like Las Vegas go one step further and split the Fan Zone into multiple themed areas, each with its own mix of music, entertainment, and activities.

The best way to know what’s on and how to access it is to check the official F1 app or the event website in the run-up to the race.

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When is it open?

Again, it differs by race, but broadly speaking, Fan Zones are accessible all weekend, from the initial practice session until the late evening. At some occurrences, like at Austria, they host scheduled entertainment from Thursday to Sunday, which essentially makes it a mini-festival inside the circuit.

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How big can it get?

Las Vegas is probably the most extreme example. Their Grand Prix Plaza hosts immersive experiences like F1 X (a 4D tech attraction), F1 DRIVE (karting with DRS-style overtakes), and the F1 HUB with simulators, merch, lounges, and food. Oh, and for good measure, the Paddock Club in Vegas has an ice rink. Because of course it does.

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Tips for enjoying the Fan Zone

• Check the schedule early – Driver appearances and Q&A sessions are popular and often announced last-minute.
• Arrive with time to spare – Queues for sim racing and pit stop challenges can get long.
• Don’t skip the food – Many Fan Zones feature local food stalls, so it’s a good chance to try something beyond generic fast food.
• Plan your weekend – Between the racing, the Fan Zone, and any concerts, there’s a lot going on. It pays to map out what you don’t want to miss.

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The bottom line

The Fan Zone serves not as mere filler between practice sessions but as an essential feature of the Grand Prix weekend experience. There you can test your skills in a racing simulator, snag a selfie with a show car, or just kick back and enjoy the live music with fellow fans. To be in the Fan Zone is to be closer to the essence of the event than any fan who opts for a couch in front of the TV. Much of this just isn't possible to capture on camera.

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Find F1 tickets with Fastway1

At Fastway1.com, we make it simple for F1 fans to plan the perfect race weekend. Compare ticket options from trusted partners and explore our guides on what to see and do both at the circuit and in the host city. From start to finish, we help you get the most out of your Formula 1 experience.

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