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Why F1 tickets are harder to get than ever before

Fastway1
October 10, 2025
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Picture from the Dutch Grand Prix Pit lane.

If you’ve tried to buy Formula 1 tickets before, then you've probably noticed that purchasing F1 tickets is more difficult now than it was in the past. Prices seem to increase with the length of time you wait, and many races sell out in a matter of hours. What then changed?

The short answer is that ticketing systems have grown more intricate and Formula One has never been more popular. Here are some reasons why it's more difficult than ever for fans to obtain Formula One tickets, as well as some solutions.

Record-breaking demand

The number of people watching Formula 1 worldwide has never been higher. Over 6.5 million fans went to races in person in 2024, a 9% increase from the previous year. Ten races set new attendance records, and seventeen sold out.

Meanwhile, millions of new fans have been attracted by TV and streaming coverage, as well as the popularity of Netflix's Drive to Survive, and now want to go in person. As a result, there are more candidates than ever before vying for the same number of seats.

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Instant sell-outs at headline races

Big-name and milestone events disappear almost instantly.

  • Australia 2026: Tickets went on sale September 10, 2025, and were mostly sold out by the end of the day. The hype around Oscar Piastri and the return of a spring race slot fueled the surge.
  • Madrid 2026: A brand-new race in Spain. Presale tickets sold out within minutes, with entry-level Pelouse passes (€295) among the first to vanish.
  • Zandvoort 2026: Demand for the Dutch Grand Prix was so overwhelming that organizers switched to a lottery system, closing registrations early.

When new or “final edition” races appear on the calendar, fans need to be ready the moment tickets drop.

Presales and memberships thin public access

For many races, the so-called “general sale” is actually the last chance to buy.

  • Amex presales (48-hour windows) now run for multiple races, including Madrid and Las Vegas.
  • Memberships and priority deposits — like Silverstone’s Racing Club or F1 Experiences packages — allow early access before tickets reach the public.

By the time sales open to everyone, large sections are already gone.

Dynamic pricing rewards the earliest buyers

Silverstone and other promoters employ capacity-based "live pricing." Some tickets have a set price, but as demand increases, prices rise in steps after those tickets are sold.

This implies that depending on when they purchase, two fans may pay drastically different prices for the same seat. Tickets may become unavailable or more expensive if you wait even a few hours.

Inconsistent on-sale timing

Each of the 24 races on the schedule has a different on-sale date. While some races go live six months in advance, others do so nine. Casual fans frequently miss the original release and discover that there are only resale listings remaining if they don't closely monitor.

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Limited GA at street circuits

The General Admission sections at traditional venues, such as Suzuka or Austria, are spacious and high, making them reasonably priced. However, GA is limited to flat, smaller areas in more recent street races like those in Singapore, Jeddah, and Las Vegas.

As a result, there is more competition for traditional GA tickets because capacity is reduced and less affordable options are available.

Technology, queues, and anti-fraud measures

Fans also face digital hurdles. Ticketing platforms have struggled with outages under heavy demand — for example, Melbourne 2025’s launch was delayed by Ticketmaster crashes.

On top of that, anti-scalping measures and ID checks slow down the process, while unofficial resale scams continue to target unsuspecting buyers.

What fans can do

While the surge in demand isn’t going away, there are ways to improve your chances:

  • Register early with the F1 Ticket Store and official promoter sites.
  • Track sale dates for each race on the calendar — don’t rely on reminders.
  • Use presale access if possible (Amex, track memberships, or deposit programs).
  • Aim for GA at classic circuits with natural viewing banks if budget is a priority.
  • Buy only from official channels to avoid scams and invalid tickets.

Final thoughts

The sport benefits greatly from Formula One's surge in popularity, but fans must now be quicker, more astute, and better prepared than ever to get tickets. The days of waiting weeks to make a decision are over, but you can still get the seat or pass you desire with careful preparation and a little bit of luck.

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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.

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