Front-row seats for F1’s biggest moments

The opening lap of a Formula 1 race is pure adrenaline, and Turn 1 is where it all kicks off.

As the lights go out, drivers surge forward, fighting for position in a high-stakes battle of late braking, daring overtakes, and split-second decisions. It’s the moment where races can be won, lost, or turned upside down in an instant.

If drama and excitement are what you’re after, these grandstands have a reputation for delivering unforgettable moments. There’s no better place to witness the chaos unfold.

Monaco – Grandstand A at Sainte Dévote

Sainte Dévote, the first corner at Monaco, is a tight right-hander that demands precision and control. Positioned at the end of the start-finish straight, it forces drivers to brake hard while navigating a narrow entry with limited runoff.

Mistakes here can be unforgiving, with cars often locking up, running wide, or hitting the barriers. Grandstand A is a prime vantage point to see drivers push the limits as they break into the corner and fight for position.

Grandstand A at Sainte Dévote

Over the years, this corner has seen its fair share of drama, including Max Verstappen’s 2015 crash when he misjudged his braking and collided with Romain Grosjean’s Lotus while fighting for position.

Max Verstappen crashes with Romain Grosjean during the 2015 Monaco Grand Prix

Spa – Gold 8 Grandstand at La Source

This grandstand overlooks the tight right-hand hairpin at La Source, giving fans a clear view of heavy braking and battles for position. La Source frequently sets the stage for crucial overtaking moves heading into Eau Rouge.

In 1998, this corner was the site of one of the biggest pile-ups in F1 history, with over half the grid involved in a massive crash that forced a race restart. Twenty years later, in 2018, Fernando Alonso’s McLaren was launched over Charles Leclerc’s Sauber in a dramatic first-lap crash, showing once again how unpredictable this corner can be.

Fernando Alonso’s McLaren was launched over Charles Leclerc’s Sauber

United States – Turn 1 Grandstand at Circuit of the Americas

Perched 133 feet above the start line, Turn 1 at COTA is a sharp left-hand hairpin that presents a unique challenge. The steep uphill approach allows drivers to brake later than usual, making it one of the best overtaking spots on the circuit.

With multiple racing lines available, drivers often go side by side into the corner, leading to unpredictable battles and occasional contact. From the Turn 1 Grandstand, you’ll have panoramic views of the main straight, the first corner, and cars exiting the pit lane. This grandstand is also a great spot to witness dramatic race starts, where the field bunches up as they charge into the tight hairpin

Turn 1 Grandstand at Circuit of the Americas

In 2022, George Russell attempted an ambitious overtake on teammate Lewis Hamilton but collided with Carlos Sainz, forcing the Ferrari driver to retire.

Monza – First Chicane (Turns 1 & 2)

One of the most iconic first corners in F1, Monza’s Rettifilo chicane is a low-speed section that demands precision and control. After the long, high-speed main straight, drivers must slam on the brakes to make the tight right-left flick, making it a prime spot for overtaking attempts.

Positioned just beyond the braking zone, the Outer First Variant grandstands have excellent views of the action as cars navigate the chicane, sometimes running side by side or misjudging their entry.

Monza’s Rettifilo chicane

Mistakes here can be costly, with drivers locking up, running wide, or getting caught in incidents. A dramatic example came in 2021 when Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton tangled at the chicane, leaving Verstappen’s Red Bull perched on top of Hamilton’s Mercedes in the gravel trap.

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton crash at the first chicane during the 2021 Italian Grand Prix

Singapore – Turns 1 and 2 Grandstands

Located at the end of the start-finish straight, the Turns 1 and 2 Grandstands at Marina Bay provide some of the best vantage points for the race start and first-lap action. With heavy braking into Turn 1, this section is a prime overtaking zone, often leading to aggressive moves and early-race incidents.

One of the most notable examples was the 2017 Singapore Grand Prix, where Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen, and Kimi Räikkönen collided before even reaching Turn 1, triggering a chaotic start.

Vettel, Verstappen and Raikkonen came together approaching Turn 1 at the 2017 Singapore Grand Prix

Both the Turn 1 and Turn 2 Grandstands overlook the first corner at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, putting fans right in front of the action. The runoff area in front of these stands is where cars often end up if they misjudge their braking.

Rob is an experienced independent travel consultant and travel content creator.

His love for Formula One started in the 1990s, watching the greats like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Mika Hakkinen. He traveled to his first Grand Prix in 1999. It was the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. Since then, Rob has traveled to over 2/3 of Grand Prix' on the current Formula One calendar.

Fast forward to today, and Rob has turned his passion into a career, dedicating his time to helping others plan their dream Formula One trips.

His favourite Grand Prix destinations are Austria and Austin, and when he's not attending a Formula One Grand Prix, you'll find him closer to home, walking or cycling in the Peak District National Park.