Formula 1 gives me a reason to travel, but the experience extends well beyond the circuit. I share firsthand race-weekend stories, planning lessons, and the restaurants, hotels, and experiences that turn a Grand Prix into a full trip. From getting to the track to deciding where to spend the evening, this is Formula 1 through the eyes of a fan who wants to enjoy the destination, too. The race is the excuse. The city is the destination.
How I plan a Formula 1 weekend usually comes down to two things I refuse to treat as afterthoughts: the race and dinner. Getting both right takes a little more thought than putting a reservation underneath the race on a calendar.
This year, I am planning to reserve Tan Tan for race night. My understanding is that 7:30 is the latest reservation time they offer, so that is the time I am working toward—not a confirmed booking yet. But what happens if the circuit gives me a reason to stay longer?
Do you leave for the restaurant you have been looking forward to, or stay and accept that dinner might not happen?
That is the part of Formula 1 travel I find interesting. You can research the transport, choose the hotel carefully, and allow time to get ready. You still have to decide what matters when two experiences compete for the same evening. Sometimes a simple race trip gets out of control for a very good reason.
The race anchors the weekend. Everything else has to fit around the time it really takes to enjoy it.
The Plan Is Dinner at 7:30. The Moment May Never Happen Again.
Imagine this: Kimi Antonelli wins the world championship in Brazil. This is a hypothetical, not a prediction or a claim about the championship standings. You are there, the atmosphere changes, and you have the chance to stay for the celebrations. If officials permit spectators onto the track, you might be able to be part of that too.
Meanwhile, the Tan Tan reservation I am planning would be for 7:30. A restaurant booking and a championship celebration do not necessarily fit into the same evening, however much I want them to.
Now the decision is much bigger than whether the car gets back quickly enough. You are choosing between a meal you deliberately built into the trip and a moment you could not have booked at any price. Leaving might mean missing something extraordinary. Staying might mean giving up a restaurant you cannot simply visit tomorrow.
I do not think there is a neat answer that works for every race, every restaurant, or every person. That is why I want to ask the question before the weekend, rather than pretend the itinerary can guarantee both.
What am I actually giving up?
A dinner I can reasonably rebook is different from the one available table at a restaurant I have wanted to visit for years. Equally, lingering after an ordinary afternoon is different from being there when a driver wins a world championship. I would want to be honest about the specific experience on each side, not reduce it to “race versus food.”
Is dinner prepaid? Is there a cancellation fee, or someone waiting for me? A choice that feels right can still carry a real loss.
Stay in touch, rather than assume the table will wait
If I am running late, my plan is to stay in touch with Tan Tan, explain what is happening, and hope they can accommodate me. That would be a favor, not something I am entitled to. Before booking, I will check the actual arrival and cancellation terms; sending a message does not extend any grace period. I would still need to respect their booking terms and accept it if the table could no longer be held.
Spectators were permitted onto the track at Interlagos in 2025. That makes the possibility feel real to me, but it does not guarantee access this year. I would follow the event’s instructions and only enter if officials permit it.
What I would actually tell the restaurant
I would keep the message practical: I have a reservation, I am delayed leaving the circuit, and I want to know whether arriving later is still possible. If I have a realistic estimate, I can share it. If traffic is not moving, I would rather say that than promise an arrival time I cannot support.
Then I need to listen to the answer. They may have another seating, a full bar, or a kitchen that cannot accommodate the change. Keeping them informed is basic consideration; it is not a way to negotiate an unlimited hold on a table.
If they can still take me, I would confirm what we have agreed and keep them updated if that changes. If they cannot, I can thank them, deal with any applicable booking terms, and make another plan. The restaurant should not have to guess whether I am coming.
I am not making two dinner reservations just in case
If Tan Tan cannot accommodate me, I will have to figure it out. That might mean trying somewhere else and waiting for a table. It might mean changing the kind of dinner I had in mind altogether. A walk-in alternative is a possibility, not a guaranteed backup.
What I do not want to do is make a second reservation while keeping the first one, just so I have options. That ties up two tables when I only intend to use one. I would rather accept some uncertainty than make my evening easier at the expense of a restaurant or another diner.
The question is which choice I would regret more afterward. Not which one makes the original itinerary look successful. I can leave room for the answer to change when the moment actually arrives.
How I Plan a Formula 1 Weekend: Decide What Cannot Move
Before booking, I want to identify where that kind of choice could appear. What would I be genuinely disappointed to miss, and which two experiences might compete?
On a Grand Prix trip, the race is an obvious answer. But the restaurant that made me excited about the city might be another. I want to see whether those two priorities can coexist before I add the rest. If they cannot, I want to know that I am taking a risk. A famous cocktail bar, a neighborhood walk, and an interesting lunch can all be worthwhile without every one of them becoming a fixed commitment.
I would start by checking the official weekend schedule for the event I am attending, then looking at restaurant availability across the whole stay. I do not want to choose a dinner night simply because it is the first slot the booking page offers. I want to know what that slot would ask of the rest of the day.
I have written separately about choosing Formula 1 grandstand seats. Here, I am assuming the circuit experience matters enough to protect. I do not want the dinner plan quietly making that decision for me without acknowledging the tradeoff.
The Best Meal Deserves More Than the Only Empty Slot
My first instinct is often to add the restaurant. The more useful second question is whether I will actually enjoy it on that particular night.
A long tasting menu asks something of you. You want an appetite, some energy, and enough attention to notice what is happening. When a meal matters to me, I would rather give it a clear evening than arrive with half my attention still caught in the journey back from the track.
That is why I would consider a non-track evening for the hardest-to-get or most anticipated reservation. Depending on the trip, that could mean arriving earlier or staying longer. It only makes sense if the extra time and expense work; adding another hotel night to justify a dinner is exactly the kind of logic that explains this website.
Barcelona is a good example of why I care. Mont Bar was my favorite meal of that trip, even with some serious competition. I also went to Disfrutar. Those experiences deserve their own attention, rather than becoming accomplishments to tick off between race sessions.
In São Paulo, Evvai is my favorite restaurant in the world. That does not mean every night should be an Evvai-sized commitment. It means I want to protect the night that is. A more flexible dinner on another evening can help make the important one better.
Mont Bar: a meal I want time to enjoy, rather than another appointment to reach.
Evvai gives me a reason to leave a proper evening for dinner in São Paulo.
I am not saying a good restaurant cannot work after the race. I am saying that “available” and “a good fit for the day” are different questions. If the reservation only works when everything else runs perfectly, I would look for another night. If there is no other night, I need to decide whether the possibility of missing dinner is worth accepting.
Work Backward From Dinner, Without Planning Backward From Wishful Thinking
Once I have a possible reservation, I would work backward: restaurant arrival, travel from the hotel, time to get ready, the return from the circuit, and getting out of the venue in the first place. Every part belongs in the plan.
My own preference is about an hour at the hotel to get ready after the track. I want a shower, clean clothes, and enough time to feel like I am starting the evening rather than continuing the afternoon. That hour is easy to leave out when the calendar only shows the race and dinner.
The drive back is another piece that deserves honesty. A normal map estimate can be useful for understanding distance, but I would not treat it as a promise for the end of a Grand Prix. Walking out, reaching the pickup point, finding the driver, and joining the traffic all sit between the grandstand and the hotel.
Then there is the second journey, from the hotel to the restaurant. Staying somewhere that suits the city part of the trip can make that easier. I stayed at Sir Victor in Barcelona, and the hotel was part of the broader experience, not simply somewhere to sleep between track days.
A hotel belongs in the evening plan too, including time to get ready before going out.
The test is straightforward: after allowing for the parts I know I want, is there still a comfortable margin? If the only way to make the reservation is to erase the hotel reset or assume a frictionless departure, I need to recognize the risk. With a plan like Tan Tan, that means accepting I may need to call, wait, or find something else—not pretending a second reservation solves it.
São Paulo Made Me Take the Journey Back Seriously
After the 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix, traffic was at a standstill. That experience belongs in my planning much more than a hopeful estimate of how quickly the trip ought to take.
For that journey, I prefer the comfort of a prearranged Rhino ride and air conditioning over squeezing onto a packed subway. That is my preference, not a claim that a car is always faster or that everyone should make the same choice. Being comfortable while waiting and avoiding the wait are two different things.
I recommend Rhino based on my experience with its armored cars and professional drivers. I have also had good experiences with Uber Black in São Paulo. The important point for this post is that choosing a service I like does not give me permission to make an unrealistic dinner reservation.
I would check the pickup arrangements for the specific event, confirm where I need to meet the driver, and keep the restaurant plan realistic even after arranging the car. The detailed city and circuit advice belongs in my São Paulo Grand Prix travel guide; the lesson here is about what I book afterward.
Interlagos: leaving the circuit is part of the day, not an instant jump back into the city.
A restaurant cannot control the circuit exit, and the driver cannot make my preferred reservation time more sensible. That part is on me.
What a Realistic Race Day Would Look Like
I find a sequence more useful than a pretend-perfect timetable. This is a planning example, not a record of a particular day or a promise about how long an event will take.
Before the circuit: Keep the morning simple
I would leave room for breakfast and the journey without adding a destination brunch or a sightseeing stop that introduces another deadline. There will be plenty happening at the track. The morning does not need to prove that I am making the most of every minute.
At the circuit: Be there for the experience
I want to enjoy the racing without mentally leaving early for dinner. The time commitment includes getting in and out, not just the sessions themselves. I would also keep an eye on what I need for the conditions, rather than assume that feeling fine when I leave the hotel means I will feel the same later.
After the circuit: Get back, then reset
The departure comes first. Then the ride, the hotel, and time to get ready. This is the stretch I would leave deliberately loose. A delay here should use some margin, not immediately put a special dinner at risk.
For dinner: Choose an evening that can stand on its own
If the timing genuinely supports a reservation, great. Otherwise, I would choose a less demanding plan with realistic availability, checking hours and booking requirements rather than assuming somewhere will take me. Casual does not have to mean disappointing, and a shorter dinner does not have to be a consolation prize.
After dinner: Let the extra stop stay extra
A cocktail can be a great finish. It does not need to become compulsory. I love a good bar, but adding a second reservation simply because there is space on the screen can turn a satisfying day into a very long one.
What I Would Move—and What I Might Have to Give Up
When a plan feels crowded, removing an extra bar or a cross-town detour is easy compared with the 7:30 decision. Those smaller choices are still worth making. They leave more energy for the things I care about and fewer unnecessary deadlines.
But I do not want to pretend every conflict can be fixed by becoming more organized. Sometimes the restaurant has one opening. Sometimes the circuit gives you a reason to stay. Sometimes you have done the planning properly and still have to choose.
That is where checking booking terms, discussing the plan with anyone joining me, and knowing my alternatives helps. It does not make the decision for me. It makes the consequences clearer.
I would rather make a conscious choice and accept the cost than spend the whole evening resenting whichever experience I chose. There may be another visit. There may not be another version of that particular race day.
The Better Choice Depends on Why I Wanted Both Experiences
Before deciding to leave the circuit, I would ask what staying adds. Am I waiting around because I cannot quite bring myself to leave, or is something happening that makes the extra time meaningful? Those are different reasons, and I do not want the fear of missing out to make every decision.
I would ask the same question about dinner. Is this a meal I genuinely care about, or am I attached to the reservation because it took effort to get? Researching and booking something can make it feel more important than it will actually be. The point is to enjoy the evening, not protect the work I put into the calendar.
That still leaves room for choosing dinner. Leaving the circuit does not mean I care less about Formula 1. Staying does not mean I suddenly care less about restaurants. It means that on this particular day, with these particular choices, one experience mattered more.
If I am sharing the evening with someone, their expectations matter too. I would want that conversation before we reach the point of choosing. An itinerary is easier to change when everyone understands what was firm, what was hopeful, and what might depend on the race.
Leave Something of the City Unscheduled
I like researching trips. I like finding the place that makes the planning feel worthwhile. But I also want time to walk, look around, and follow an interesting street without checking whether I am now behind.
My Barcelona travel guide covers more of the city beyond the circuit. A race weekend can lead into that wider trip, but it needs some room to happen. Booking every lunch and evening in advance would leave very little space for the discoveries I enjoy most.
There should still be time to see the city that brought the whole trip together.
That is the balance I want from Formula 1 travel: enough planning to protect the race and the meals that matter, with enough freedom to enjoy the place around them. The reward for doing the work beforehand should be less clock-watching once I am there.
The weekend can still get a little out of control. If it does, I want to know the difference between a bad plan and a moment worth changing a good plan for.
I used to think choosing Formula 1 grandstand seats was mostly about finding a section with a good view of the track. Then I started attending races.
My first Formula 1 trip was the Canadian Grand Prix, where wet weather made covered seating and access to an indoor hospitality dining area much more valuable than I understood when the weekend started. At Interlagos, I got soaked and learned how quickly São Paulo weather can change. In Barcelona, I learned the opposite lesson when my seats spent race day directly in the sun.
