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.
What to expect in this guide
• Where are the best Turn 1 grandstands for first-lap action? • Which tracks deliver the most drama right from the start? • What makes Turn 1 worth choosing over other seats? • How much do these grandstands cost, and are they worth it? • Is Turn 1 right for your race weekend or should you sit elsewhere?
Estimated Reading Time: 6-7 minutes
Table of contents • Monaco – Grandstand A1 at Sainte Dévote • Azerbaijan – Turn 1 at the Baku City Circuit • Spa – Gold 7 & 8 Grandstands at La Source • United States – Turn 1 Grandstand at Circuit of the Americas • Monza – First Chicane (turns 1 & 2) • Singapore – Turns 1 and 2 Grandstands • Frequently asked questions • Money-saving tips for F1 travel and tickets
Monaco – Grandstand A at Sainte Dévote
Despite all the glamour, Monaco remains one of the most demanding and unforgiving races on the calendar.
Sainte Dévote, the first corner of the Monaco Grand Prix, sets the tone for everything that follows. Cars arrive at full speed and have to slow rapidly for a narrow right hander, with barriers on both sides. There’s no margin for error. A locked brake or a misjudged line, and the consequences are instant.
From Grandstand A1, you’re right on top of the action. You see drivers commit to the corner, fight for space, and sometimes run out of it.
Grandstand A at Sainte Dévote
It’s one of the first places I recommend when someone tells me Monaco is a once-in-a-lifetime trip. You’re close to the cars, close to the noise, and close to the moments people still talk about years later. One of those was Max Verstappen’s 2015 crash after contact with Romain Grosjean. It’s a sharp reminder of how fast things can go wrong here.
The grandstand is small, and tickets sell out fast. If this is where you want to sit, book early.
Max Verstappen crashes with Romain Grosjean during the 2015 Monaco Grand Prix
Azerbaijan – Turn 1 at the Baku City Circuit
Turn 1 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has delivered plenty of drama over the years. Baku is one of the fastest circuits on the calendar, and with such high speeds, getting the braking right into Turn 1 is absolutely crucial. But that’s easier said than done. The braking point is hard to spot, and drivers are always pushing to go as late as possible. Leave it too late, and the only option is a trip down the escape road.
This corner is especially unpredictable during restarts and safety car periods, when tyres and brakes might not be up to temperature and concentration can slip.
In 2021, Lewis Hamilton’s front brakes were smoking on the grid. After getting the jump on Sergio Perez at the restart, he locked up heavily and sailed straight into the escape road. Just like that, he was out of the race. And who could forget Ricciardo and Verstappen’s explosive crash in 2018? The two Red Bulls collided on the main straight, sending both cars out of the race in spectacular fashion. It’s a moment that’s become part of Baku’s chaotic legacy.
If you want to be close to the action at Turn 1, the Absheron E Grandstand is your best bet. It’s the closest grandstand to this braking zone, where so much can go wrong and often does.
Lewis Hamilton goes off at turn one of the restart
Spa – Gold 8 Grandstand at La Source
La Source is slow, tight, and deceptive.
Right after the start, cars funnel into this sharp right-hand hairpin, all fighting to be first on the downhill run toward Eau Rouge. The field compresses fast, and even small mistakes can lead to big consequences.
Gold 7 and Gold 8 grandstands sit just above the braking zone, giving you a front-row view of hesitation, last-second dives, and the occasional miscalculation. In 1998, over half the grid was wiped out in a first-lap pile-up. In 2018, Fernando Alonso’s McLaren was launched over Charles Leclerc’s Sauber in a dramatic crash.
It’s one of the best overtaking spots on the circuit, especially when the pack is still bunched up. Drivers feel the pull of Spa just as much as the fans. Max Verstappen has called it his favourite track. Spa demands patience, commitment and respect. That’s exactly why so many dream of seeing a race here in person.
