How to maximize your F1 weekend without spending a fortune

Going to a Formula 1 Grand Prix is a pipe dream for tons of fans—but it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. With a bit of foresight and some shrewd decisions, you can have an amazing F1 weekend for far less than you might think. So whether your plans have you at Silverstone, Monza, or Suzuka, these strategies will help you make the most of your time and your wallet.

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Choose general admission tickets

Choosing General Admission (GA) is the simplest route to saving money on race tickets. GA tickets are often significantly more affordable than grandstand tickets, and even our high-end price of €300 for a weekend is a steal compared to the €850 you could pay for a seat with a better view. GA doesn't include reserved seating, but it does grant you the opportunity to choose your own adventure in terms of picturesque vistas of the race.

To ensure optimal user experience:

• Get there early on practice or qualifying days to get the best spots.
• Research the circuit beforehand to determine well-known grandstand areas with good viewing, such as elevated positions or sharp turns

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Save big on travel and accommodation

Book your flights and accommodation as early as you can if you’re heading to a race by air. The periods surrounding F1 weekends are when you can expect to pay a premium, and prices can soar the nearer you get to the actual race.

Here are a couple of methods for saving:

• Stay outside the host city: For events like Monza, you can easily stay in nearby Milan and take the train to the event without missing a lap. Best of all, since the hotels in Milan don’t know you’re coming to see a race, they charge 50% less than the hotels in Monza.
• Split costs with friends: Arrange to book accommodations via Airbnb, or in hostels, and you will split the costs fewer ways than two, which is what your friend and you will be doing.
• Pick affordable race locations: Some Grand Prix races, like the Mexican or Hungarian GP, are considered to be much more affordable than other stops on the calendar, like Monaco or Singapore. Race in front of large North American and European audiences: North America and Europe are home to three of the top five biggest markets for Formula 1. They are also home to five of the six biggest populations, which is not an accident.

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Bring your own food and drinks

Food and drink at the track are exceptionally pricey—€6 for a soda and €15 for a burger, are just examples. Trackside, you will pay extortionate prices, and unfortunately, you have very few alternatives.

• Prepare and pack any type of meal that can be eaten outside the venue. If the venue allows, bring snacks, refillable water bottles, and other types of food. (Be very clear on the venue policy about outside food before you pack!)
• Stock up in the morning on supplies from nearby supermarkets or convenience stores before entering the venue.

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Use public transport and event shuttles

Going to a racetrack usually means costly parking and traffic jams. That's why the F1 teams have started offering affordable (and usually free) shuttle services from the heart of the city or the closest train station to the racetrack, which has made attending an event much more accessible.

Top tips:

• Check race websites or Reddit threads for up-to-date info on shuttle routes.
• For races like Paul Ricard or the Belgian GP, free circuit-wide buses are a game-changer—just avoid peak post-session times to beat the crowds.

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Make the most of off-track experiences

You can soak up the whole Formula 1 atmosphere without a VIP pass. The real racing fans take to the streets long before the drivers do, and it’s an audience that doesn’t need to spend a lot to have a good time before the race.

• Pit lane walks or fan zone experiences on Thursdays or Fridays
• Concerts, autograph signings, and displays in the F1 fan village.
• Tours of circuits that provide you with behind-the-scenes access at a lower cost than that of full hospitality.

Moreover, you can turn your weekend into a proper holiday—without extra travel costs—by investigating the host city before or after the race.

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Pack smart to avoid on-site expenses

Neglect to carry sunscreen or rain poncho? You'll pay exorbitantly at the track. Necessities like these can shield you from both monetary and mental strain.

• Sunscreen, a hat, and rain gear.
• Plugs for the ears or headphones that cancel noise.
• Phone charger, portable (and backup power bank; used to recharge a mobile phone when away from a wall outlet)

A few fans also carry portable chairs, or tiny stools, if the GA area allows it. These are comfy and don't cost as much as a grandstand seat.

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Go for the full weekend, not just race day

Numerous first-timers concentrate solely on Sunday, yet Friday and Saturday commonly provide better value:

• Smaller crowds = easier access to good viewing spots
• Practice and qualifying sessions still deliver high-speed thrills
• Tickets are usually cheaper or included in full-weekend passes

Exploring the venue over several days ensures that you extract the value for your dollar—and paves the way for a de-stressed, comprehensively enjoyable encounter.

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About Fastway1

At Fastway1.com, we ease the process of finding and comparing Formula 1 tickets from several trusted vendors. Our mission is to assist F1 enthusiasts in tracking down the optimum ticket selections for every Grand Prix on the calendar—be it General Admission, Grandstand seats, or Hospitality packages. Our straightforward interface, current pricing, and individual race pages all make securing your next race weekend a less daunting task.

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FAQ about Fastway1.com

Q: What makes Fastway1.com different from other ticket sellers?
A: Fastway1.com is the only Formula 1 ticket aggregator globally, offering a comprehensive search engine that compiles ticket data from multiple sellers to help fans find available tickets, even when others are sold out.

Q: How does Fastway1.com ensure ticket authenticity?
A: Fastway1.com partners only with established resellers and screen all our partners. However, we do not directly confirm the authenticity of tickets.

Q: Can I purchase tickets directly from Fastway1.com?
A: No, Fastway1.com does not sell tickets directly. Instead, it provides a platform for users to compare prices and availability from partner seller websites, where the actual purchase is completed.

Q: What types of tickets can I find on Fastway1.com?
A: Fastway1.com offers comprehensive listings for various F1 ticket categories, allowing users to filter searches by race and ticket type to find the best options for their needs.

Q: Does Fastway1.com offer any additional services?
A: Not directly, but Fastway1.com has partnered with Booking.com to provide hotel booking options at Booking.com, making it easy for fans to plan their entire Formula 1 experience.

Q: Is Fastway1.com affiliated with Formula 1?
A: Fastway1.com is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or in any commercial partnership with Formula 1 or its associated companies. It operates independently to provide a valuable service to F1 fans.

Q: How can I contact Fastway1.com for support?
A: For any inquiries or support, you can contact Fastway1.com via email at info@fastway1.com. The customer support team aims to respond within 24 hours.

Q: What are the future plans for Fastway1.com?
A: Fastway1.com plans to expand its services beyond ticket sales, including a travel builder tool for planning trips and a future mobile app focused on simplicity and speed. The company also aims to increase partnerships with Formula 1 teams and race organizers.