All three were great Formula 1 experiences. I would happily go back to every one of them. But they changed the questions I ask before spending money: Can I see the racing and a screen? Will I be comfortable for hours? How difficult is the walk? What happens when I want food, shelter or a ride back to the hotel?
Most importantly, after spending an entire Formula 1 weekend there, would I pay for that seat again?
This guide is based on what I learned in Canada, Brazil and Spain. There is no single perfect grandstand at every circuit. The right choice depends on what you want to watch, how you like to spend the day and what you want to do with the rest of the trip.
1. A Great View Is Only the Beginning
The first thing most of us look at is the circuit map. That makes sense. If I am paying for Grand Prix seating, I want to see something worthwhile. But I have learned that the words “good view” can mean very different things. A seat might give you a perfect look at one corner but almost nothing else. Another grandstand might sit farther away from the action but allow you to see several parts of the circuit. I increasingly prefer the second type.
I want to be able to follow cars for more than a few seconds. Elevation matters too. Being higher in a grandstand can sometimes open up an entirely different view of the circuit. You may be able to see over barriers, fencing and the people in front of you while also following cars through multiple corners. That does not mean higher is always better. If you are too far away, you can lose some of the feeling of speed and proximity that makes seeing Formula 1 in person so impressive.
The goal is balance. When I look at Formula 1 grandstand seats now, I am asking what I can actually watch from that location, not simply whether the grandstand appears close to the track on a map.
2. At Interlagos, I Learned to Respect the Weather
My first São Paulo Grand Prix taught me something very quickly: A roof can be worth a lot. São Paulo weather can be strange. It does not rain every Grand Prix weekend, and I would never tell someone that rain is guaranteed. But I have personally watched the weather go from looking completely fine to a serious downpour. At Interlagos, I got soaked. And I mean soaked. Some of my favorite Formula 1 memories came out of that experience.
I was in Sector G, surrounded by fans, drinking beer and canned Jack and Coke, talking with people I had never met before and trying to find whatever shelter was available. People made room for me when the rain came down. That weekend became part of why I fell in love with the atmosphere at Interlagos. But it also taught me something practical. If I am choosing Interlagos grandstands again, I am looking very seriously at whether the section is covered.
Getting caught in the rain once can become a great story. Spending an entire weekend wet because I ignored the possibility is something different. That is the type of lesson you do not always get from looking at a circuit map. Weather protection is now one of the first things I consider when comparing Formula 1 grandstand seats. I wrote more about what Interlagos means to me in Why I Love Formula 1: Racing, Travel & Belonging.
What changed between my Interlagos visits
In 2024, Sector G meant uncovered cement seating and the kind of rain that makes you rethink your packing. In 2025, I sat in Sector N: covered metal stadium seating, a view toward the Senna S and back straight, and a nearby television screen. Those are descriptions of my visits, not a guarantee that every row or future ticket offers the same sightline or weather protection.
I still value the energy in G. N helped me appreciate what a different seat and a roof can do for the same race weekend. For my upcoming 2026 visit, I have chosen R, but I have not experienced that section yet. I will judge it after I have actually sat there.
The view across Interlagos during my 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix weekend.
A spectator’s view toward the Senna S at Interlagos.
3. Canada Taught Me That Shelter Can Change the Weekend
My first Formula 1 trip was the Canadian Grand Prix. That weekend gave me an early lesson about weather and why experienced racegoers sometimes choose tickets very differently from first-time fans. Montréal can be wet and unpredictable during Grand Prix weekend, and I learned that the hard way. The difference was that I was traveling with people who had been there before. They knew what to expect. They had already secured covered ticketed seating along with access to a hospitality dining area.
The dining area did not have a track view, so this was not the same thing as sitting in a luxury suite overlooking the circuit. But that was not really the point. It gave us somewhere covered to get out of the weather, sit down, eat and reset during a long day at the track. That experience taught me something I still think about now. Formula 1 hospitality does not always have to be about the best view or the most exclusive access. Sometimes the value is much simpler.
A dry place to sit. A proper meal. Somewhere to warm up. Somewhere to get out of the rain. And then you go back to your seat when the track action starts again. I did not fully appreciate how valuable that was until the weather turned. Now, when I compare Formula 1 grandstand seats, I also want to know whether the ticket gives me somewhere to escape bad conditions. A covered grandstand helps. Access to an indoor dining or hospitality area can help even more.
That Canadian Grand Prix experience taught me that the best Formula 1 tickets are not always just about what you can see from your seat. Sometimes they are about how well the entire day works around it.
4. Barcelona Taught Me to Think About the Sun
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya gave me the opposite lesson. Instead of worrying about rain, I spent race day sitting directly in the sun. That matters more than it sounds. A Formula 1 race is not a two-hour event when you are attending in person. You are at the circuit long before the race begins. There may be support races, driver parades, track activity and plenty of time simply sitting in the grandstand. Then the race starts.
If your seat is exposed to direct sun for most of that time, you feel it. I still enjoyed the weekend. The Barcelona Grand Prix grandstands gave me a good view, and I loved being at the circuit. But now, when I look at Formula 1 grandstand seats, I also think about where the sun is going to be. Is the grandstand covered? Will part of it be shaded? What direction does it face? Will I be sitting in direct sunlight for hours?
Those questions are not as exciting as asking whether you can see an overtake. They become much more important around hour four.
5. I Want a Screen I Can Actually See
This has become one of my biggest F1 seating tips. Formula 1 is difficult to follow when you can only see one small part of the circuit. At home, television gives you timing screens, replays, radio messages and cameras covering the entire track. At the circuit, cars disappear from your view. That is why I want a large screen somewhere I can comfortably see from my seat. I do not want to spend the race trying to understand why everyone around me suddenly started cheering.
A good screen lets me follow the battle happening somewhere else on the circuit, see replays of incidents and understand what is actually happening strategically. For me, a slightly less spectacular track view with a clear screen can be better than a supposedly premium view where I cannot follow the race. For me, the best Formula 1 grandstand seats combine a worthwhile track view with a screen I can actually follow. When researching Grand Prix tickets, I now look at photographs and videos taken from the actual grandstand.
I want to see the screen from approximately where I might sit. Circuit maps do not always tell that story.
6. Not Every Fast Section Is a Great Place to Watch
Seeing a Formula 1 car at full speed is incredible. The speed does not fully translate through television. But there is a difference between seeing that speed and watching a race develop. If cars simply blast past your grandstand in a straight line, the first few laps can be spectacular. After that, you may start wishing you could see more. Braking zones tend to interest me more.
Corners where drivers can attack, defend, make mistakes or attempt an overtake give you a reason to keep watching that part of the track. A technical sequence can also be interesting because you can see differences in how drivers approach the same corners. That is why I look beyond the grandstand name. I want to know what actually happens there. A cheaper grandstand overlooking an interesting braking zone may give me a better weekend than a more expensive seat beside a section where very little happens.
That is another reason I do not assume the most expensive seats are automatically the best Formula 1 grandstands.
The Barcelona circuit main straight, pit building and garages viewed across the safety fence from a grandstand.
The safety fence is part of the view from the stands.
7. Access to the Grandstand Matters More Than I Expected
This is one of those things that becomes obvious after attending several races. Getting to the circuit is only part of the journey. You still have to get to your actual section. At some tracks, that can involve a lot of walking. In Barcelona, I walked more than twelve miles on each of my race days between getting to the circuit and moving around once I was there. I do not mind walking. I actually enjoy exploring a circuit. But I still want to know what I am getting into.
How far is the entrance from the grandstand? Are there steep hills? How crowded does that route become after qualifying or the race? Where are the bathrooms? Where can I get food or a drink? Is there somewhere nearby to get out of the sun or rain? These are not glamorous questions. They can make a major difference in how much you enjoy three days at a circuit. A Formula 1 race weekend is already long.
I do not need to make it unnecessarily harder because I picked a grandstand without understanding where it actually is. That is why researching Formula 1 grandstand seats has become about much more than the view.
Queues and the ride home belong in the decision
At Interlagos in 2024, I waited roughly 20 minutes when I arrived around 10 a.m. on Saturday. With my Sector N entry in 2025, arriving around 9:30–10 a.m. on Friday and Saturday meant only a few people ahead of me; Sunday’s line also moved quickly. N had its own entry and separate concessions and facilities. That was my experience on those days, not a forecast for your queue.
Leaving deserves just as much thought. São Paulo traffic was bumper-to-bumper after the race in 2025. I personally prefer a professional driver and air-conditioning to a crowded train, but a car does not make the traffic disappear. I want to understand the walk to the pickup point, where a driver can actually meet me and how much flexibility I need before dinner.
The seat matters. So does the ride home.
8. How Much of the Circuit Can You Actually Explore?
Barcelona taught me to look at something else when choosing Formula 1 grandstand seats: how much freedom the ticket gives me once I am inside the circuit. Barcelona was great for this. I was able to walk around much of the circuit and experience the weekend from places beyond my own grandstand. I still had my assigned seat, but I did not feel like I was confined to one small part of the track all day. That made the entire weekend better.
I could walk, explore different areas, see the circuit from different perspectives and then return to my seat when I wanted to. Interlagos has been much more restrictive in my experience. Your ticket determines the sector you can access, and you generally remain within that section of the circuit. I love Sector G and the atmosphere there, but the experience is different when you cannot simply decide to walk around the entire track and see what another section looks like.
That is something I would now research before buying Formula 1 tickets at a circuit I have never visited. Can I move around the circuit, or does my ticket effectively keep me in one zone all weekend? There was another part of Barcelona that I really appreciated: I was able to leave the circuit and come back in. That gave me more options during a long race day. Outside the circuit, there was a grill serving chicken, pork, other meats and additional food, along with a full bar and sangria.
Being able to step outside, get something substantial to eat and have a drink, then return to the circuit made the day feel much less restrictive. It was not hospitality. It did not need to be. It was simply a good place to sit down, eat some grilled food, have a sangria and take a break before going back inside. Those details matter to me now. When I compare Formula 1 grandstand seats, I am no longer looking only at what happens when I am physically sitting in the seat.
I want to know what the entire day looks like around it. Can I explore? Can I leave and return? What food is available nearby? Is there somewhere to sit away from the grandstand? Can I get a proper meal rather than spending three days eating whatever happens to be closest to my section? Barcelona gave me much more freedom in that respect.
Interlagos gives me an atmosphere I absolutely love, but the sector-based access means I have to think more carefully about which grandstand I choose because that section becomes a much larger part of my entire weekend. The freedom that comes with Formula 1 grandstand seats can vary dramatically from one circuit to another. That is another reason the cheapest or most expensive ticket does not automatically tell you which one is best.
Check the rule for your actual ticket: My Barcelona re-entry and freedom to explore describe what I experienced on that visit. Do not assume that another event, package or year has the same policy. Confirm permitted areas, any scan-out procedure and same-day re-entry with the circuit before leaving. Start with the official Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya website and the terms supplied with your booking.
9. Grandstands Are Not a Compromise for Me
I have done hospitality and paddock experiences. I enjoy them. The access can be incredible. The food and drinks are generally better. Having somewhere comfortable to sit, cool down and get away from the crowds has obvious value. I would happily do those experiences again. But lately, I have become much more selective about whether the upgrade makes sense.
If spending thousands more on hospitality means giving up several great dinners, a better hotel, extra days in the city or another trip altogether, I have to think about what I value more. And I genuinely enjoy the grandstands. There is something different about being surrounded by thousands of fans reacting to the race together. Different teams. Different drivers. Different countries. Same sport. When an overtake happens, someone crashes, the weather suddenly changes or a favorite driver comes past, the reaction around you becomes part of the experience.
That is difficult to reproduce in a lounge. I no longer look at Formula 1 grandstand seats as the option you choose when you do not buy hospitality. Sometimes they are exactly where I want to be.
Separate the grandstand ticket from the extras
My 2025 São Paulo F1 Experiences Thursday event is a good example. There was food and drink at trucks and stands, a lap of the circuit on a truck and a trophy-photo opportunity. Kym Illman took my trophy photo, which was a highlight for me as a fan of his work. I enjoyed that evening, but I do not need to repeat every extra every year.
Those were my 2025 inclusions. A standard grandstand ticket should not be assumed to include them, and neither should a differently named package. When comparing official F1 Experiences São Paulo packages, read the exact days, seating, activities, food and drink, and transfer details for the option you are buying. A pit-lane walk, track tour, paddock tour and hospitality access are different things.
10. The Question I Ask Now: Would I Sit There Again?
The question I want to answer after every race is straightforward: would I spend my own money to sit there again? A grandstand’s price, reputation or popularity on social media cannot answer that for me.
I think about the track view, the screen, weather protection, the crowd, walking, bathrooms and food. I think about how easy it was to get in and out, where I was allowed to explore and whether there was somewhere to escape bad weather. Then I ask whether the racing I could see justified the price.
