Formula 1, the high-speed, unapologetically glamorous global motor racing series, is now one of the world’s most popular sporting events for travelers thanks not only to the presence of 24 GP races in 21 countries (including, in the U.S., Miami, Las Vegas and Texas) but also to the hype around the documentary series Formula 1: Drive to Survive and the June 2025 release of F1, a feature film starring and co-produced by Brad Pitt.
With so many international races to choose from, it’s easy to understand why F1 fans planning to attend their first GP might feel a little daunted, which is why we’ve come to the rescue with our guide to the world’s most iconic F1 races as well as top tips for bagging the best tickets and smartest places to stay.
Australian GP
Why it’s worth a pit stop: Almost always the annual calendar’s opening race, the Australian GP takes place in Melbourne’s leafy Albert Park, and part of the race happens on public roads. In 2022, the track was upgraded to allow for more overtakes (in other words, more action) and it’s now one of the year’s most-attended events (over 400,000 race fans typically attend every weekend).
Common pitfalls: The Australian GP has some of the calendar’s cheapest tickets—general admission weekend tickets cost around US $196. But don’t cancel those savings by splurging on taxis. The city center’s brilliant tram network is free to use year-round, and during race weekend, there are free shuttles between the city center and Albert Park. Don’t waste your money on bottled water, either. The Australian GP is one of the few circuits with an abundance of free refill stations.
Azerbaijan GP
Why it’s worth a pit stop: Famous for its tight corners and high-speed straights, the thrilling Azerbaijan GP twists through Baku, Azerbaijan’s buzzing capital, through its old town (which dates back to the 1100s) and past Soviet-era landmarks. It’s one of the fastest circuits, so drivers regularly reach 198 mph along Neftchilar Avenue, famous for its eclectic mix of Stalinist and ultra-modern architecture.
Common pitfalls: Not booking flights early enough. Book your flights as soon as you’ve bagged race tickets. Baku’s location, on a chunk of land jutting out into the Caspian Sea, means flying into the city’s Heydar Aliyev International Airport is the only real option (unlike the Budapest GP, where great train connections make it possible to fly into Munich, Germany, or the Dutch GP, which is easily accessible from Germany and Belgium). Download the official Baku City Circuit app to receive alerts when early bird tickets, which are 20% cheaper than regular tickets, go on sale.
Austrian GP
Why it’s worth a pit stop: Three long straights long make for seriously quick lap times at June’s Austrian GP. The speediest one took place in 2020, when Carlos Sainz completed a lap (4.318 km, or 2.683 miles) in one minute and five seconds. “The backdrop is unlike any other, with the Styrian Alps providing stunning views and challenges for the drivers due to the circuit’s undulation,” says Marta Perez at Grand Prix Grand Tours.
Common pitfalls: Too many race fans splash out on overpriced hotel rooms in nearby Spielberg (3 miles from the circuit) the moment they’ve booked their GP tickets, but bear in mind that accommodation in Graz (47 miles away) is usually much cheaper. It’s an hour’s train journey from Graz to Knittelfeld (3 miles from the circuit), where you can hop on a free shuttle. Alternatively, pitch your tent on the circuit’s campsite, operated by GP Tents (there are pitches for motor homes, too). The campsite is just a 15-minute walk from the action, and rates start from around US $332 for 3 nights.
Japanese GP
Why it’s worth a pit stop: Tickets for the Japanese GP are some of the cheapest in F1. You’ll pay around US $264 for 3-day admission. The Suzuka circuit has been home to the Japanese GP since 1987 and it’s been the setting for numerous high-speed battles between drivers, including legendary showdowns between Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna in 1989 and 1990. Another highlight is its particularly dedicated fans, who love making hats adorned with their favorite teams’ cars, complete with moving parts.
