Ready for race day? Here's what to expect on race day at a Formula 1 Grand Prix
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.
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.
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Oklahoma Willy – the jet-powered campervan
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Red Bull North American B25 “Mitchell”
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The drivers’ parade is a fan-favorite 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 drivers’ parade
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.
No matter where you sit, the tension builds as the formation lap begins. The crowd falls silent, waiting for the race to start.
The countdown to lights out
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.
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.
Podium celebrations at Monza
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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. |