Canada taught me how much I value covered seating and somewhere indoors to reset. Interlagos taught me to take rain seriously and showed me how much the crowd can become part of the weekend. Barcelona taught me to think about the sun, but also how much I enjoy exploring a circuit and having options outside my assigned seat.
All three made choosing Formula 1 grandstand seats more complicated than looking at a circuit map, and much more personal. That is the kind of useful detail I want to keep adding to RJVIPGP after every race I attend.
How I Would Choose Formula 1 Grandstand Seats Today
If I were buying tickets for a new circuit tomorrow, I would start with the part of the track I want to see. Then I would research the actual grandstand rather than relying on a map or a premium-sounding name.
Look at the real view. Find recent spectator photographs and videos from the section and, where possible, the row. Notice fencing, support posts, distance and how long the cars stay in sight.
Find the screen. Check its angle and readability from your likely seat. Nearby is not always the same as usable.
Plan for the conditions. Research the direction of the sun, roof coverage and rain exposure. Comfortable shoes and appropriate layers matter over a long weekend.
Understand the seat. Confirm reserved or unreserved allocation, the seating surface, stairs and any accessibility arrangements you need directly with the organizer.
Map the whole day. Locate your entrance, food, bathrooms, shelter, transport stop and pickup area. Ask whether your ticket permits other sectors or same-day re-entry.
Read the inclusions. Check the exact dates and what is separately ticketed. Do not assume Thursday activities, a track walk, hospitality or transfers come with a grandstand seat.
Compare the total trip. Decide what an upgrade would add and what else that money could pay for: a hotel you prefer, several dinners, more days in the city or another trip.
The most expensive Formula 1 tickets will sometimes make sense for me, and sometimes they will not. The same applies to hotels and restaurants. A famous name or a higher price does not automatically make something the right choice for the trip.
If you are planning your first Grand Prix, spend a little more time researching the seat than you think you need to. You will spend a lot of hours in it. Make sure it is somewhere you actually want to be.
Plan the Rest of Your Formula 1 Trip
A good race seat is one part of a weekend I want to enjoy. The hotel, transport and time for the city’s restaurants matter too. These guides explain how I put those pieces together.
Have a grandstand you would book again, or one you would avoid next time? Send me a message on Instagram. I am always interested in what made the difference: the racing, the crowd, the shelter or something nobody mentioned before you arrived.
Formula 1 luxury travel started with an interest in racing and turned into a reason to explore whole cities. Working at Ferrari got me interested in Formula 1. Traveling for races turned that interest into something much bigger. Now, booking a Grand Prix means a lot more than choosing a flight and buying a ticket. I am researching restaurants, comparing hotels, figuring out which cocktail bars I can fit in, and deciding how many extra days I can justify taking off work. Usually, I can justify a few.
Formula 1 luxury travel brings together most of the things I enjoy: racing, food, cocktails, hotels, and getting to know a city well enough that I want to come back.
The race still matters. I care who wins. But when I look back on these trips, I remember much more than what happened on Sunday. I remember the meal I am still talking about months later. The bartender who took the time to explain a drink. The hotel that became part of the experience. The people sitting around me at the circuit.
I collect watches, sneakers, T-shirts, and hats. I still enjoy all of them. But experiences have become my favorite thing to collect. The way I think about spending money has changed because of that. I still buy things, but now I find myself asking how much I want something compared with another trip, another dinner, or another few days somewhere I love. Travel has become a much bigger part of what I work for and what I look forward to.
I also have a full-time job and a limited amount of time away from it. When I take a race trip, I want those days to count. That means thinking about where the money goes, what is actually worth paying for, and how much I can realistically fit into a week without turning a vacation into another job.
Formula 1 gives me the reason to book the trip. Everything around it is what turns that trip into something I remember.
If you want to understand where that really started for me, read The Trip That Changed Everything. My first São Paulo Grand Prix ended up changing much more than where I wanted to watch Formula 1.
1. It Gives Me a Reason to Go Somewhere—and Go Back
São Paulo helped renew my love of gastronomy. The city introduced me to restaurants that are now among my favorites anywhere in the world, and it quickly became somewhere I wanted to keep returning to. I have written much more about the city in my São Paulo restaurant guide and my São Paulo destination coverage.
Barcelona taught me something different. It made me think more about the history behind the food and wine I was enjoying. You can sit down to dinner and have hundreds of years of tradition behind what ends up on the table. Then you walk outside and find yourself surrounded by buildings and neighborhoods that existed centuries before the United States was even a country. That puts things in perspective.
I have always appreciated a great meal and a good glass of wine. Barcelona made me appreciate how much more there can be behind both—the people, the traditions, the history, and the culture that helped create them.
That is one of the biggest reasons I like returning to places instead of treating every trip as a checklist. The second visit is different. There is less pressure to see everything. I can go back to a restaurant I already love, try somewhere new, spend more time in a neighborhood that interested me the first time, or simply leave part of the day open. Having favorites gives me a starting point without making me feel like I have finished exploring the city.
I already have restaurants and places I am excited to return to, but I do not feel remotely finished with the city. Every trip becomes a decision between going back to somewhere I already know I love and making room for somewhere new.
It is a good problem to have. My restaurant list just has very little respect for the number of days I actually have available.
That is what Formula 1 luxury travel has become for me. The race gets me to the city, but everything I discover around it gives me a reason to return.
2. The Food Can Be as Memorable as the Race
At Evvai, the food is only part of the experience. The illustrated course cards helped connect each dish to the story behind it.
A course at Mont Bar, one of the Barcelona reservations I made room for.
Pasta at Nelita’s dining counter.
I take restaurant reservations seriously. Anyone who has traveled with me—or looked at one of my itineraries—can probably figure that out.
In Barcelona, Mont Bar became one of my favorite meals anywhere, while Disfrutar was a completely different kind of experience. I would not really compare the two directly. Mont Bar felt more relaxed, intimate and personal. Disfrutar was more theatrical, technical and built around a much longer progression of courses. Both stood out for very different reasons.
In São Paulo, Evvai remains my favorite restaurant in the world. D.O.M., Tuju, A Casa do Porco and Tan Tan have all been part of the reason I keep wanting to explore more of the city’s food. These meals become things I look forward to for months.
A meal that changes your mind
I want to see what a chef is doing, try ingredients I might never order on my own, and understand why a dish works. Sometimes the kitchen puts something in front of me that I would have skipped on a menu, and it ends up being one of the best things I eat all trip.
Evvai managed that with its take on feijoada. I do not generally like beans, yet I loved that dish. That is a pretty convincing argument for occasionally letting someone who knows what they are doing choose dinner.
The explanation matters, too. Evvai’s pop-art course cards gave me something to connect with as the dishes arrived and something to take home afterward. I enjoy knowing what inspired a preparation and why the ingredients belong together. It makes me pay closer attention to what I am eating.
Mont Bar also showed me how much the people and the room contribute to dinner. The team took time to talk with us, the music helped give the place personality, and the service felt comfortable. It was ambitious food without the experience ever feeling stiff.
Returning favorites and the next reservation
For my upcoming November 2026 trip to São Paulo, I am planning a little of both: returning to places I already know I love and making room for somewhere new. I am going back to Evvai and Tan Tan, and I want to try Goya Zushi and Jacó.
If I can make the timing work, I also want to get back to A Casa do Porco. That may even end up being lunch before my flight home, which would be a pretty good way to finish the trip.
I also plan to spend another evening at Rosewood São Paulo, even though I am staying elsewhere for this trip. Taraz and Rabo di Galo are both places I enjoyed enough to want to return to, and Rosewood has become one of those hotels where I am happy to spend an evening even when I am not staying there.
I may also make my way back to Palácio Tangará during Grand Prix week.
On my previous visits during Grand Prix week, the security presence at Palácio Tangará was noticeable. Race-week access is something I would confirm with the hotel before making plans. If I book dinner there, I will confirm the reservation, arrival instructions and any restrictions directly. A restaurant reservation should never be treated as a promise of access to teams, drivers or private areas.
That gives me another excuse to go back, have dinner or a drink, enjoy the hotel, and take in some of the atmosphere surrounding race week.
The race is obviously the center of the trip, but Formula 1 spills into the hotels, restaurants, bars, and the rest of the city. You start noticing teams, sponsors, and fans everywhere, and places that are already interesting take on a completely different energy for the week.
A famous restaurant name may get me researching, but the full experience is what makes me want another reservation: the cooking, the drinks, the room, the people, and the feeling of being somewhere I know I will think about again after I get home.
For me, food is a major part of Formula 1 luxury travel. A Grand Prix weekend might start with the race schedule, but some of the restaurant reservations become experiences I anticipate just as much.
3. The Hotel Has to Earn Its Place in the Trip
Sir Victor was my base in Barcelona during the Grand Prix trip.
Hotel Unique remains my overall São Paulo Grand Prix hotel pick, with the rooftop and race-week atmosphere playing a big part in that choice.
W São Paulo: I have visited the bar; the full hotel stay is planned for November 2026.
I enjoy a great hotel, but I also want it to make sense for the trip I am actually taking. São Paulo is a good example because I have stayed at several of the city’s top hotels, and they each offer something different.
For a Formula 1 weekend, Hotel Unique is still my best overall pick. It has the atmosphere, the rooftop, the crowd, and the energy that fit the São Paulo Grand Prix weekend especially well.
I have also been looking at Posh Club Grand Prix parties for my November 2026 trip. Before building an evening around one, I would check the organizer’s current venue, dates, ticket requirements and hotel access rules before booking.
A future stay is not a finished review
For my upcoming November 2026 trip, though, I decided to stay at W São Paulo. Part of the reason is the rooftop.
I like having somewhere at the hotel where I can come back after a long day, have a drink, and still feel like the night is not over. But I also want to experience the W as a complete hotel and get to know it better.
I have spent enough time comparing São Paulo hotels that sometimes the only real way to understand one is to stay there and see how it fits into the trip.
That does not mean I think the W is the most luxurious hotel in São Paulo. If we are talking about pure luxury, Rosewood São Paulo is on another level. The rooms, design, and overall experience make it one of the most impressive hotels I have stayed at in the city.
Palácio Tangará belongs in that conversation as well. It offers a very different kind of luxury—quieter, more traditional, and removed from some of the energy of the city center.
And then there is Emiliano, which is still on my list. I have not stayed there yet, so I am not going to pretend I can rank it against hotels I have actually experienced. But based on its reputation and location, it is one I want to get to know for myself.
The most luxurious hotel is not automatically the best hotel for every trip.
That is especially true with Formula 1 luxury travel, where the right hotel can become part of the race-week experience rather than simply somewhere to sleep.
A beautiful room matters. So do the service, the crowd, the bars, the location, and what happens when I come back at the end of the night. That is what I am really paying for.
4. There Is Usually a Cocktail Worth Finding
A few liters of water, a couple of drinks and some time on the rooftop became part of my Barcelona routine.
The rooftop at Sir Victor became my go-to place after long days exploring Barcelona.
Sometimes the right cocktail stop is simply the hotel bar—somewhere to sit down, have a drink and relax after a long day.
My research rarely ends with the restaurant. Cocktail bars become part of the trip too, but I do not choose every bar because it appears on a World’s 50 Best list or because someone considers it a temple of mixology. Sometimes I want that experience. Sometimes I just want a good drink and somewhere comfortable to sit down.
In São Paulo, Tan Tan is one of the places I keep going back to. I like that it works as both a restaurant and a serious cocktail bar. The Tsukemono I enjoyed was a good example: tequila, wasabi, cucumber and orange bitters may not sound like an obvious combination, but it worked for me. That is a memory of the drink I had, rather than a promise about the current menu.
The Liquor Store gave me something completely different. On my visit, it felt like a very small, intimate bar, and that changed the experience. The bartenders can spend more time talking with you, figuring out what you actually like, and adjusting drinks around your preferences.
That is one of the things I appreciate most about a great cocktail bar. The drink matters, but so does the person making it.
Destination bars and the hotel rooftop
Paradiso in Barcelona was another kind of experience. The creativity, presentation, and atmosphere make the bar a destination in itself. It is the type of place I specifically plan around because I want to see what they are doing.
But not every memorable drink needs that kind of production.
While staying at Sir Victor in Barcelona, the rooftop became my go-to after a long day exploring the city. After walking all day, a few liters of water and a couple of drinks up there became part of the routine. It was not about chasing another famous cocktail bar or checking another place off a list. Sometimes I just wanted somewhere comfortable to sit, cool down, look out over Barcelona, and relax before deciding what came next.
I found the same thing in São Paulo. After spending an entire day at Interlagos, sometimes the last thing I want to do is immediately rush somewhere else.
The bar at the InterContinental São Paulo became a good place to sit down, have a drink, and relax for a while before getting ready for dinner. I have used the W São Paulo the same way. Sometimes a hotel bar is exactly what I need after a race day: somewhere comfortable, a good cocktail, and an hour when I do not have to be anywhere.
