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Hotels and accommodation guide for the Canadian Grand Prix
April 30, 2025
Planning your first Formula 1 weekend or looking to upgrade your race-day experience? One of the most overlooked—but critical—decisions is what time to arrive at the circuit. Get there too late, and you’ll face crowds, long entry lines, and missed sessions. Arrive early, and you’ll enjoy a smooth entry, explore fan zones, and soak in the atmosphere without stress.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best time to arrive at Formula 1 races, with tips tailored for Friday practice, Saturday qualifying, and Sunday’s main event. Whether you’re heading to Silverstone, Monza, Montreal, or Singapore, these tips will help you plan the perfect day at the track.
Formula 1 circuits welcome tens of thousands of fans each day. That means long lines at security, busy public transport, and packed grandstands well before the main action starts. Early arrival ensures:
Even if your ticket guarantees a seat, being at the circuit early gives you time to enjoy everything the race weekend has to offer.
Recommended arrival: 1 hour before FP1.
Friday is the most relaxed day of the F1 weekend, but that doesn’t mean it’s quiet. Teams run Free Practice 1 and 2, and many circuits host pit lane walks, driver Q&A sessions, and fan zone activations on this day.
If you’re attending Friday:
Recommended arrival: 1 hour before FP3.
Saturday is when the crowds start to swell. F1 Qualifying happens in the afternoon, but the circuit is buzzing from the morning with F2, F3, and Porsche Supercup races, plus trackside entertainment and activities.
Get there at least 2 hours before the race to:
Many fans underestimate Saturday mornings, but arriving early ensures you catch the full day of motorsport and avoid last-minute stress before the high-stakes qualifying session.
Recommended arrival: 2 hours before the race.
Race day is the busiest day of the weekend. From the moment gates open, fans flood the circuit—many hours before the actual Grand Prix start. So we really recommend arriving early or at least leaving for the track early. If you aim at being at the track around 14 PM, I can almost guarantee you will be there later than that.
It is important that you research well how long it normally takes to get to the track for your F1 race, and you will get a feeling for this on Friday and Saturday.
Here’s why you should be early:
If you have General Admission tickets and want a place to stand with good views, then you have to arrive much earlier then 2 hours before. You have to be at the track in the first hour of opening to have any change at getting good standing places, and that might not be early enough to be brutally honest.
Many Grand Prix events now have official apps with real-time maps, schedules, and transport alerts. Download and set it up the day before.
Check how to get to the track—metro, tram, shuttle, or Park & Ride. At races like Montreal, Barcelona, and Zandvoort, public transport is the fastest and most reliable way in.
Bring only essentials to avoid delays at security. Keep your ticket (mobile or paper) easily accessible, and wear comfortable shoes—you’ll walk more than you think.
Whether it’s Singapore heat or Spa’s moody skies, come prepared. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. A portable charger for your phone is also a smart move.
The best time to arrive at an F1 race isn’t just about beating the lines—it’s about fully enjoying everything the event has to offer. From support races to fan village attractions, the early hours at the circuit are filled with action many fans never see. Personally I hate the stress with going to the track when I know we left to late. So, to not ruin your weekend, leave early.
Whether it’s Friday practice, Saturday qualifying, or Sunday’s main event, early arrival means a smoother, more enjoyable race day. And for General Admission ticket holders, it’s the difference between a great view and being stuck behind the fence.
At Fastway1, we help F1 fans get more out of every Grand Prix. From ticket guides to travel tips, we make race weekends easy to plan and unforgettable to attend.
Explore our full library of fan guides and ticket deals at 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.
