Beginner’s Guide To Attending A Formula 1 Race
Have you ever wondered what a Formula 1 race is like? Well, fret not if this is your first time attending a race! You will be able to get tips on how to navigate your way around the twists and turns of each racetrack.
Bracing for the Crowds
With F1 gaining popularity rapidly and garnering a higher number of attendances at races, the average weekend attendance rose from 195,000 to over 270,000 in 2023. Brace yourself for the large crowds at every corner of the track especially at popular races such as the USA or the British Grand Prix. Be prepared to queue to enter the race entrance, exits, and popular viewing spots if you have the walkabout tickets. Navigating through the crowds demands patience and vigilance hence remember to stick close to your companions to avoid getting separated. Keep a firm grip on children’s hands as some areas might be chaotic, requiring extra caution. Some races to note that are organized are Australia, Singapore, and the Netherlands. The races in Spain, Imola, and Italy might be more chaotic and disorganized as compared to the others so be sure to always stay safe.
Satisfying Your Hunger
You might be wondering, what if I get hungry during the day? Well, you’re in safe hands as there is usually a wide range of food and drinks for you to choose from. At any F1 race, the food and drinks are often priced higher than usual due to the event markup. For example, at the Singapore Grand Prix, most meals are priced at around $15 SGD while there are more pricier options to choose from. A large beer will cost $16 SGD while a bottle of water costs $3 SGD and soft drinks are around $4 to 5 SGD. However, should you want to save money on food and drinks, you can always visit places outside the track before entering. Not all venues will allow food or drinks to be brought back into the venue so take note of the rules of admissions.
Getting a Quick Washroom Pitstop
Sometimes, after eating you’d probably need to visit the washroom for a quick pitstop and wonder, are there washrooms around? Well, the problem does not lie in whether there are toilets but more in the queue for the washrooms. The queues for the washrooms are always long, especially during peak times like before or after races. To skip the queue, you can try planning washroom breaks strategically to minimize your wait time. Most venues also have portable toilets to accommodate the large crowds but be prepared for queues nonetheless. When going to the washroom, remember to bring extra tissue paper just in case there isn’t enough in the cubicle.
Protecting Your Hearing
F1 is different from other types of motorsports you will hear. F1 races are set apart, especially by their loud engines. Besides the loud engines F1 cars have, there are loud crowds and music. An essential to have with you are earplugs or noise-canceling headphones if you are sensitive to loud sounds. If you forgot to bring earplugs to the race, you can get them at the race itself at the merchandise booths. However, not all booths will sell earplugs so remember to bring them with you to your next race!
Weathering the conditions
Races can be quite unpredictable as we all know, but don’t forget the weather can be just as unpredictable. Races always occur in various conditions, from scorching heat to thunderstorms. You should definitely dress appropriately for the weather: Wear caps, and sunglasses and apply sunscreen for hot days, or bring a poncho or layers for colder and rainy days. Don’t forget to stay hydrated and seek shelter should the weather become too extreme to ensure you are safe and sound. Another item that you can consider bringing are portable fans to help combat the heat as it can get quite humid especially if you are right beside the track.
Ready to Feel the Thrill?
Attending an F1 race is an experience of a lifetime, and these tips will help you to have a better time at the race. A F1 race guarantees a thrill ride like no other whether you’re a newbie or a die-hard fan. As the sport continues to surge in popularity, attendees may find themselves navigating through bustling crowds and queues. However, armed with the right strategies like strategic quick pit stops aka washroom breaks, and budgeting for food and drinks, you can make the most of their race day experience. Furthermore, being mindful of unpredictable weather conditions and having the right ear protection ensures a safe and enjoyable time at the track. So after reading this guide, are you ready to experience an F1 race and feel the adrenaline rush?