Then there are places like Overstory in New York, where the setting becomes part of the experience. You are there for the cocktails, but being high above Manhattan with that view turns a drink into something bigger.
I do not need every cocktail bar to have an award, a complicated concept, or a place on a global ranking.
I also have to be realistic about how much I try to fit into one night. A cocktail before dinner, a long wine pairing, and several bars afterward can sound like a great plan when I am sitting at home building the itinerary. Then I remember there is usually another full day waiting for me.
At this point, I would rather give one or two places enough time to enjoy them than spend the entire night watching the clock and rushing to the next reservation.
The problem is that the list never gets shorter. There are only so many dinners, cocktails, and evenings in one trip, and somehow I always find more places than I have time for.
5. I Want to See More Than the Circuit
If I am taking time off work and flying to another country, I want time to experience the place beyond the race. That means leaving room for neighborhoods, architecture, museums, food, and sometimes just walking around without every hour assigned to something.
Barcelona made that especially clear to me. There is so much history built into the city that even a normal walk can become part of the experience. Gaudí’s architecture, the Gothic Quarter, the old streets, the cafés, and the markets all gave me reasons to keep exploring beyond the race itself.
São Paulo has been different, but just as interesting. I love the street art at Beco do Batman. I have spent time exploring Ibirapuera Park, one of the city’s major cultural and green spaces, and I have visited the Ayrton Senna memorial there. Ibirapuera is the kind of place where you can spend hours walking and still feel like you have only seen part of it.
The places still on my list
There are still parts of São Paulo I want to experience more deeply. One of them is Liberdade, the neighborhood most closely associated with São Paulo’s Japanese community. I especially want to experience it on a weekend, when the streets are busier and the neighborhood has more of that festival and street-market atmosphere.
Another experience on my wish list is a Sunday morning exploring the car scene around Avenida Europa. Classic cars, Ferraris, Porsches and other exotics are very much my kind of Sunday morning.
Of course, there is one problem. During Grand Prix weekend, Sunday morning is not going to happen. I will be at Interlagos.
Every trip gives me another list of places I want to return to and things I still have not managed to fit in.
Give yourself time to enjoy the city
Race days themselves can take more out of you than the itinerary suggests. In Barcelona, I walked more than twelve miles on each of those days, including getting to the circuit and exploring once I was inside. I loved it, but that is a substantial day before dinner even enters the conversation.
So when I say to allow extra days, part of the reason is simply having enough energy to enjoy where you are. I do not want to fly to another country, spend every day at the circuit, eat dinner, go back to the hotel, and then head to the airport. That would feel like I attended a race in another country without really experiencing the country.
I want time to stop for a coffee, walk into a shop, take a longer route because something caught my attention, or change the plan because someone gave me a recommendation that sounds better than what I had scheduled.
But I also know there is a point where too much planning can start working against the trip. If every hour is assigned to something, then a spontaneous drink, an unexpected conversation, a neighborhood you want to keep exploring, or a restaurant you did not know about suddenly becomes a problem.
The best version of these trips, for me, has both: enough planning that I do not miss the experiences I really care about, and enough open time that I can actually enjoy being somewhere new.
To me, Formula 1 luxury travel should include enough time to experience the destination, not just the circuit.
6. The Research Starts Long Before the Flight
I spend a ridiculous amount of time planning these trips. And I mean hours. Possibly days.
I search social media, read food blogs and travel sites, look through restaurant and bar accounts, ask chefs and bartenders for recommendations, and talk to other travelers about what they loved, what they would skip, and what they would actually do again.
I also go through Reddit travel boards and local discussions, then use ChatGPT to keep researching the city’s restaurant, hotel, cocktail, and Formula 1 scenes from different angles.
I want enough different sources and opinions that, by the time I start booking, I am not relying on one list or one person’s idea of what is worth doing. For dates, reservations, admission rules and package inclusions, I check the current information with the venue or official organizer.
By the time I leave, I usually have a pretty good idea of what I want to do, what has to be booked in advance, and what can stay flexible.
Build around the hardest bookings
Restaurant reservations usually take the most attention. Some places open months ahead. Others release tables much closer to the date. Some require a credit card guarantee. Some disappear almost immediately. Wanting to eat somewhere and actually getting a reservation are two completely different things.
Then there is the circuit. Getting there, getting back, deciding how early I need to leave, and figuring out what is realistic afterward all matter. A race day that looks simple on paper can become a very long day once transportation, walking, crowds, and weather are added to it.
That is why I usually build the trip around the things that are hardest to move. The published race sessions are the starting point. A restaurant I really want may have only one reservation time available. A hotel event, party, or special experience may happen on one specific night.
Once those pieces are in place, I can work the other meals, bars, neighborhoods, and sightseeing around them.
The challenge is making those ideas work together. Every individual idea may sound easy enough on its own. Then I start putting everything on a map and matching it against race sessions, restaurant times, traffic, transportation, and how tired I am realistically going to be after a full day at the track.
Geography, time and the whole budget
Geography matters just as much as availability. Two reservations can both technically work and still make for a miserable evening if getting from one to the other takes too much time. I would rather spend that time enjoying where I am than sitting in traffic or watching the clock because I tried to force too much into one night.
My time on the trip has value too.
I also try to look at the full cost instead of convincing myself that every individual upgrade is reasonable. Flights, the hotel, race tickets, transportation, restaurants, drinks, shopping, and everything else all come out of the same budget.
Looking at each purchase separately makes it very easy to say, “It is only a little more.” Then you add everything together. That is when the trip becomes expensive very quickly.
The best itinerary protects the experiences I care about most while still leaving enough room to enjoy where I am.
For me, good planning is part of Formula 1 luxury travel. I do all of that research so that once I get there, I can spend less time worrying about what I should be doing next.
The goal is not to complete an itinerary. The goal is to enjoy the trip.
7. The People Make the Weekend
The view from the grandstands at Interlagos—and São Paulo’s unpredictable weather—changed how I think about choosing Formula 1 seats.
It doesn’t matter who you support. It matters that you love F1.
Even between sessions, I could spend hours taking this place in.
These were the seats I loved: a view of the track and a whole weekend of people to meet.
Sector G. Where my love for Formula 1 and São Paulo really began.
Setor G. A wristband from the weekend that changed how I saw Formula 1—and São Paulo.
Some of my strongest Formula 1 memories involve getting soaked in Sector G at Interlagos, drinking beer and canned Jack and Coke, and talking with people I had never met before. We were there for the same reason. Different teams. Different drivers. Different countries. Same sport.
When people made room for me under shelter from the rain, that small gesture stayed with me. We did not all speak the same language, but it did not matter much. Formula 1 already gave us something to talk about.
For someone who does not always find it easy to start a conversation, that shared interest makes a difference. I have written more about those connections in Why I Love Formula 1: Racing, Travel & Belonging.
Hospitality is a choice, not a requirement
I have also done hospitality and paddock experiences, and I enjoy them. In the experiences I tried, I appreciated the additional access. The added comfort, food and drinks were part of the appeal too. I would happily do those experiences again when they make sense for the trip.
But I have also become more realistic about what I want to spend on them.
If upgrading to hospitality means giving up a great hotel, several dinners, extra days in the city, or another trip entirely, then I have to decide what matters more. Sometimes the answer is hospitality. Sometimes it is not. And that does not make the grandstands feel like a compromise.
I genuinely enjoy being surrounded by fans who care about what is happening on the track as much as I do. When an overtake happens, someone crashes, the weather changes, or a favorite driver comes past, the reaction around you becomes part of the race. That atmosphere is hard to recreate anywhere else.
To me, that belongs in a conversation about luxury travel too. Luxury does not always mean being separated from everyone else.
Sometimes it is a beautiful hotel, an exceptional tasting menu, and a great cocktail. Sometimes it is standing in a packed grandstand in the rain with thousands of people losing their minds over what just happened on track. A great Formula 1 trip can have both.
That mix is one of the things I like most about Formula 1 luxury travel. Luxury can mean hospitality and five-star hotels, but it can also mean having the freedom to choose the experiences that matter most to me.
I want to enjoy the whole trip and make the budget work across all of it.
Hospitality is still on the wish list. But so is another great weekend in the grandstands.
If you want more of my thinking on experiencing the city beyond the race itself, I wrote about that in Formula 1 Beyond the Circuit.
The Race Gets Me There. The Whole Trip Brings Me Back.
Formula 1 has changed where I travel, how I plan, and what I want from a trip. I still look forward to race day. But I also look forward to the dinner reservation I made months earlier, going back to a bar I loved, spending time in a hotel that became part of the experience, and finding another reason to return to a city I thought I already knew.
That is also why I write about these trips. I want to give people more than a photograph of an expensive room, a beautiful plate, or a race ticket.
What made the experience memorable? Would I spend the money again? Would I stay there again? Would I make the reservation again? Where would I sit at the circuit, and would I choose those seats again?
What I would want to know before booking
That last question is something I have learned to take much more seriously.
At my first São Paulo Grand Prix, I learned the value of a covered grandstand. It does not rain every São Paulo Grand Prix, but São Paulo weather can be strange. You can go from looking at a sky without a cloud in it to standing in a downpour. I know that from experience.
Getting soaked at Interlagos gave me some great memories, but it also taught me that when I am choosing seats there again, having a roof over my head matters.
Barcelona taught me the opposite weather lesson. My grandstand seats there were directly in the sun during the race. After spending hours at the circuit, that makes a difference too.
Those experiences changed how I look at tickets. I am not only asking whether a grandstand has a good view of the track anymore.
Is it covered? Where will the sun be during the race? Can I see a screen? What section of the circuit am I actually watching? How easy is it to get in and out? And after experiencing it once, would I pay to sit there again?
Those details can matter just as much as the section number printed on the ticket. They are also exactly the kind of details I want to include when I write about these trips, because they are the things I wish I knew before buying the ticket myself.
If you are planning your first Grand Prix trip, give yourself time around the race if you can. Pick a few experiences you genuinely care about. Book the things that are hardest to replace, then leave some room to explore.
And when you buy the race ticket, do not just look at a circuit map and assume every grandstand experience is the same.
Your version of Formula 1 luxury travel should reflect what you actually enjoy. Mine usually involves a great hotel, too many restaurant reservations, a few good cocktails, a lot of walking, and plenty of time around people who love Formula 1 as much as I do.
It adds up. I am very aware of that.
But when I look back at the races, the cities, the meals, the hotels, the people I met—and even the lessons learned from getting soaked in Brazil or cooked by the sun in Barcelona—I usually come to the same conclusion.
Completely Unnecessary. Absolutely Worth It.
Planning your own Interlagos weekend? My São Paulo Grand Prix Travel Guide covers my experiences with grandstands, transport, rain, food at the circuit, and fitting dinner into a race weekend.
Follow my Instagram A Vision for the Future of Grand Prix Hospitality The Opportunity Over the past several years, I’ve traveled to Formula 1 destinations around the world—not simply to attend races, but to experience the cities that host them. Long before I purchase a race ticket, I’m researching restaurants, cocktail bars, hotels, neighborhoods, architecture, […]
Formula 1 live experience: Working at Ferrari got me interested in Formula 1. Traveling for races made it a much bigger part of my life. Now a Grand Prix gives me a reason to plan a trip, explore a city and spend a weekend around something I genuinely enjoy. The cars are the reason to […]
Formula 1 Grandstand Seats: At a Glance My priority: A worthwhile track view, a screen I can read and a seat I can enjoy for the whole day. For racing: I look for braking zones, corners and opportunities to watch a battle develop, rather than choosing a fast straight purely for its name. For comfort: […]
Sector G. Where my love for Formula 1 and São Paulo really began.
Setor G. A wristband from the weekend that changed how I saw Formula 1—and São Paulo.
A plastic poncho, a sky like this, and strangers who made me feel like family. This is where I fell in love with F1 and Brazil.
My São Paulo Grand Prix Experience Started in Sector G
My first real Formula 1 experience was in Sector G at Interlagos, getting poured on for hours in a plastic poncho.
I was drinking beer and canned Jack and Coke with people I had never met. First, we were trying to hide from the rain. Later, we were dancing together in muddy fields.
Half the people around me didn’t speak the same language I did. Somehow, we still found ways to connect.
What I remember most is how they made room for me. When we were sheltering under a tent or gazebo, people shifted over and squeezed together so I could get underneath with them. They didn’t know me, but they welcomed me like family.
The F1 fan experience became personal for me right there: people I had never met making room for me like I belonged
That weekend made me fall in love with Formula 1. It also made me fall in love with Brazil.
I appreciate comfortable seats, air conditioning, and a beautiful hospitality space. But when I think about why this sport means so much to me, I still think about that plastic poncho, the mud, and the strangers who made me feel I belonged.
Growing up in the United States with American parents, Formula 1 wasn’t something I heard much about at home. It wasn’t part of my world.
