Last updated March 2026
Race day at a Formula 1 Grand Prix is packed with excitement and energy.
Even after attending many Grand Prix over several decades, I still feel the same buzz of anticipation every time. Here’s what to expect, from the start of the day to the final lap.
Kick off the day with support races and pre-race events
The day kicks off early with support races, which may include Formula 3, Formula 2, or other series like the Porsche Supercup. These races are a great chance to watch up-and-coming drivers compete before the main event.
Most Grand Prix also include extra highlights, such as air displays or historic Formula 1 car demonstrations, so there’s plenty to keep you entertained throughout the morning. One of my favorite Grand Prix destinations for this is the Austrian Grand Prix at Spielberg, which excels at on, and off-track crowd entertainment. I’ve seen jet-powered campervans, the B-25, and the Red Bull Skydive Team there.
The drivers’ parade is a fan-favourite event
A couple of hours before the race, the drivers’ parade takes place. The drivers make their way around the circuit, waving to fans from an open vehicle. It’s a great chance to see them up close, and for me, it’s a must-see part of the day.
The countdown to lights out
As race time approaches, the energy at the circuit starts to build. Around 30 minutes before the Grand Prix, the drivers head to the grid. If your seat overlooks the start/finish straight, you’ll have a prime view of the final preparations, from mechanics fine-tuning the cars to drivers getting ready for lights out.
No matter where you sit, the tension builds as the formation lap begins. The crowd falls silent, waiting for the race to start.
Lights out and away they go
As the formation lap ends, the cars line up on the grid, and the circuit falls into a brief but intense silence. Then, one by one, the start lights illuminate, and in an instant, they’re off! This is something I never tire of and one of the reasons I keep coming back to Grand Prix year after year. In those moments after lights out, anything could happen and chances are it will. It’s a feeling like no other.
From there, it’s a thrilling, high-speed spectacle with strategy, overtakes, and dramatic turns of events as the race unfolds.
After the race, some circuits let fans walk the track, and if you’re quick enough, you might make it to the podium celebrations to see the trophies being lifted and the champagne sprayed, capping off the experience perfectly.
Best booking resources for F1 trips
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Prefer to do it all yourself? You’re welcome to take what you’ve learned here and build your own trip from scratch.
I keep going back to these travel companies because they’re reliable, easy to use, and usually have the best value. They’re where I start every time I plan a trip.
Tickets
Motorsport Tickets and Grand Prix Tickets are the two agencies I’ve trusted for years. They’ve always been reliable, easy to deal with, and quick to help if something comes up.
Hotels
ZenHotels is one of my go-to sites for hotel bookings. It pulls prices from loads of smaller sites you might not know about, so it’s great for finding deals. I also check Expedia and Booking.com when I want more options.
Excursions
Viator is packed with walking tours, attraction tickets, and local experiences. It’s especially handy if you’re heading to a new Grand Prix city. It’s a great place to find extras to add to your trip.