Fernando Alonso’s McLaren was launched over Charles Leclerc’s Sauber
United States – Turn 1 Grandstand at Circuit of the Americas
Turn 1, often called Big Red, is a steep uphill run into a wide left-hand hairpin, sitting 133 feet above the start line. Drivers charge up the hill and brake without seeing the apex. That blind entry encourages bold moves, especially on the opening lap.
The corner’s width allows for multiple racing lines, which means you’ll often see cars arrive side by side, and sometimes even three wide, as drivers fight for position.
From the Turn 1 Grandstand, you can see the race start, the first corner, and cars streaming out of the pit lane.
In 2022, George Russell made contact with Carlos Sainz, ending the Ferrari driver’s race almost immediately. A reminder that even with plenty of space, Turn 1 leaves little room for error.
Turn 1 Grandstand at Circuit of the Americas
Monza – First Chicane (Turns 1 & 2)
Monza’s First Chicane, also known as the Rettifilo, comes after one of the longest flat-out runs in Formula 1. Drivers arrive at nearly 340 km/h and brake hard, dropping to around 80 km/h in just 150 metres. It’s a tight right-left sequence that leaves no room for hesitation and often brings chaos on the opening lap.
From the Outer First Variant and Alta Velocità grandstands, you’re right where the action builds. This is where drivers fight for space, push the limits under braking, and sometimes get it wrong. Lock ups, contact, and detours through the escape road are common.
Monza’s Rettifilo chicane
In 2021, the corner made headlines when Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton collided, with one car ending up on top of the other in the gravel. It was a clear reminder of how punishing this section can be, even for the best on the grid.
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton crash at the first chicane during the 2021 Italian Grand Prix
Singapore – Turns 1 and 2 Grandstands
If there’s one race that tests drivers like no other, it’s Singapore. The Marina Bay Circuit is tight, bumpy, and lined with unforgiving walls. One wrong move, and it’s game over.
This race is all about precision under pressure. Drivers speak about it with a mix of awe and respect. Lewis Hamilton put it best: “One of the toughest tests for a driver on the calendar.”
Turn 1 sits at the end of the start-finish straight. It’s a heavy braking zone with little room to recover if something goes wrong. From the Turn 1 and Turn 2 Grandstands, you see the field dive into Turn 1, jostle for space through Turn 2, and line up for Turn 3.
Vettel, Verstappen and Raikkonen came together approaching Turn 1 at the 2017 Singapore Grand Prix
This section has delivered its share of drama. In 2017, Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen, and Kimi Räikkönen collided before even reaching the apex. In 2025, with the championship on the line, Lando Norris slid into Oscar Piastri at the first corner while trying to pass. Piastri’s radio said it all: “Are we cool with Lando just barging me out of the way?”
Norris makes contact with Piastri at Turn 1 during the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix
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.
FAQ's
Often, yes. But value depends on what you see. I help fans decide where the extra cost is worth it and where it’s not.
They’re strongest at the start but stay interesting throughout. Many Turn 1 seats also give you a view of the pit exit, which makes it easier to follow race strategy. You’ll often see overtakes after restarts and drivers pushing hard on cold tyres after safety cars.
Not for everyone. Some fans prefer high-speed corners or the start-finish straight. I usually recommend Turn 1 to those who want the best chance of seeing overtaking and close racing. It’s also a great spot to watch drivers push the limits and make mistakes during practice.
Yes. I guide every traveller through seat choices based on the circuit, budget, and what kind of experience they’re after.
Money-Saving Tips
If you’re unsure where to sit, Turn 1 is a safe place to start. It’s ideal for fans who want the best chance of seeing overtakes and close racing. These grandstands put you right in front of the action.
That said, you don’t need the most expensive seats to have a great experience. Grandstands that overlook a sequence of corners or a chicane can offer plenty of racing drama, often at a lower price than high-demand spots like Turn 1.
Watch for early bird ticket sales. Many races release tickets soon after the current year’s event, and that’s often when prices are at their lowest. Planning ahead really pays off.
The same goes for travel. Booking flights and hotels early usually means better rates and more choice. Saving here gives you more room in your budget to invest in the seats that will shape your race weekend.
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.
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