I had Arab and Italian friends growing up, and later Brazilian, Portuguese, Spanish, and South American friends. Some of their family members watched Formula 1 and talked about it. Looking back, I realize the sport was around me. I just wasn’t paying attention.
That changed when I went to work at a Ferrari dealership.
The training manuals and modules taught me about Ferrari’s history and heritage, including its connection to racing. Understanding the brand meant learning why all of this mattered so much to people.
Attending events was part of my job. I also attended races personally, outside my capacity as an employee. What began as something I needed to understand gradually became something I wanted to spend my own time learning about.
Now I get the questions. Friends call me about the current race, upcoming events, and things happening in Formula 1. I went from barely noticing the sport to being the person people associate with it.
The history pulled me in, too. The races, the parties, the personalities, the circuits, and the heritage behind the teams.
I hated history in school. Now I’ll voluntarily spend a night reading about it.
Apparently, I needed race cars involved.
Before working at Ferrari, I never really understood why someone would name their son Enzo.
Now I do.
I used to hate history. Now I stop for the cars, the stories and everything that came before.
The Formula 1 Community is Why I Keep Coming Back: You Don’t Have to Support the Same Driver to Belong
It doesn’t matter who you support. It matters that you love F1.
I’ve attended races in the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Spain. One thing that keeps standing out is how people treat each other.
I have never personally seen a fight at a race over which team someone supports. You hear about rivalries turning ugly in football, soccer, baseball, and basketball. My experience at Formula 1 has been people supporting different teams and still enjoying the weekend together.
I’m describing what I’ve experienced. It’s a big part of why I keep going back.
It doesn’t matter who you support. Being an F1 fan is enough.
Sometimes a conversation starts with, “Did you see Senna back in the day?” Suddenly, someone is sharing a race they’ll never forget, and you’re telling them about yours.
For me, a race is one of the few places where I meet people from across the world simply by sitting beside them or waiting in line. For someone who doesn’t always find it easy to strike up a conversation, that matters.
The connection is already there.
In the grandstands, you might have someone on one side whose net worth has more zeros than you can imagine, and someone on the other who saved for months and made real sacrifices to attend.
You might never know which is which.
For those three days, they’re discussing the same drivers, debating the same decisions, and jumping out of their seats for the same overtake. People whose lives might rarely intersect outside the circuit can spend an entire weekend bonding.
A person’s budget doesn’t tell you how much they love the sport.
Why I Love Formula 1: The People Are Part of the Experience
Barcelona, strangers helped each other through a chaotic exit. That part of the weekend stayed with me too.
In Spain, we got caught in the congestion of people trying to get onto the track while we were trying to leave. We ended up using a divider as a makeshift ladder to get over a fence.
It was chaotic. What stayed with me was how everyone helped each other get out.
In São Paulo, when I joined the crowd going onto the track, people around me made sure the little kids didn’t get crushed in the rush. Even in all that excitement, they were looking out for the children around them.
And the connections don’t end at the circuit.
On a flight back to Brazil, I made friends with a man about ten years older than me. He has three daughters and takes each of them individually to races. We talked for most of the flight.
That stayed with me. Each daughter gets her own trip with her dad, her own time with him, and memories they can share.
There we were, two people on a plane who found enough common ground through Formula 1to spend hours talking.
I feel that same connection at watch parties and car shows. We talk about the cars, the drivers, and the racing. People who might otherwise walk past each other suddenly have a reason to stop and talk.
Sometimes All It Takes Is a Pair of Ferrari Shoes
I don’t have to be at a circuit for Formula 1 to connect me with someone.
I own Ferrari, Red Bull, Mercedes, and McLaren gear, and I wear it a lot. I wear Ferrari Puma shoes to work every day.
People notice. A shirt, a logo, or a pair of shoes can start a conversation with someone I’ve never met.
It even helped me get invited to an invitation-only omakase experience. The person involved in arranging access had seen my Instagram and wanted to talk about Formula 1. That shared interest helped open the door.
That’s my world coming together: racing, food, and meeting people through something we both enjoy.
It doesn’t matter whether we support the same team. We already have something to talk about.
Even My NASCAR Customers Understand
I work at a Ford dealership in a very blue-collar area. A lot of my customers are big NASCAR and IndyCar fans. They love American cars and American racing, and they’re proud of it.
When I tell them I love Formula 1, they respect it. Would they rather get me watching more of the racing they follow? Absolutely.
But it gives us something to talk about. We can appreciate each other’s enthusiasm without having to choose the same favorite.
I understand their attachment to American racing. For me, the international side of Formula 1 is a huge part of the attraction.
I want to experience the world. I want to sit next to someone from another country, hear their story, and share a race weekend with them.
Formula 1 gives me a reason to do that.
One Driver, an Entire Team
The driver gets the spotlight. Look at how many people it takes to get that car ready.
A fast car is only one piece of the picture. This is a team sport.
What makes the racing exciting to me is how many people have to get things right.
The driver is an athlete competing against some of the best in the world, with someone in their ear helping them make decisions. Behind that driver are the mechanics, engineers, strategists, pit crew, and people back at the factory.
Then there’s everything happening with the car.
Tire temperature. Tire wear. Reliability. Setup. When to pit. When to push. When to hold something back.
The driver has to deliver while processing all of that. The team has to provide the equipment, information, and opportunities to make it possible.
Other sports depend on teamwork, too. What fascinates me about Formula 1 is how closely the human performance and engineering depend on each other.
One incorrectly secured wheel or one miscalculation can undo a weekend’s work.
A fast car can help win a race. A great driver can produce an extraordinary result. Winning a world championship takes a team delivering again and again across a season.
That’s why I have trouble with dismissing a driver’s success by saying, “They just have the best car.” Building, preparing, and extracting performance from that car is part of the competition.
The achievement belongs to more people than the person holding the trophy.
There is a whole team behind every lap.
Why I Relate to Max
I’m a Ferrari fan. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are my drivers. But I’ve also become a huge Max Verstappen fan.
I can be a no-nonsense person in business and in life. That’s part of what I relate to in the way Max comes across. He’s direct, fiercely competitive, and sometimes an asshole about it. I can appreciate that personality.
Obviously, I don’t know him personally. But he strikes me as someone I could spend a night bullshitting with over drinks—gin and tonics, or preferably tequila for me.
Then he could beat my drunk ass on a simulator over and over again.
I’d love a chance at something like Max versus 100 in karts, too. The aggressive New York–New Jersey driver in me would want to give him a fight for position. Realistically, I suspect he’d be disappearing into the distance while I was still figuring out the first corner.
But that’s part of being a fan: imagining what it would be like to share the thing you love with someone who does it at a level you can barely comprehend.
I support Ferrari, and I still stop to watch what’s happening at Red Bull. Also a Red Bull and Max Fan…. Simply Lovely
Number 44 in Ferrari red. A garage I couldn’t walk past without looking.
I Was There for Both Comebacks
I was at Interlagos in 2024 when Max won from 17th on the grid.
I was there again in 2025 when he started from the pit lane and finished third.
Two different races. Two extraordinary recovery drives. I got to witness both in person. Formula 1’s São Paulo recap
Those are the races I’ll tell my grandnephews about. I’ll be able to say, “I was there.”
And now I’m going back in 2026.
I don’t know what this year’s race will bring. That’s part of the excitement. But I know how much it means to return to the place where I fell in love with the sport and the country.
Why I Love Formula 1: You Can Be Moved by Someone Else’s Win
Lewis Hamilton, George Russell and Lando Norris on the podium at the 2026 Barcelona Grand Prix. Seeing Hamilton up there in Ferrari red is a moment I’ll carry with me.
Lewis Hamilton, George Russell and Lando Norris sharing the stage at the 2026 Barcelona Grand Prix. Three teams, three talented drivers, and a sport I love.
In Barcelona in June 2026, I teared up watching Lewis win his first Grand Prix in Ferrari red. I was there for a moment I’ll always associate with that trip. FIA’s Barcelona race report
Then Kimi Antonelli won at Monza from 19th on the grid, becoming the first Italian to win there in 60 years, since Ludovico Scarfiotti in 1966. He was just 20 years old. Formula 1’s Monza report, Reuters
Would I have preferred Ferrari to win? Of course. It hurt a little that this Italian victory at Monza wasn’t in a red car. I would have loved a Max win, too.
But Kimi’s moment still touched me.
I respect Mercedes and McLaren. Kimi, George Russell, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri are talented drivers. Recognizing the strength of their cars doesn’t stop me from appreciating what they contribute.
I’ve also personally watched Max and Lewis go over to congratulate a winner after a long race. When you’ve spent all that time fighting for a result, acknowledging the person who beat you means something.
There are rivalries, tempers, and disagreements. Of course there are. But I’ve seen respect alongside them.
I can want my drivers to win and still feel something when someone else achieves an extraordinary result.
Learning About the Greats
The more history I read, the more I appreciate the different qualities that make a great driver.
Michael Schumacher is a perfect example of what I mean about teamwork. Seven world championships tell you about his results. His relationship with Ferrari tells you about his leadership.
He spent time at the factory, worked closely with engineers, encouraged the people around him, and set an example through his preparation. Alongside the team’s leadership and technical staff, he helped build an extraordinary period of Ferrari success. Schumacher’s career
Ayrton Senna brings another dimension: intensity, commitment, and skill in difficult conditions. His second-place drive in the rain at Monaco in 1984, racing for the small Toleman team, showed his ability before he became a three-time world champion.
What stands out to me in his approach is the belief in his abilities and the relentless desire to improve. That’s my interpretation of what I’m learning about him: someone who took his talent seriously and kept asking how much further he could go. Senna’s career and approach
Niki Lauda returned to racing just six weeks after his near-fatal accident in 1976 and went on to win two more championships. Later, he helped bring Lewis Hamilton to Mercedes. His influence continued long after he stopped driving. Lauda’s life and career
Jackie Stewart won three world championships and used his position to fight for a safer sport. Looking after the people who race alongside you, and those who will come after you, is a legacy worth respecting. Stewart’s contribution
And remarkable comeback drives didn’t begin with the drivers I follow today. John Watson won from 22nd at Long Beach in 1983. Rubens Barrichello took his first F1 victory for Ferrari from 18th in Germany in 2000. Kimi Räikkönen won from 17th in Japan in 2005, taking the lead on the final lap. Formula 1’s historic comeback victories
I’m still learning these stories. That’s part of the enjoyment. Every one gives me another reason to appreciate what I’m watching now.
Why I Love Formula 1: I Found Athletes Whose Minds Interest Me
I never really idolized athletes growing up.
The people who caught my attention were people like Warren Buffett, Steve Jobs, and Bill Gates. I was interested in how they thought, what they built, and how they made decisions.
Formula 1 gave me athletes whose minds interested me as much as their physical abilities.
A driver has to process what the car is doing and explain it clearly enough for engineers to act on it, while competing at extraordinary speed. That combination of concentration, judgment, and communication fascinates me.
Then you learn about their lives outside the cockpit.
Charles Leclerc plays piano and composes music. He released Dreamers, a collaboration with pianist Sofiane Pamart. That’s another side of someone I already enjoy watching race. Charles’s music
Nico Rosberg turned down a place to study aeronautical engineering at Imperial College London to pursue racing. He also achieved the highest score recorded at the time on Williams’s engineering aptitude test. Rosberg’s background
You don’t need a university degree to be intelligent. What interests me is how many different abilities these people bring to their lives and their work.
What They Give Back Matters
These drivers live extraordinary lives. There’s money, luxury, travel, and access most people will never experience. I enjoy that side of Formula 1, too.
I also respect what they choose to give back.
Senna’s legacy includes his concern for opportunities for children in Brazil. The Instituto Ayrton Senna carries that forward through work supporting public education, educators, and young people’s development. His name continues to mean something beyond the races he won. Instituto Ayrton Senna
That’s something I admire about Lewis Hamilton, too. I can get emotional watching Lewis win in Ferrari red and also respect what he’s building outside racing.
Through Mission 44, the charity he founded, he supports efforts to help young people overcome barriers in education and employment. His own experiences helped shape that mission: creating opportunities for people who might otherwise be overlooked. Mission 44
Max has supported Wings for Life, which funds spinal cord injury research, including through charity memorabilia auctions. A helmet auction is one documented example of turning the demand for something connected to him into support for that work. Wings for Life
Sebastian Vettel has worked to expand opportunities for women in karting through Race 4 Women. Helping people find a way into the sport is a contribution I appreciate. Vettel’s work
Lando Norris, the reigning world champion, announced LN4 Fusion and a funded young-driver development programme in September 2026. The programme is intended to provide financial support, coaching, and guidance. Running a team is a business, but helping young talent overcome financial barriers is still worth recognizing. Reuters’ report
Lando has also spoken openly about his own mental-health struggles through Mind. That work predates his championship. I respect someone who lets people see that success and self-doubt can exist in the same person. Lando’s words for Mind
We don’t see every private act of generosity. I won’t pretend to know everything these drivers do away from the cameras. The work we can see gives me plenty to admire.
