Epic views from some of F1’s best seats (Part 1)
If you’re heading to a Formula One race and want more than just a fleeting glimpse of the cars, choosing the right spot makes all the difference.
Some places give you massive views where you can track the action for big chunks of the lap where you can enjoy far-reaching views across much of the track from a single vantage point. Here are some of my absolute favourites, including Circuit of the Americas, the Red Bull Ring, Monaco, and Yas Marina. These are some of the best vantage points that seriously deliver.
Some places give you massive views where you can track the action for big chunks of the lap where you can enjoy far-reaching views across much of the track from a single vantage point. Here are some of my absolute favourites, including Circuit of the Americas, the Red Bull Ring, Monaco, and Yas Marina. These are some of the best vantage points that seriously deliver.
Circuit of the Americas – United States Grand PrixAt COTA, the Turn 15 Grandstand is an outstanding choice. From here, the cars come into view after completing Turn 11, heading into the heavy braking zone at Turn 12 — a prime overtaking spot. You can then follow them all the way through the winding arena section to Turn 19. This is a low-speed section of the circuit, so you’ll get a superb, up-close view of the cars.
On my last visit to Circuit of the Americas, I watched a great battle between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen from the Turn 15 Grandstand, with Max just edging it in the end. Another thing I really enjoyed about this grandstand was that you could also see parts of the track in the distance — just enough to help you piece together the whole lap. As the drivers appeared and then disappeared out of sight in the distance, it gave you a real feel for the flow of the race. It’s a spot that offers both close-up action and a wider perspective, making it one of the most engaging places to watch the race. Red Bull Ring – Austrian Grand PrixAt the Red Bull Ring, the Red Bull Grandstands offer a truly panoramic experience. They're positioned on the straight after the first corner, and you can see everything from the pit exit all the way uphill to Turn 3. It’s a place where teams expect "a big fight," particularly through those opening corners where you have great visibility from the grandstand.
In fact, you can follow the cars for almost an entire lap from here, with very little time where they’re out of sight. Plus, being at the pit exit adds another layer of excitement — you’ll catch the drivers rejoining the race after pit stops, often right into the thick of the action. Add to this the epic Austrian scenery and it's hard to imagine how it can get much better than watching a Formula One Grand Prix from the Red Bull Grandstands. It’s one of the best spots on the calendar for taking in both the racing and the scenery in one sweeping view. Monaco – Monaco Grand PrixYou can’t talk about big views without mentioning Monaco’s Shangri-La and Ermanno Palace apartments.
These high-rise terraces offer something you just don’t get at most other circuits: an elevated, sweeping view across the principality's streets. I've been lucky enough to watch from here on a couple of occasions, and each time my jaw has hit the ground as I step out onto the balcony and see Monaco laid out right there in front of me. You’ll see around 70% of the track — including the grid, Sainte-Dévote, pit exit, the climb to Casino Square, the tunnel exit, the chicane, the harbour front, and the swimming pool section. It’s a bit like standing over a giant Scalextric set. There’s no need for TV screens — you can see the gaps getting smaller as drivers chase down the cars in front. It’s one of the most spectacular vantage points in all of Formula 1 - part race, part postcard, and completely unforgettable. Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi Grand PrixThe Marina Grandstand is located just after the long back straight. The cars will navigate Turns 8, 9, and 10 as they fight for position and enter this long, sweeping section of the track.
The grandstand is parallel to a DRS zone, making it an important overtaking zone for drivers to reclaim a lost position. The cars will pass the stand along to Turns 11 to 14, which are visible in the distance. You'll also see the cars through Turns 15, 16, and 17 before they disappear under and around the Yas Hotel. You’re unlikely to see much wheel-to-wheel action in every corner, but this is still a great grandstand for high-speed spectacle. To me, the views from this grandstand sum up the Yas Marina Circuit perfectly. You've got the superyachts moored in the marina in front of you and the glimmering LED canopy roof of the Yas Hotel in your eyeline, while the cars pass by you, gleaming under the Yas Marina lights. It’s a grandstand where high-speed action unfolds against one of the most visually striking backdrops in Formula 1. |
