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The Formula 1 at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Best Holiday Destinations to See Formula 1

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By Shelley Pigram


Formula 1 can be much more than just the race itself.

From the bright lights of Las Vegas and Singapore to the beaches of Monaco, the food and culture of Mexico City and the spectacular scenery around Suzuka, there are plenty of ways to turn watching Formula 1 into a memorable holiday.

If you’re wondering where to go for the best Formula 1 holiday, here are some of our favourite destinations.

Singapore

For many F1 fans, the Singapore Grand Prix is one of the most spectacular races on the calendar. The Marina Bay Street Circuit winds its way through the city’s dazzling skyline, with the race taking place under floodlights.


But what makes Singapore a good Formula 1 holiday destination is that there’s plenty to do away from the circuit. Spend a few days exploring the city’s hawker markets, gardens, and exotic neighbourhoods, or make time for some of Singapore’s excellent restaurants and rooftop bars.


Best for: A glamourous city break, food, nightlife and a spectacular night race.


A birds eye view of the illuminated Marina Bay Street Circuit, Formula 1, Singapore

Mexico

The Mexican Grand Prix is renowned for its incredible atmosphere. The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez sits in the heart of Mexico City, where passionate local fans create an electric atmosphere throughout the weekend.


Mexico City itself is reason enough to make the trip! Spend days exploring its exciting centre, museums, markets and neighbourhoods before heading to the circuit for the action.


Best for: F1 atmosphere, food, culture, and combining the Grand Prix with a longer Mexico holiday.


Panoramic view of the Zocalo and Cathedral, Mexico City

Brazil

Brazil has a long and passionate relationship with Formula 1, and the São Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos is one of the races that every serious F1 fan should experience at least once.


Interlagos has a fantastic old-school feel, with an undulating circuit that has produced many memorable races over the years. Away from the track, São Paulo offers some of the best food, nightlife and cultural experiences in Brazil.


And there’s no need to limit your holiday to the city; a Formula 1 trip to Brazil can easily be combined with Rio de Janeiro, the beaches of Bahia, the Amazon Rainforest, or even a wider South America itinerary!


Best for: Passionate fans, Brazilian culture and combining the F1 with a wider Brazil holiday.


Sao Paulo, Brazil

Las Vegas

If there’s one destination that feels like it was made for Formula 1, it’s Las Vegas.


The Las Vegas Grand Prix takes place at night, with the cars racing around a street circuit that includes the famous Las Vegas strip. The combination of roaring engines, neon lights and some of the world’s most recognisable hotels makes this one of the most distinctive F1 experiences on the calendar.


Of course, there’s far more to a Vegas holiday than just F1! From spectacular shows and restaurants to the Grand Canyon and desert landscapes beyond the city, you can easily extend your trip into a longer holiday in the American West.


Best for: Big city excitement, nightlife, entertainment, and one of F1’s most unusual race weekends.


The Las Vegas Strip at night

Abu Dhabi

For a Formula 1 holiday with a luxury twist, it’s hard to beat Abu Dhabi.


The Yas Marina Circuit hosts the final race of the season and has become famous for its spectacular setting, with the race starting in daylight and running into the evening. The circuit is part of the Yas Island, home to luxury hotels, beaches, and some of Abu Dhabi’s major attractions.


You can spend a few days exploring Abu Dhabi’s beaches and impressive architecture or combine the Formula 1 with a stay in Dubai. The two destinations work particularly well together, giving you a mix of city sights, shopping, restaurants and desert experiences.


Best for: Luxury holidays, winter sunshine, and a spectacular F1 season finale.


Formula 1 Abu Dhabi

Australia

Australia is an excellent choice if you want your Formula 1 trip to feel like a proper holiday rather than just a long weekend at the circuit.


The Australian Grand Prix takes place at Albert Park in Melbourne, just a short distance from the city centre. Melbourne’s excellent restaurants, coffee culture, galleries and sporting scene give you plenty to enjoy before and after the race.


Better still, the Grand Prix is the ideal starting point for exploring more of Australia. You could hire a car and explore the Great Ocean Road, fly north to Queensland, or continue onto Sydney.


Best for: A longer holiday, sightseeing and combining the F1 with Australia’s famous landscapes.


Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne

China

Shanghai makes an intriguing choice for an F1 holiday, combining one of Asia’s most exciting cities with a modern race circuit.


The Shanghai International Circuit is located outside the city centre, while the city itself is packed with things to see and do. Explore the iconic Bund, wander through the city’s historic neighbourhoods, sample the delicious food and take in the city’s historic skyline from the Huangpu River.


The Chinese Grand Prix is definitely one of the races where it makes sense to add some extra time to your trip. Shanghai is a destination worth exploring in its own right rather than somewhere to stay simply for the race.


Best for: City breaks, food, culture and discovering somewhere different.


Shanghai city skyline on the Huangpu River, China

Japan

Suzuka is one of the world’s most famous Formula 1 circuits, and for many fabs the Japanese Grand Prix is a bucket-list race.


The track itself is a huge part of the attraction, with its fast corners and famous sections making it a favourite with drivers and fans alike. The atmosphere is equally special, with Japanese F1 fans known for their enthusiasm and wonderfully creative support for the teams and drivers.


A trip to Japan also gives you the opportunity to experience one of the world’s most fascinating countries. Combine Suzuka with Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo, perhaps allowing two weeks for a proper Japan holiday.


Best for: Serious F1 fans, Japanese culture and a longer multi centre holiday.


Kiyomizu temple at sunset in Kyoto, Japan

Canada

Montreal is another destination where the F1 easily fits into a city holiday.


The Canadian Grand Prix takes place on the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, located on Île Notre-Dame just outside central Montreal. The city itself is lively, walkable, and packed with restaurants, bars and historic architecture, making it a particularly enjoyable place to spend a race weekend.


You could also extend the trip beyond Montreal and see more of Canada; Quebec City, Ottawa and Toronto are all possibilities, while the spectacular landscapes of Eastern Canada make a road trip particularly appealing.


Best for: City breaks, road trips, and combining the F1 with Canada’s great outdoors.


Montreal, Quebec

Monaco

Few sporting events are as instantly recognisable as the Monaco Grand Prix.


The race winds through the streets of Monte Carlo, passing luxury hotels, superyachts and the famous harbour. It is one of the most glamourous events in the F1 calendar and a very different experience from watching a race at a purpose-built circuit.


A Monaco Grand Prix holiday can also be combined with the French Riviera. Stay in Nice or Cannes and travel into Monaco for the race or make the most of the occasion and stay in Monte Carlo itself.


Best for: Glamour, luxury and the ultimate F1 bucket list experience.


Aerial of Monte Carlo, Monaco-Ville, Monaco
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Written by Shelley Pigram

Shelley is Trailfinders' Website Performance Lead, based in our head office in Kensington. Shelley has worked at Trailfinders since 2007 and has travelled to 41 countries. Her favourite destinations include Bali, Spain and New York City.

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