And the next generation is already developing. Kimi Räikkönen’s 11-year-old son, Robin, has signed with Red Bull’s driver development programme, with his involvement officially beginning in 2027. He’s still a kid in karting, with his own path ahead of him, but the possibility of watching another Räikkönen work toward Formula 1 is exciting. Formula 1’s announcement
Someday, my grandnephews might be telling me about the drivers they follow. I’ll have my own stories to share.
Ferrari Opened the Door. The Whole Sport’s Heritage Keeps Me Interested.
The more I learn, the more I appreciate the history beyond Ferrari.
Lotus deserves a place in that conversation. Colin Chapman’s team combined talented drivers with engineering ideas that changed the sport. Seven Constructors’ Championships demonstrate its success; its pioneering ground-effect work shows its influence. Drivers including Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Emerson Fittipaldi, and Mario Andretti became world champions in Lotus cars. Lotus’s heritage, Its engineering influence
McLaren began with Bruce McLaren establishing his own team in 1963. Decades later, people are still working, racing, and winning under his name. McLaren’s heritage
Some of today’s teams also have histories you wouldn’t guess from the name on the garage.
The modern Mercedes operation’s ownership lineage runs through Tyrrell, BAR, Honda, and Brawn GP. Brawn competed for one season in 2009 and won both championships before becoming Mercedes.
Today’s Aston Martin operation traces its roots through Jordan, Midland, Spyker, Force India, and Racing Point.
And here’s a connection I particularly appreciate working at a Ford dealership: Red Bull’s operation began as Ford-backed Stewart Grand Prix before becoming Jaguar Racing under Ford’s ownership. Red Bull took over and began racing under its own name in 2005. Formula 1’s team histories
Learning those connections changes how I look at the grid. Behind a team can be decades of ambition, difficult seasons, new owners, breakthroughs, and people determined to keep racing.
The same happens when I read about a circuit. Knowing what happened there gives the place meaning before I even arrive.
When Ferrari’s Cars Became a Gesture of Respect
Sometimes a team’s most memorable gesture has nothing to do with winning.
At Monza in September 2001, just five days after the attacks in the United States, Ferrari removed its sponsor logos and painted the noses of its cars black. Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello raced those cars as a tribute to the victims. The story of Ferrari’s tribute
An Italian team, at its home Grand Prix, made a visible gesture of mourning for people across the Atlantic.
That means something to me.
In a sport surrounded by advertising, prestige, and celebration, those cars expressed grief and respect. It’s another part of the history that helps me understand why people form such deep attachments to these teams.
I Love Hospitality. I’m Beginning to Prefer the Grandstands: Why I Love the Grandstand Experience
I’ve paid for paddock access and hospitality. I enjoy those experiences.
I like air conditioning. I like comfortable seats. Put me at a hot circuit for an entire weekend and I will absolutely appreciate somewhere cool to sit down.
I’ve also found that even the higher-end hospitality crowd, which can sometimes feel stuffy in other settings, loosens up around Formula 1. There’s a race to discuss, a driver to cheer for, or a strategy decision everyone has an opinion on.
That shared interest makes conversation easier.
But I’m beginning to prefer the grandstands.
I love being around the other fans. The conversations, the camaraderie, the shared excitement. I also get to experience something of the country through the people who call it home.
I can’t always afford tickets costing $10,000, $20,000, or $30,000. And the more races I attend, the more I realize that the grandstands give me something I actively want.
You don’t need a hospitality package to feel part of Formula 1. I’ve experienced that in Sector G at Interlagos and seen it among the fans watching from the grass in Barcelona.
There are different ways to experience a race at different budgets. Travel still takes planning, and affordability varies from person to person. But the most expensive ticket doesn’t buy you more passion.
I’ve experienced F1 travel on different budgets, and the most expensive ticket hasn’t always given me the best memories.
Even between sessions, I could spend hours taking this place in.
Half the experience is everything—and everyone—you find between sessions.
These were the seats I loved: a view of the track and a whole weekend of people to meet.
The people I went to Barcelona with were counting rows, working out where we should sit next time to get more shade.
I understood what they were doing. But my reaction was: fuck that, I loved our seats.
We were in the second row of the grandstand’s second level. There was only one row of people in front of us. I wanted a view of the track, a screen if possible, and a fun trip wrapped around the race.
I’ll sweat in the Spanish summer sun for that.
And I made the most of being there. I walked more than 12 miles on each of those days. There was roughly a two-mile walk to the circuit, and I spent hours walking around once I was inside.
When the cars weren’t running, I was exploring. Looking around the circuit, checking out different areas, and taking in the people and atmosphere.
I loved that part just as much.
What I particularly enjoyed in Barcelona was how much of the spectator grounds I could explore with my ticket. Compared with my experience in São Paulo, I had much more freedom to wander. That didn’t mean access to the paddock or every restricted area, but it gave me a lot to discover beyond my own seat.
For me, a race weekend includes all of that. I want to watch the racing, walk around, meet people, and experience the place.
The circuit, the crowd, the city. This is the view I keep coming back for.
Turning My Passion into Grand Prix Travel Planning: I Tried to Build a São Paulo Group Trip. It Didn’t Happen.
I’ve tried to turn this passion into something I can share with other people.
I put together a high-end São Paulo trip built around Formula 1. I wanted to bring a group there and show them the city, the food, the culture, and the people who made me fall in love with it.
I failed at that attempt, and I’m not going to pretend otherwise. But I’m not stopping. I still offer that trip and help planning it.
Along the way, I’ve been able to plan trips for people to Montreal, Texas, São Paulo, Barcelona, Monza, and a few other circuits. Even without bringing a whole group to Brazil, I’ve helped people experience the sport and the destinations around it.
Now I’m reworking and rebranding what I offer. My goal is eventually to help people travel to every race, with options across a much wider range of budgets.
Give me a $2,000 budget or a $200,000 budget, and I want to explore what’s possible. Those are very different trips. The race, departure point, flights, and number of travelers will determine what works.
I won’t promise every race fits every budget. I want to find the opportunities.
I know what a beautiful hotel and a hospitality suite can add to a weekend. I also know what it feels like to stand in Sector G in a plastic poncho and have the experience change your life.
I want to help other people find their version of that.
Spain Was Amazing. I Also Spent Way Too Much.
My personal goal is to return to São Paulo for the race every year and visit at least one other circuit.
Family, finances, and schedules will have a say. I won’t always be able to do everything I want. But I’ll do what I can.
This year, I had an amazing nine days in Spain. I ate at incredible restaurants, explored some great places, and experienced a race weekend I’ll never forget.
I also spent way too much money. If I put the total here, plenty of people would think I’d lost my mind.
The race tickets were less than €1,000. I spent more than that at the track on helmets and souvenirs alone.
That’s worth admitting in a conversation about Formula 1 travel. The race ticket wasn’t what sent my spending through the roof. My choices did.
The restaurants, shopping, and extras were things I wanted. They weren’t requirements for enjoying the race.
I spent enough that I nearly had to miss Brazil.
At one point, I was prepared to go to São Paulo and watch the race on television. I wanted my feet on the ground in a city I love, feeling the energy of race weekend, even if I couldn’t get to the circuit.
But I worked my ass off and made it happen. I’m going.
Live the Fuck Out of Life as You Can
If I want more race weekends, I can make different spending decisions—or find ways to make more money.
Honestly, I prefer the second option.
That’s how I’ve approached most of my life. I’ve worked my ass off, sometimes way too much. Now I want that work to fund something I love. Hopefully, I can build a way to earn a living through that passion, too.
Over the last five years, Formula 1, travel, and food have changed what I want.
I’m less interested in accumulating possessions, buying a bigger house, or owning more land. I want time in places I haven’t been. Meals I’ll remember. Race weekends with people I haven’t met yet.
You can’t take any of this with you. But while you’re here?
Live the fuck out of life as you can.
“As you can” matters. I have family responsibilities, bills, a job, and limits like everyone else. Some years will allow more than others. I want to make the most of the opportunities I do have, while working toward more.
Learning about Senna’s commitment and seeing Hamilton use his success to create opportunities makes me think about what I want to do with my own life.
I’m not comparing planning someone’s vacation to changing access to education. But I understand the desire to take something that matters to you and make it useful to someone else.
For me, that can start with helping someone experience a race, discover a country, or feel confident taking a trip they’ve been putting off.
And it starts with allowing myself to live, too.
Sometimes that means a beautiful hotel and an incredible dinner. Sometimes it means sweating in a grandstand, walking miles around a circuit, or dancing in the mud with people whose language I don’t speak.
I’ve felt completely alive doing all of those things.
I’m 44. My goal is to spend three to five weeks a year traveling internationally and grow that over time. Local exploring is something I can do on weekends. I want more opportunities to experience other countries and continents.
If I had work I could do from anywhere, I’d love to follow the calendar and attend every race. I’d even stay in hostels to make it happen.
Private room and private bathroom, of course. Let’s not get carried away.
I still prefer a nice hotel.
Eventually, I’d love a life where home is a small base: somewhere to keep my seasonal clothes, recharge for a weekend or a week, and prepare for the next trip.
I may have to keep working for the rest of my life. I hope I can make that work something I love, something that brings me closer to the experiences I want.
I don’t want to keep postponing them until some perfect future when I finally have enough money or enough free time.
Something Worth Carrying Forever
I don’t have any tattoos.
I could never think of something I wanted on my body forever. I don’t have children. I could definitely see myself getting a tattoo of the pets who have meant so much to me, but until now, I haven’t taken that step.
Now I want to start marking the places and experiences that have become part of my life.
Flags of countries I’ve visited. The outlines of circuits where I’ve attended races. Something I can look at and remember being there.
Maybe a 44, for Lewis Hamilton and the age when I really began to understand the man I’ve become. Maybe a 3, for Max and the relentless competitive mentality I relate to. Maybe Senna’s helmet or Schumacher’s.
I’m still deciding what those tattoos will look like. But for the first time, I have things I want to carry that way.
One Senna quote that speaks to me is:
“I have no idols. I admire work, dedication and competence.”
That wording appears in McLaren’s tribute to him. It puts into words something I’ve been trying to explain about the people I admire: the work, the ability, and the commitment behind their achievements. McLaren’s Senna tribute
His insistence on giving something your full effort resonates with me, too. I believe in my abilities. I also believe I can improve, and I intend to keep finding out how much further I can go.
About ten years ago, I took a step back in my career to build my property management and cleaning company.
That business has been doing well, and it no longer needs me to be as involved in the day-to-day work. That gives me a choice about where I put my time and energy next.
I could pursue the same kinds of positions I held before. I know what it takes to build a successful operation because I’ve done it.
Instead, I’m choosing to build my Formula 1, travel, and food blog into a career because I truly love it.
The results may take longer. The money may be less immediate. But I want to put my experience, intelligence, and drive into something I’m excited to keep building—something that brings together racing, travel, food, hospitality, and helping other people experience the world.
There will still be hard work. I’m comfortable with that. What’s different is how much I want to do this work and where I hope it will take me.
That’s why “Live the fuck out of life as you can” means so much to me. I’ve spent years building businesses and a career. Now I want to use what I’ve learned to build a life around the things I love.
A flag or a circuit outline would remind me of somewhere I actually went. People I met. A weekend I made happen. A moment when I felt fully present.
For years, I couldn’t think of anything I wanted on my body forever.
Now I’m building a life full of things I don’t want to forget.
Sometimes I wish I’d discovered this passion in my teens. Maybe I would have made different career decisions. Maybe my life would have taken a completely different direction.
But working at Ferrari helped bring me here. So did the people I met, the jobs I held, and the trips I eventually took.
The life I’ve lived made me the person who appreciates all of this today.
I wish I’d found it earlier. I don’t regret the life that led me to it.
Now I want to keep going for as long as I can. Another race. Another country. Another continent.
Maybe another planet.
Hopefully Elon gets Formula 1 to Mars before I die. It doesn’t even have to be cars. I’ll watch them race space shuttles.
Just give me a grandstand and some people who love it as much as I do.
And until then, I’ll keep trying to get back to São Paulo—to the place where strangers made room for me under a tent and helped turn an interest into a passion.
Our sport. Our passion. Our people.
Ponchos on. Nobody was done enjoying the weekend. Our sport. Our passion. Our people.