Common pitfalls: If you’re heading to Japan, it’s highly likely you’ll have purchased a JR Rail Pass, and having access to the country’s lightning-fast trains means you can have more choice when it comes to accommodation. While Nagoya is the closest city, historic Osaka, 82 miles to the west of the Suzuka circuit, is another great option for fans hoping to stay somewhere that can double as a destination in its own right. It’s also worth noting that the Japanese GP is one of the few races where fans aren’t issued digital tickets—physical tickets will be mailed out around two weeks before the race, so keep those with your passport to minimize the risk of accidentally leaving them at home. Remember to bring plenty of cash, too. Many vendors at this race won’t accept card payments.
Belgian GP
Why it’s worth a pit stop: This 9-mile circuit, known as Spa-Francorchamps, is one of the most spectacular settings for an F1 race. “Not only is the Belgian F1 one of the fastest and most challenging tracks on the calendar, but the circuit itself is also nestled in the stunning scenery of the Ardennes,” says Henry Valantine, homepage coordinator at PlanetF1.com.
Common pitfalls: The Belgian GP is another race where you can make serious savings by being flexible when it comes to flights. “[The location’s] proximity to the borders of Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands makes it an ideal stop-off on a multi-country European holiday,” says Valantine. Bring decent shoes, too: The circuit, near the town of Spa in Belgium, is surrounded by grassy, hilly terrain so sturdy walking boots will help keep you upright, especially during the unexpected downpours for which Spa-Francorchamps is known.
Las Vegas GP
Why it’s worth a pit stop: Nothing beats the spectacle of watching F1 cars race down Las Vegas’s neon-drenched, 3.8-mile circuit, which has 17 turns and a one-mile straight. When you’re not watching racecars, there’s plenty to do and plenty of places to eat and stay. And for North Americans, the Las Vegas GP is one of the easiest and cheapest F1 race locations to reach.
Common pitfalls: Not arriving early enough. This is the only F1 held on a Saturday, and the area around the circuit gets incredibly crowded. It’s essential to agree on on rendezvous points with your party ahead of time—during race weekend, which takes place in November, mobile phone coverage is notoriously terrible. Keen to be close to the action but hoping for a good night’s sleep? Opt for hotels that are connected to Las Vegas’s monorail but aren’t at the jam-packed epicenter of the F1 action in the center of the Strip (pictured above)—we suggest you look at properties such as the Sahara, Fontainebleau, and Westgate.
Monaco GP
Why it’s worth a pit stop: May’s Monaco GP, a street circuit (one that uses existing roads instead of a custom-built track), is the oldest. A grand prix first took place here in 1929. Monaco’s twists and turns make for a thrilling race, and it’s one of the slowest circuits due to tiny Monaco‘s mountainous hairpin corners, which means more time for fans to gawp at their favorite speed machines.
Common pitfalls: Let’s face it. Attending the Monaco GP is never going to be cheap. You’ll struggle to find 3-day race weekend tickets for under US $1,000. But there are ways to minimize costs. Stay in a nearby coastal city connected to Monaco by train, like Nice, Menton, or Antibes, which have plenty of tourist services. Be aware that taxis will be few and far between, especially if you’re traveling to the circuit from a home base on the French Riviera—only French taxi drivers possessing a vignette (a pass allowing access to restricted areas) are allowed to drop passengers inside Monaco, and only around 350 of those have been issued.
Singapore GP
Why it’s worth a pit stop: Many factors distinguish Singapore, the F1 calendar’s first night race, including fantastic entertainment and easy accessibility. The Singapore GP takes place in autumn (usually in September, but occasionally in October) and it’s one of the most demanding tracks—as proof, many drivers lose four liters of fluid during the race. Like Monaco, the on-track action isn’t about high speeds and straightaways, but exciting tight corners (the track has 23 turns in total).
Common pitfalls: The Singapore GP is held in the country’s downtown core, and this urban destination’s fantastic public transport network means there’s no need to pay extra for trackside hotels. That’s good news, because many of them quadruple their rates during race weekend. Six MRT (metro) stations surround the circuit, making it quick and easy to get to the race. Consider neighborhoods just outside the downtown core, such as Balestier Road, which is famous for its street food and just a 28-minute MRT journey from the action.
