June 1, 2020
Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after
Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after
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Americans are quickly finding out what much of the rest of the world already knows — that Formula 1 racing is freaking awesome!
In 2025, The classic Monaco Grand Prix garnered its largest live U.S television audience ever with an average of 2.3 million race viewers, ESPN said. The Netflix series Drive to Survive also contributed to the F1 hype by showing fans an insider view of the sport.
U.S. fans were given more opportunities to see big races stateside, when F1 launched the Miami Grand Prix in 2022 and the Las Vegas Prix in 2023. Since 2012, the only F1 race in the U.S. was the United States Grand Prix in Austin.
Why not indulge your need for speed by heading to an F1 grand prix in the U.S. or abroad? Here’s a guide to guide for F1 first timers, including how to best enjoy the races, what to bring, when to book and more.
Due to the sport’s growing popularity, it’s advisable to purchase race tickets and book your hotel or other accommodations as early as possible. Squaring away those big details sooner rather than later can save you from sticker shock prices.
“Tickets are already on sale for more than half of the planned 24 races in the 2026 F1 season,” writes GP Destinations.
With the number of U.S. grands prix now totaling three, it’s easier to book something close to home. Prioritizing ease of travel may be ideal for your first race. But traveling abroad isn’t a bad idea either!
The Italian Grand Prix, held September 4-6, and the British Grand Prix, from July 3-5, are generally said to be good choices for new race goers, due to being easy to follow.
You should also consider the experience and atmosphere you want from a grand prix.
“From historic circuits in beautiful rural locations (Austria, Belgium) to city park circuits (Australia, Canada, Italy, Mexico City) and downtown street circuits with night races (Singapore, Las Vegas), there’s something for everyone on the 2026 F1 calendar,” writes GP Destinations.
Be warned, F1 is a fairly expensive spectator sport. Races in the U.S. are generally among the most expensive. General admission over three days starts around $350 to $390 for the U.S. Grand Prix.
If you want to book grandstand seats for better viewing, it will run you anywhere from $1,300 to more than $2,000.
If you want a truly want the ultimate experience and you’re willing to splurge, consider booking a premium package. One big advantage is that packages bundle your hotel booking, race tickets, airport transfers, and a great spot to view the race, for one price.
The cities hosting F1 races have no shortage of accommodations for a range of budgets.
You can stay in a luxury hotel or save money by booking a hostel. Camping is also popular at many races and Europe and can be a fun way to throw yourself into the energy and fun of a race weekend. Check this 2026 European F1 Camping Guide.
You should also decide if you want to stay closer to the track, or in the center of the city.
“City hotels offer restaurants, nightlife, and culture after race hours,” writes Grand Prix Grand Tours. “The trade-off is a longer commute, but the payoff is exploring the city when the track goes quiet.
Soak up that race buzz! Expect the weekend to be filled with activity, including race practice on Friday, qualifiers on Saturday and the big, main race on Sunday. To get the most out of the weekend, plan to arrive a few hours early to walk the grounds and enjoy the fan zones, grandstands, food and more.
Comfortable shoes, and layered clothing are essential for race weekend. Sunglasses and bottled water and a hat are also good to have on hand. Keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared to bring lightweight rain gear, if needed.
Bring ear plugs, as noise levels on the track can damage your hearing. A phone charger is also essential, as you will need to download the race venue map to find your way around the track. Phone connectivity at the tracks can also be difficult, so consider purchasing a local SIM or roaming plan.
Travel insurance is a good idea to protect the money you’ve invested in your F1 travel plans. An Allianz Travel Insurance plan with trip cancellation benefits can offer reimbursement for certain non-refundable expenses if your trip is canceled or interrupted midway for a reason included in your policy.
If you’re traveling abroad, you should know that your domestic health insurance plan may not fully protect you if you have a medical emergency outside of the U.S. An Allianz Travel Insurance plan with emergency medical benefits may help if you have a covered medical emergency while traveling.
We also reimburse certain non-refundable expenses if your luggage is lost, stolen or delayed.
Let Allianz Travel Insurance help you roam with peace of mind.
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Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.
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