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How seating location affects your F1 weekend from entry to exit

Fastway1
June 30, 2025
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View from turn 1 Grandstand at the end of the Main Straight at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Selecting the proper seat is vital to your Formula 1 experience because it affects much more than just seeing the cars go by at prize time. It influences how much you'll walk, where you'll walk, how much action there is to see, and even how easy it is to leave the venue once the checkered flag drops.

When selecting a race location, especially for a first-time experience, this advice from F1 Experiences can serve as excellent guidance. Their tips can help not only in making a better seat choice but also in increasing your overall enjoyment of the event.

Where you sit affects what you behold

Not every seat is the same. A few are tricky in terms of sightlines but superb if your job is to keep tabs on the cars (or, at a concert, the performers on stage). Then there are the seats where optimal sightlines are matched only by how chill you are in them.

Grandstands at tight corners = overtakes and drama

If you want near misses, car-on-car contact, and surprise overtakes, a seat at a tight corner or chicane is a great pick. Tracks like Silverstone, Interlagos, and Monza offer spectacular views. And in sections where two cars can occupy the same part of the course, all three of those tracks serve up plenty of wheel-to-wheel action.

Main straight = race starts and pit stops

Want to savor the thrill of the five red lights going out? The main straight grandstands put you virtually in the front row for race starts—close to the grid walk, and on some Thursdays, right next to the drivers during pre-race signings. If you have hospitality access, you can almost touch the pit lane. And if you're in Austin for the weekend, expect even more drama during off-track hours.

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Height is more important than you think

Higher rows = better visibility

Fans consistently state that the seats providing the best views are those set highest above the track. They offer visibility above fences and barriers—and sometimes views across multiple corners—especially at circuits with elevation changes like Spa or Monaco.

Lower rows = closer to the action

While closer to the surface of the track, lower rows can be obstructed by fencing. Your overall view of the track layout may be limited. That said, if you want to feel the ground shake when cars pass at full throttle, these seats are unmatched.

Think about how easy it is to get in and out

At many tracks, your seat affects how far you have to walk from the main gates—and how long it takes you to leave after the final lap.

Select seats near designated entry points

Some grandstands make this easy, like the ones at Monza or COTA. It's not just about walking distance—like at a concert, sitting far from the stage can affect sound quality. And at F1 races, being far from the podium or shuttle exits can lead to long post-event bottlenecks.

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Don’t underestimate comfort and coverage

Shade and shelter

Covered grandstands are worth investing in, especially in hot or rainy climates.

  • Races such as Singapore, Miami, or Hungary can be sweltering.
  • Spa and Suzuka are infamous for unpredictable rain.
  • If staying cool and dry is your goal, covered seats are your best bet.

Seat padding

Most grandstand seats consist of simple metal benches. Bring a cushion (no backrests or arms allowed), or go for premium seating if you prefer actual chairs. Even if you're left-handed, you'll be checking this one off with your right.

Add-on access: fan zone and pit walks

Some seating locations—especially on the main straight—offer access to additional experiences like pit lane walks, grid previews, and driver meet-and-greets. These depend on your ticket package, but certain zones consistently provide the best access.

F1 fans offer some good advice

“Sit high up. You have much better sightlines over the fences and across the track. It's also easier to follow the action using the big screen.”
“Bring a seat cushion. Steel benches aren't fun to sit on for more than a few hours.”
“If you're sitting far from the main gate, leave early or be patient with the crowd.”

These sharp, practical insights from Reddit and race forums often reveal what official guides overlook—especially for first-timers.

Ready to select your ideal seat?

At Fastway1.com, we simplify the process of discovering and comparing Formula 1 ticket options. Search by race, seating type, or trackside view. Whether you prefer the freedom of General Admission or the excitement of a grandstand seat, your choice shapes how you experience the roar of Formula 1.

We analyze ticket options for every Grand Prix on the calendar—ensuring you find the best value, best view, and best weekend possible.

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