What to pack for a Formula 1 Grand Prix

Formula 1 Grand Prix in Austria

As I excitedly pack my suitcase to my 6th Formula 1 Grand Prix, this time in Hockenheim, Germany, I remember that it has been a year since my last GP. It’s always good to refresh my memory and think of the packing essentials, because of course, I want to enjoy every second of the experience in the most comfortable way, with everything I need.

For this reason, I thought it was about time I shared here on the blog a list of what to pack for a Formula 1 Grand Prix, from things you just can’t leave behind to optional accessories that can make your experience even more unforgettable. This list will not only help myself in the next GP’s of my life, which I expect will be many (smiling excitedly), but also all of you who are going or planning on going to one in the near future. So here we go:

Please don’t forget!

The tickets

Lanyards: where I buy my tickets I always get a lanyard, but if it’s not your case, you can find them for sale in and around the circuit. It’s very handy to have one since you might need to show your ticket a few times as you walk around the circuit. Not to mention it’s a nice souvenir!

Formula 1 lanyards

Cash: if you plan on buying food or souvenirs, you might want to bring cash as most places in the circuits don’t accept cards. However, it’s possible to find ATM machines in most circuits.

Clothing

Your racing team’s t-shirt
Shorts/Jeans
Comfortable shoes
Rain jacket: do check the weather forecast, especially in Europe, as rain can be common is most races

For the good and bad weather

Sun glasses
Hat/cap
Sun cream
Umbrella: also works for when it’s too hot, just be careful not to annoy others around you
Rain cape: more practical than the umbrella

When staying at the General Admission

The experience of staying at the General Admission (where you don’t have a reserved seat) is very different than staying in a Grandstand, and there is one essential item you should take along with you: a folding chair.

Remember to check the rules and restrictions of the circuit you are going, as some of them prohibit folding chairs, in this case, take at least a blanket.

Register the moment

Camera
Batteries
Charger
Memory cards

*Note that most circuits don’t allow you to bring a tripod.

Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monza

Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monza

For your comfort

Water and food: if you don’t want to spend a lot on the circuit or want to eat something different than what’s offered there, you are allowed to bring your own water and food.

Ear protector: I confess, I never used it. I love the sound of the cars. No, I don’t get a headache, but if you believe you might, take one or get one at the circuit.

Portable cushion seat: in case you need an extra comfort.

Extras

Portable radio: it is an essential item to pack in case you don’t want to miss any detail of the race. I never did take one with me, I always follow the race with the Formula 1 official App, the circuit’s official app or try to stay in a place near a TV screen so I can follow what’s going on. However, it’s up to you whether to take a portable radio or not, after all, with the phone you need internet connection to use such features on the apps.

Binocular: also up to you. Might be nice to have one and see the cars closer.

Toilet paper: sounds weird? Well, I tell you what, infrastructure and organization vary from circuit to circuit. To be on the safe side, take some toilet paper with you to the race, you are going to spend the whole day there and the bathroom might not have enough toilet paper for everyone, it happened to me in Monza.

Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi

Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi

Ready? Set. Go!

 

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What to pack for a Formula 1 GP

 

 

About Allane

A Brazilian living in Germany. Married to Wolfi, mommy to Madu and Fitz, our Golden Retriever. Traveler, writer, photographer, diver, wine appreciator, dog Formula 1 fan. City girl, nature lover, believer of a better world one little change at a time.