Beyond the garages: What happens on F1 Paddock Tours
Last updated January 2026
I’ve had the chance to do several paddock tours over the years, and each one has been memorable in its own way. If you're thinking about booking a ticket package that includes paddock access, here’s what to expect and why it’s worth considering.
I’ve had the chance to do several paddock tours over the years, and each one has been memorable in its own way. If you're thinking about booking a ticket package that includes paddock access, here’s what to expect and why it’s worth considering.
What to Expect in This Guide• What is an F1 paddock tour and how does it work? • Who is allowed inside the paddock during a Grand Prix weekend? • When is the best time to take a paddock tour? • What can you see and do during the tour? • How much do paddock tours cost and what’s included? • Is a paddock tour worth adding to your race weekend plans? • Money-saving tips for paddock tours Estimated Reading Time: 4-5 minute read What it’s really like on an F1 Paddock TourPaddock tours take you behind the garages and into the working heart of Formula 1. You won’t go inside the team motorhomes, as those areas are normally off-limits, although on one occasion I did find myself in the Red Bull Energy Station.
You can expect to see familiar faces such as drivers, team staff, and TV presenters. You never quite know who might walk past. Early mornings or late in the day are often the best times to catch people arriving or heading out. 
Fans get a cap signed by Fernando Alonso during a paddock tour
I’ve seen drivers heading into media briefings, team principals talking over coffee outside a motorhome, and mechanics rolling tyres between garages. I’ve done tours early in the morning at Mexico City and Silverstone, and later in the day at Imola. Each time, I’ve come across a familiar face. 
Paddock life, team members handle the details fans rarely see
My first paddock tour was during pre-season testing in Barcelona. I remember passing Susie Wolff in her Williams race suit while she was doing a photoshoot. She was a development driver at the time. Fast forward to my most recent visit at the Imola Grand Prix, and I was just a few feet away as the Sky Sports F1 crew filmed a live segment. Moments like these are small glimpses behind the scenes that you don’t usually get as a fan. 
Sky Sports filming in the paddock during a tour
Photos are allowed in the paddock. The only time restrictions usually apply is if you’re invited into a team garage, where photography is often not permitted. 
Fans catch Max Verstappen for a selfie during a paddock tour
If your ticket package includes a paddock tour, double-check the time and get there early. If you're booking on the day, make it your first stop because spaces fill quickly and aren't guaranteed. Tours are usually led by a professional racing driver from another series. They’re approachable and happy to answer questions. The paddock layout is fairly consistent from race to race. The FIA and Pirelli bases are usually at one end, with teams lined up side by side in the order they finished the previous year's championship, each positioned behind their respective garage. The main difference is how the setup is built. At European races, teams bring in mobile motorhomes by truck. At long-haul events outside Europe, the structures are more permanent, since transporting full motorhomes isn’t practical. 
Motorhomes in position for the race weekend
Paddock tours are now included in more ticket packages than they were in the past. When I first started following Formula 1 in the late 1990s and early 2000s, paddock access was simply not available or out of reach for most fans. Today, it is much more accessible. For example, a starter package at the Qatar Grand Prix, including a three-day grandstand ticket, pit lane walk, and guided paddock tour on Thursday, starts at around £750. A paddock tour on a prime day like Friday or Saturday, with hospitality included for the full weekend, typically starts from £4,000. For full paddock access across the entire weekend, you will need a budget of at least £15,000. All of these prices exclude travel and accommodation. If you ever get the chance, or if your budget allows, I’d recommend doing a paddock tour. For any Formula 1 fan, it’s an experience that stays with you. The Best Booking Resources for F1 TripsThis is the fun part for some and the stressful part for others.
If you’d rather skip the hassle, we’ve got you covered. We love putting together Grand Prix trips so you don’t have to. From travel logistics to hotel bookings and everything in between, think of us as your F1 travel support crew. 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. Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is a paddock tour in Formula 1?
A paddock tour is a guided walk through the area behind the team garages during a Grand Prix weekend. It gives fans access to the space where teams, drivers, media, and officials operate. Can fans go inside the team motorhomes? No, access to team motorhomes is restricted. Paddock tours take you through the main walkways, not inside private team areas. Are photos allowed during a paddock tour? Yes, photography is generally allowed in the paddock. The exception is if you’re taken inside a team garage, where photo restrictions often apply. How much does a paddock tour cost? Prices vary by race and package. A basic ticket including a Thursday paddock tour may start around £750, while full weekend access with hospitality can exceed £15,000. Travel and accommodation are not included. Is a paddock tour worth it? If you're interested in seeing how F1 works behind the scenes and getting closer to the sport, a paddock tour can offer access most fans never get. It depends on your budget and priorities for the weekend. Who leads the paddock tours? Paddock tours are usually led by professional drivers from F1 or other motorsport series. They’re often available to answer questions during the tour. How long does a paddock tour last? Most paddock tours last around 20 to 40 minutes, depending on demand and time of day. Do I need a special ticket for a paddock tour? Yes, paddock tours are only included in certain ticket packages. These are typically sold as part of premium or hospitality experiences. Can I meet drivers during a paddock tour? You might see drivers walking through the paddock, but scheduled meet-and-greets are not part of the tour. It’s more about observing than interacting. Are paddock tours available at every Grand Prix? Yes, most race weekends include paddock tours as part of certain ticket packages, but availability can vary. Money-Saving Tips for Paddock ToursLook for Thursday access packages
Ticket packages that include a paddock tour on Thursday (before the race weekend begins) are often more affordable than those on Friday or Saturday, when demand is higher. Just keep in mind there’ll be less going on in the paddock and fewer chances of seeing drivers. Book early Packages with paddock tours tend to sell out quickly. Booking well in advance gives you a better chance of securing lower-tier options before only premium ones remain. Making your travel plans early and securing the best airfares and hotel rates will also free up more of your budget to put towards extras like paddock tours. Compare race weekends Some Grand Prix weekends, like Qatar or Bahrain, may have more competitively priced packages than headline races like Monaco or Las Vegas. |