Follow my Instagram A Vision for the Future of Grand Prix Hospitality The Opportunity Over the past several years, I’ve traveled to Formula 1 destinations around the world—not simply to attend races, but to experience the cities that host them. Long before I purchase a race ticket, I’m researching restaurants, cocktail bars, hotels, neighborhoods, architecture, […]
How the 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix Made Me Fall in Love with Travel My São Paulo travel story For more than twenty years, my life revolved around one thing: the automotive business. Long hours. Endless weekends. Sales goals. Deliveries. Finance paperwork. It was a career I genuinely loved, but it didn’t leave much room […]
Formula 1 Luxury Travel at a Glance The race is the reason I book. The city is why I want to return. For me, the best Grand Prix trips combine the atmosphere at the circuit with memorable meals, a hotel that suits the weekend and enough time to explore. My firsthand perspective: São Paulo and […]
Over the past several years, I’ve traveled to Formula 1 destinations around the world—not simply to attend races, but to experience the cities that host them.
Long before I purchase a race ticket, I’m researching restaurants, cocktail bars, hotels, neighborhoods, architecture, museums, and local culture. Sometimes I know where I’ll have dinner months before I know where I’ll be sitting on race day.
Along the way, I realized something.
Formula 1 has become one of the world’s greatest reasons to travel.
But we’re still treating the destination as a backdrop rather than part of the experience.
Every Grand Prix introduces hundreds of thousands of people to cities they may never have otherwise visited. The racing is extraordinary, yet the opportunity to connect guests with the destination often begins and ends at the circuit gates.
I believe there’s an opportunity to expand what Formula 1 hospitality means—not by replacing what’s already exceptional, but by extending it beyond the track.
Formula 1 Isn’t Selling Three Days
The race brings us here. The experience should extend beyond the circuit.
This is where I think the article becomes more interesting.
People often describe Formula 1 as a weekend event.
I don’t think that’s true anymore.
When someone travels from New York to São Paulo, London to Singapore, or Sydney to Montréal, they’re not buying a three-day sporting event.
They’re planning an international vacation.
The race may be the reason they booked the flight, but it’s rarely the only reason they’re traveling.
For many guests, the Grand Prix is one chapter in a much larger story.
Hospitality should reflect that.
Hospitality Should Begin Before the First Practice Session
Barcelona deserves more than the drive between your hotel and the track.
Today’s hospitality programs are exceptional once guests arrive at the circuit.
But what happens before Friday morning?
Imagine arriving in Barcelona.
Instead of simply receiving your race credentials, you receive a curated itinerary tailored to your interests.
Perhaps you’re passionate about architecture. Your first afternoon explores Gaudí’s masterpieces before dinner at one of Barcelona’s most celebrated restaurants.
Maybe food is your passion. Your itinerary introduces you to neighborhood tapas bars, a market tour, and one of the city’s Michelin-starred tasting menus.
Or perhaps you’re visiting with your family. While you’re at the circuit, your spouse and children spend the day on experiences designed specifically for them, all curated under the same standard of excellence associated with Formula 1.
Now hospitality isn’t confined to the paddock.
It’s woven into the entire journey.
One Trip. Different Experiences.
This, in my opinion, is where Formula 1 has its biggest opportunity.
Not everyone who travels to a Grand Prix is a Formula 1 fan.
Some are spouses.
Some are children.
Some are parents.
Some are corporate guests.
Some are clients invited by sponsors.
Some simply want to experience a new city.
Yet too often they’re treated as an afterthought.
Imagine asking one simple question during booking:
“Who is traveling with you?”
That single question changes everything.
One guest spends the afternoon inside the Paddock Club.
Their partner spends the afternoon exploring São Paulo’s art museums with a private guide before enjoying cocktails at one of Latin America’s best bars.
Their children participate in an FIA-inspired STEM program where they learn how aerodynamics, engineering, and sustainability shape modern motorsport through hands-on activities.
Everyone reconvenes for dinner.
Everyone has stories to tell.
Nobody spent the day waiting for someone else.
Every Grand Prix Should Feel Like Its Host City
One of Formula 1’s greatest strengths is its global calendar.
No two cities are alike.
So why should hospitality feel the same?
The experience in Japan should celebrate Japanese craftsmanship, precision, and cuisine.
Montréal should showcase Québec’s culinary scene, history, and neighborhoods.
Melbourne should embrace its coffee culture, laneways, and coastal lifestyle.
Monaco should feel unmistakably Monaco.
The destination itself should shape the experience.
Because guests don’t simply remember where they watched the race.
They remember where they had the best meal of their lives.
They remember the bartender who introduced them to a local spirit.
Places like Paradiso become part of what you remember about the entire trip
They remember wandering neighborhoods they would never have discovered on their own.
Those memories become inseparable from the Grand Prix itself.
A Proposal for FIA-Endorsed Destination Experiences.
This doesn’t require Formula 1 to become a tour operator.
Instead, it could become a trusted curator.
Working alongside tourism boards, Michelin Guide restaurants, museums, luxury hotels, local guides, and cultural institutions, every Grand Prix could offer an official collection of experiences carrying the same quality standards associated with the championship.
Guests would know these aren’t generic excursions.
They’re experiences chosen because they represent the very best of that city.
That distinction matters.
Technology Makes This Possible
Imagine the official Formula 1 app evolving beyond schedules and timing.
After purchasing your ticket, guests complete a short profile.
Are you traveling alone?
With family?
With children?
Are you interested in food?
Architecture?
Shopping?
Wine?
Photography?
Wellness?
Adventure?
Artificial intelligence could build a personalized itinerary around the race weekend, integrating official experiences, restaurant reservations, transportation, and local recommendations into one seamless journey.
Every guest leaves with an experience unique to them.
Why This Makes Business Sense
This isn’t simply about improving hospitality.
It’s about increasing value for everyone involved.
When visitors extend their stay from three nights to six, everyone benefits.
Hotels see higher occupancy.
Restaurants welcome more guests.
Museums and attractions gain additional visitors.
Local businesses generate more revenue.
Sponsors gain more opportunities to engage with guests beyond the circuit.
Host cities strengthen the economic case for investing in Formula 1.
Formula 1 itself becomes associated with world-class travel, not just world-class racing.
Hospitality becomes an economic engine rather than simply an event offering.
A Framework for Destination Hospitality
If I were designing hospitality for a Grand Prix, I’d build it around five principles.
1. Arrival
The guest experience begins at the airport—not at the circuit.
2. Discovery
Introduce visitors to the city’s neighborhoods, culture, history, and people.
3. Culinary
Use restaurants, markets, cafés, and bars to tell the story of the destination.
A Grand Prix itinerary should leave room for a good cocktail and an unhurried evening.
4. Circuit
Deliver the exceptional race-day experience Formula 1 already excels at.
5. Legacy
Leave guests wanting to return to the city, even when there isn’t a race.
When these five elements work together, a Grand Prix becomes more than a sporting event.
It becomes one of the world’s great travel experiences.
Beyond Hospitality
Ultimately, this isn’t just about hospitality.
It’s about strengthening the relationship between Formula 1 and the cities that welcome it.
The championship already inspires millions of people to travel.
The next evolution is ensuring they fall in love not only with the race, but with the destination itself.
Because the most memorable Grand Prix weekends don’t end when the checkered flag falls.
They continue every time someone remembers the café where they had breakfast, the neighborhood they wandered through, the restaurant they’ll spend years recommending to friends, or the city they can’t wait to return to.
Formula 1 has already become a global lifestyle brand.
I believe its next chapter is becoming the world’s greatest gateway to travel.
The jobs I’d do for free have a lot in common with how I already choose to spend my time. If I could spend a few years doing exactly what I wanted, I’d travel, eat and tell people about it. I’d try different cars along the way, and I’d definitely make time for some races.
I wish I’d figured that out in my late teens or early twenties. I was already planning weekends around restaurants, looking for something new to taste and asking questions about what I was eating. I just never thought about where that interest could take me.
A trip to São Paulo in 2024 finally helped me connect all of it.
I’m a Finance Director in the automotive industry. I have a full-time job, a budget and a limited amount of vacation time. There are more places I want to visit than I can fit into that schedule, and more restaurants than I can reasonably afford to try.
But if you asked me how I’d choose to spend my time, these would be the jobs I’d do for free. Getting paid would be welcome, too. I’d like to make a living doing work I already enjoy this much.
The jobs I’d do for free
After high school, I took my high school girlfriend to one of Daniel Boulud’s restaurants for her 19th birthday. Looking back, the signs were there.
I started going to the New York City Wine & Food Festival in its second year, 2009. I went for the next three years, then returned a few more times after that. I also attended the Manhattan Cocktail Classic for two or three years, roughly between 2011 and 2013.
I wasn’t working in restaurants or behind a bar. I was an outsider who wanted to taste more, ask questions and understand what people were making.
When I wasn’t going into New York for the weekend, Harvest in Closter was my go-to. I still remember their oysters and pearls, which reminded me of The French Laundry’s dish. Years later, that meal is still in my head.
I visited plenty of Zagat-rated and Michelin-recognized restaurants without thinking to document any of it. I wish I had more photographs and notes from those years. Then I bought a farm in 2013, and my attention went elsewhere.
São Paulo brought me back to this in 2024. I enjoyed the research almost as much as the trip: finding restaurants, figuring out where to stay and learning about places I’d never heard of. Once I got there, the food and the people gave me even more reasons to keep exploring.
Now, some of my friends in São Paulo ask me where they should go. They live there, but they know how much research I do before a visit and how much I keep doing between trips.
I’ve also become friends with people in restaurants, hospitality and mixology. Sometimes they tell me about somewhere that has quietly opened, before a ranking or a trend brings it much attention. Just good food, good service and someone saying, “You should try this place.”
I love that. I wish I’d understood sooner how much I’d enjoy sharing what I find.
1. Motorsports reporting
The view toward the Senna S from the stands at Interlagos.
Working at Ferrari got me interested in Formula 1. Traveling for races made it a much bigger part of my life.
I care about what happens on the track. I want to understand why a strategy worked, why a driver struggled and how a team found something everyone else missed. Between Formula 1, WEC and IMSA, there’s always something to follow.
I’d love to get closer to those stories and talk to the people doing the work, including the crew members whose names rarely make the headlines. Their preparation and decisions matter every weekend, and I’d like to understand more of what goes into them.
I also enjoy writing from the perspective I already know: being a fan at the circuit.
My São Paulo Grand Prix travel guide comes from attending Interlagos in 2024 and 2025. It covers what I learned by being there, including choosing a grandstand, dealing with rain and getting back to the hotel with enough time for dinner.
With more freedom to travel, the race calendar would absolutely influence where I went next.
2. Car reviews
A Ferrari from my automotive archive.
Cars are still part of my working life, and I still enjoy them. Ferrari is part of that history, but my interest goes well beyond one badge.
Give me time with an interesting car and I’ll want to understand what makes it worth driving. That could be a vintage Porsche, a McLaren or a sedan that looks ordinary until you get behind the wheel.
The specifications are a starting point. I want to know how it responds, what it sounds like, how comfortable it is and whether I’d look forward to driving it again.
I’d love to try different cars as I traveled and tell people what I thought. Some would be cars I’d dream about owning. Others might surprise me simply by being enjoyable to drive. There would always be another one I’d want to spend time with.
3. Travel writing
Small courses at Mont Bar, my favorite meal in Barcelona.At Evvai, the food is only part of the experience. The illustrated course cards helped connect each dish to the story behind it.A few liters of water, a couple of drinks and some time on the rooftop became part of my Barcelona routine.
Barcelona gave me a good example of what I want more of.
I went in June 2026 for the Grand Prix and spent the rest of the trip exploring the city and its restaurants. Mont Bar was my favorite meal there. The food, wine and relaxed service made it an evening I wanted to talk about afterward.
Disfrutar was a very different experience, more theatrical and technical. I enjoyed having both on the same trip.
Sir Victor’s rooftop became a daily stop. After being out in the city, I liked coming back, sitting down and having a drink. I also wanted to understand more about the food and wine, the neighborhoods and the history behind what I was seeing.
Peru belongs in this story, too. Walking through Machu Picchu was as much a reason to travel as a restaurant reservation.
In Lima, my research led me to Maido. I ate there in May 2025 and was home by May 15, before it was named The World’s Best Restaurant 2025 by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants that June. It was pretty cool to see a place I’d just experienced receive that recognition.
I also came home thinking about what I’d missed. I wasn’t persistent enough about getting a reservation at Central. Around Cusco, I was so concerned about altitude sickness that I didn’t give the food research the attention I normally would. MIL is one of the places I wish I’d looked into properly.
Eventually, I want to go back. That’s part of travel for me: enjoying what I did, learning from what I missed and thinking about the next visit.
São Paulo keeps giving me reasons to return. I think about the view from Hotel Unique, the people I’ve met and the dinners I want to plan before I’ve even booked the flight. My São Paulo travel guide grew out of those experiences.
It’s also what I enjoy about Formula 1 luxury travel. I can combine a race with a city I want to explore. I’d love to stay longer because I’m enjoying myself, without counting the days until I have to be back at work.
Sir Victor’s rooftop became a daily stop during my Barcelona trip.Machu Picchu was as much a reason to travel as a restaurant reservation.Part of my meal at Maido in Lima in May 2025.
