They say that Formula One is the pinnacle of motorsport however, us fans of V8 Supercars in Australia would beg to differ. Still, being a Formula 1 fan attending one of the Formula 1 Grand Prix races was a bucket list thing for me. So I did my research so I could attend a Formula 1 race, and that race was the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix. That was some 10 years ago and even though I don’t go every year, I always watch.
In this post, I’m going to cover what you need to know to attend the Formula 1 race in Melbourne. So if you want to watch cars reach incredible speeds of around 200km/h (124mph) driven by the world’s best drivers, then read on.
Are you ready – start your engines!
Table of Contents
What is Formula 1?
For any car novices, Formula One, commonly known as Formula 1 or F1 is the highest class of international racing for open-wheel single-seater formula racing cars. Wow! In this type of motorsport, teams compete in a series of races, known as Grand Prix races that are held in different countries around the world. They usually last for 3-4 days where you get to see the cars in practice sessions, qualifying time trials to see where each car will start on the grid before the race.
Why attend a Formula 1 Race?
It is probably the atmosphere as a whole as to explain why attend a Formula 1 race. It is the vibration of the cars, the noise of the cars and the possibility of seeing your favourite driver!
Why not attend a Formula 1 Race?
To be quite honest, I have found, depending on the location of seat, that you only get a fleeting glimpse of the cars. This is because they go so fast. If you blink you can miss them going past! So is spending all that money on a ticket worth it? I sometimes feel you get to see more on the TV! But you make up your own mind.
Where is Australia’s Formula 1 Grand Prix held?
Australia’s Formula One race is held in Melbourne. The first one was held in 1996 and before that it was held on the streets of Adelaide, South Australia. It is a street circuit in the Melbourne suburb of Albert Park. It is very scenic as the cars drive around Albert Park Lake. There are often views of Melbourne’s skyline in the background.
How to Attend Melbourne’s Formula One Race?
Each year, the dates of the races are announced. For Australia, the F1 race is the first of the season and is usually in March sometime.
How Does a Formula 1 Race Weekend Work?
Firstly, if you are a newbie to going to a F1 race, you will need to know how a Formula 1 weekend for the Grand Prix race works. You have probably bought a ticket to multiple days, so yep, find your spot and watch the practices, qualifying and the race.
The excitement in Melbourne usually starts on the Thursday before the race weekend when you can walk around the paddock and often see the drivers.
How to Attend Melbourne’s Formula 1 Race
To attend a Formula 1 race you will need to do the following:
- Purchase a ticket – Check out the F1 Ticket Store website for details on purchasing a ticket. There are different ticket options available from General Admittance to a seat in a Grand Stand.
- Organise transport and accommodation. Check out Booking.Com for accommodation options.
- Organise transport to and from the event and how to use public transport in Melbourne.
- Attend and enjoy.
How much does it cost to attend a Formula 1 Race?
I cannot give you an exact price here because it will vary from country to country. So, get yourself a check list.
- Cost of the Ticket
- Transport to/from the City (if coming from interstate)
- Accommodation
- Sightseeing in the city, if you’re planning on seeing some of the city. Here are some suggestions on what to see and do in Melbourne.
- Transport to/from the track (taxis, shuttles, rental car, parking costs)
- Food at the track (can you take your own with you)
- Any merchandise you may want to purchase
What to Wear to the Track
Dress appropriately for the day and particularly the weather. As March is the first month of Autumn in Australia, the weather is often still pleasant. And sometimes a little on the warm side. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
What to Take to the Track
Following is my suggested checklist of items to take to the track.
- Ticket
- Water bottle with water and maybe electrolytes, especially if it’s a hot day! I take my collapsable water bottle most places.
- Ear plugs (very important to numb the noise)
- Rain coat (always bring a raincoat!)
- Spare power pack for your phone to get photos and video
- Snacks
- Sunscreen, Hat and Sunglasses
- Small towel or beach towel to aid with sun protection, sweating – or simply to sit on if are in the general area.
- Binoculars, if you’re sitting far from the action
Attending Melbourne’s Formula 1 Race: Final Takeaways
I think attending Melbourne’s Formula 1 race is truly one for the Australian bucket list! It is a great sporting even which Melbourne has plenty of them, particularly at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). So if you want to go to a Formula 1 race, do your research, pack appropriately for the day/s but above all – ENJOY IT!
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