4. Food and restaurant reviews
I don’t need a vacation to go looking for a good meal. I regularly travel more than an hour into New York City to try a restaurant. Sometimes dinner is the entire reason for the trip, and I’m perfectly happy with that.
Put me at a chef’s counter with a tasting menu and a thoughtful wine pairing, and I’ll spend the evening paying attention. But wine isn’t always my first choice. Sometimes I’d rather have creative cocktails, especially when someone behind the bar is doing work as interesting as what’s coming out of the kitchen.
I wish there were more cocktail tasting menus like Carnaval in Lima. I enjoy giving the drinks that same attention: what’s in them, how they’re presented and why those ingredients work together.
With food, I want to understand what the chef is trying to do. I’m also noticing the service, the pace and whether I feel comfortable in the room. Those things affect the evening just as much as an impressive plate.
Evvai is my favorite restaurant in the world, partly because I enjoy being there so much. The cooking gives me plenty to think about, and the illustrated course cards explain the ideas behind the food while adding personality to the meal. It’s ambitious, but it’s also fun. That matters to me.
Those are the details I want to share in my food and drink writing. What did I like? What surprised me? Would I go back? Was the evening worth the trip and the money?
An expensive menu doesn’t get a free pass. A simple meal can be worth recommending without dressing it up as something more.
A cocktail at Overstory in New York City, March 2026.The presentation is part of the experience at Carnaval in Lima.Bread and an illustrated course card at Evvai, my favorite restaurant in the world.
What I’d like this work to make possible
I’d love to find out what I could learn if this became my full-time work. How many places could I discover? Who could I meet? What could I introduce people to if I had more time to research, travel and write?
I’m working toward making a career out of some combination of this website, travel consulting, a travel agency or a concierge service. I haven’t figured out exactly what that will look like yet. But I know the work I want to spend more of my life doing.
Once I make that transition and can afford to do it properly, I’d also like to help people travel who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity.
Maybe that becomes a charity. Maybe I quietly organize a couple of trips each year. I picture taking a group of 10 to 14 people who have never had a real vacation: single parents with their teenage kids, or families working hard just to keep up with everyday life.
I’d want to give them the chance to see somewhere new, try food they’ve never tasted and spend time together without worrying about what the trip costs.
I’d love to see their reactions. Maybe one meal or one conversation would introduce a kid to something they’d never considered. They might discover an interest in cooking, travel or writing. Maybe there’s a future chef in that group who just hasn’t had the opportunity to find out yet.
That’s something I’d like this work to make possible.
I can’t go back and figure this out earlier. I can keep moving toward it now. For the moment, that means fitting trips and meals around my job and budget, doing the research and sharing what I find.
I know what I’d choose with more freedom. I’m already doing as much of it as I can.
What job would you do for free?
For more on how I put these trips together, read how I plan every trip. My Barcelona travel guide goes deeper into the restaurants, hotels and neighborhoods from that visit. You can also read my original Peru trip plans to see what I had in mind before visiting Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu.
The 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix was my second trip to Interlagos, and I went back with a much better idea of what I wanted from the weekend. I wanted a good view, some protection from the weather, and enough time left over to enjoy São Paulo. Especially dinner.
In 2024, I sat in Grandstand G. In 2025, I moved to N. That change made a real difference to my comfort, and it gave me a useful comparison for anyone trying to decide where to sit.
I like a great hotel, a good restaurant and a comfortable ride back from the track. But my race weekend was spent in a grandstand. That is the experience I can actually tell you about: what worked, what I brought, and what I would pay attention to before going again.
A note on this article: This is a look back at my 2025 visit, not a current ticket offer. For planning a future trip, use my São Paulo Grand Prix travel guide and check the current event details before booking.
1. Returning for the 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix
My first visit gave me plenty of reasons to come back, along with a few lessons I did not need to learn twice. The weather was one of them. Grandstand G was uncovered, and the rain in 2024 made that a very noticeable part of the experience.
I still enjoyed being at Interlagos. There is something very different about watching a race at the circuit instead of on television. You get the crowd, the sound and the view in front of you. You also have to think about where you will sit for hours, how you will follow the rest of the race, and what happens if the weather changes.
By the time I planned the 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix trip, comfort had moved higher up my list. I was happy to spend more where I knew I would notice the difference.
Sector G, where I sat on my first trip in 2024. I chose Grandstand N when I returned in 2025.
For the 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix, I sat in Grandstand N. It had covered metal stadium seating, a view toward the Senna S, and a nearby screen to help follow what was happening elsewhere on the circuit.
After the uncovered concrete seating in G the previous year, I appreciated the change. The roof and seating were practical improvements I could enjoy throughout the day. A nearby screen mattered, too. The cars in front of you are only part of the race, and I wanted to keep track of the bigger picture.
N also had its own entrance and concessions. I liked having what I needed close to where I was sitting rather than treating every break as a separate outing.
That does not make N the right choice for everyone. Budget, preferred view and the kind of atmosphere you enjoy all matter. For me, it was a better fit for how I wanted to spend three days at the circuit. I would compare those details before paying more simply because a ticket sounds more exclusive.
My view from Grandstand N during the 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix.
3. Getting into the circuit was straightforward for me
On Friday and Saturday in 2025, I arrived around 9:30 to 10 a.m. and had only about three to five people ahead of me at the entrance. Sunday was busier, but the lines moved quickly.
That is my experience from that year and that entrance, rather than a promise about the next race. Different arrival times and different grandstands can make for a very different morning.
I would still build some margin into the day. Getting through the gate is only one part of arriving. You need time to find your section, get settled, use the bathroom and pick up anything you want before a session begins.
I also pay much closer attention to schedule changes now. The disruption in 2024 was a reminder that the timetable you looked at earlier in the trip may not be the timetable you need on the morning of the race. For a future visit, I would keep the official event information handy and check it again before leaving the hotel.
4. A small bag made the day easier
For my first São Paulo race, I mostly relied on my pockets. In 2025, I used a string bag and then a small Adidas backpack. Having room for a few essentials made things simpler.
I carried my DJI camera, sunglasses, ponchos and earplugs. I did not end up using the earplugs, but they were there if I wanted them. The ponchos were an easy decision after the previous year.
I would rather carry a few useful things than spend the day managing a large bag. You still need to move through entrances, walk around the circuit and get yourself back out with everything you brought in.
After the 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix, my approach to packing is straightforward: pack for the time you will actually spend outside, keep the bag manageable, and check the current prohibited-items list before leaving. What I carried in 2025 should not be treated as a guarantee that every item is permitted at a future event.
The view from my earlier trip in 2024. Weather protection was one of the things I thought about differently when planning 2025.
5. Food at the track and a few things to bring home
I was happy with the skewers I ate at the circuit. Race-day food has a different job from the restaurant reservation later that evening: I want something enjoyable, convenient and easy to fit between sessions.
Having concessions in my section helped. I could get something to eat without turning lunch into a complicated part of the schedule.
I also looked at merchandise. Some shirts were roughly $30 more than I would have paid in the United States, so I did not assume everything at the circuit was a good deal. I came home with a Senna pin set and a Pirelli championship hat.
Those are personal souvenirs from the 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix, rather than a shopping list I think everyone needs. I would rather buy something I actually want to keep than spend money just because I am standing in a merchandise shop.
The Ayrton Senna pin set I brought home from the 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix.
6. The exit deserves a plan of its own
In 2025, I tried to get onto the track after the race for the podium atmosphere. The access points were packed, and I eventually decided to leave.
I would have enjoyed getting closer, but I was not willing to spend the rest of the afternoon fighting the crowd to make it happen. That is a useful thing to decide for yourself before the race ends: how much time and effort do you want to put into the post-race experience?
Transport also matters. I used Rhino for my São Paulo trip and have written separately about my experience with Rhino transportation. A driver does not make the circuit exit or city traffic disappear, so I still think carefully about the pickup plan and how much time to leave before dinner.
When I look back at the 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix, the small decisions around the race stand out alongside the time in the grandstand. Knowing how I would get home and allowing time to change made the rest of the evening easier to enjoy.
My Rhino ride outside W São Paulo during my 2025 trip. I pay full price for my transportation.
7. São Paulo was a big part of the reason to return
The race brought me to São Paulo. The restaurants and the people gave me more reasons to keep coming back.
I enjoy the research almost as much as the planning for the circuit: deciding where to eat, which bars I want to revisit and where I want to stay. I do not want to fly all that way and see only the route between a hotel and a grandstand.
Evvai is my favorite restaurant in the world, and Tan Tan has become part of every São Paulo trip. Those places matter to me as much as getting the race-day details right. The challenge is leaving enough time to enjoy them without spending the evening watching the clock.
If I am booking dinner after a day at Interlagos, I allow for the walk out, the pickup, traffic and time to shower and change. A reservation that looks fine on paper can feel very different when thousands of people are leaving the same place.
My São Paulo restaurant guide covers the food side of these trips. For me, a good race weekend should leave room for both.
8. Was the 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix worth it?
Yes. I went back with a clearer idea of what I wanted, and the changes I made improved the experience. Grandstand N suited me better, a small bag made the day easier, and I knew to think about the exit and the evening before I got to the circuit.
My version of a worthwhile weekend does not require every upgrade available. I want the seat to work for me, the hotel to be comfortable, the transport to be thought through and the dinners to be worth looking forward to.
The 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix helped me understand that balance better. It also gave me more reasons to return to a city I already liked.
An F1 luxury vacation package can bring tickets, hotels and transport together, but its value depends on what’s included and how you want to experience the weekend.
I have approached the São Paulo Grand Prix differently each year.
In 2024, I sat in Sector G. In 2025, I bought an F1 Experiences package with Grandstand N tickets and Thursday activities at Interlagos. For 2026, I have chosen Sector R without those extras.
I enjoyed the Thursday experience. I also do not feel the need to pay for it every year.
That is where I would start when looking at an F1 luxury vacation package: what does it actually add to the trip, and how much of that matters to you?
I have approached the São Paulo Grand Prix differently each year.
In 2024, I sat in Sector G. In 2025, I bought an F1 Experiences package with Grandstand N tickets and Thursday activities at Interlagos. For 2026, I have chosen Sector R without those extras.
I enjoyed the Thursday experience. I also do not feel the need to pay for it every year.
That is where I would start when looking at an F1 luxury vacation package: what does it actually add to the trip, and how much of that matters to you?
A package can bring together race tickets, extra activities, hospitality, accommodation and transportation. The combination varies, and the word “luxury” does not tell you what is included.
For me, the benefits become much clearer when I look at the individual parts.
The view across Interlagos during my 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix weekend.
1. Experiences Beyond Your Grandstand Seat
One reason to buy a package is the opportunity to do something at the circuit beyond watching the sessions.
My 2025 F1 Experiences package in São Paulo included Thursday activities with food from trucks and stands, drinks, a championship trophy photo and the opportunity to board a truck for a lap of the circuit.
Kym Illman took my trophy photo. I am a huge fan of his, so that made it particularly memorable for me.
The championship trophy on display during Thursday activities at Interlagos in 2025.
Those extras gave me a different experience of Interlagos before the race weekend got underway. I thought they were cool, and I am glad I did them.
They also helped me understand what I wanted the following year. For 2026, I chose a ticket without the additional track activities.
Something can be worth doing once without becoming part of every trip.
If you are comparing packages, read the activity list carefully. A guided track tour, a pit lane walk and access to the working paddock are different experiences. Check exactly which one is included, on which day, and for how long.
My 2025 experience describes what I received that year. Check the current offer before booking yours.
A look into Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari garage during Thursday access in 2025
2. Comfort During a Long Race Weekend
Hospitality can add food, drinks and somewhere to take a break. A covered grandstand can also make a substantial difference to how you spend the day.
But I would look closely at where you actually watch the racing.
At my first Formula 1 race in Canada, I had a covered grandstand seat and access to a hospitality dining area. The dining area did not have a view of the track. I watched the racing from the grandstand.
That distinction matters when you are looking at photographs of dining rooms, lounges and impressive-looking hospitality spaces.
Ask where the race-viewing area is. Check whether you have a reserved seat, whether the seating is covered, and how far it is from the dining area.
Also check which days and hours food and drinks are included. Refreshments during a Thursday event are different from hospitality throughout the race weekend.
In São Paulo, I’ve chosen grandstands rather than hospitality.
The Senna S from Grandstand N during my 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix weekend.The main straight in Barcelona, viewed from the grandstand.
3. Fewer Separate Arrangements to Coordinate
There can be real convenience in arranging your race ticket, hotel and circuit transportation together.
It gives you fewer separate bookings to keep track of and a clearer starting point for the weekend. That can be useful when you are visiting a circuit for the first time.
The important question is how much of the trip the package actually covers.
F1 Experiences’ hotel and transfer information explains that circuit transfers are available at selected Grands Prix for guests booking a hotel as part of their package. Accommodation and transfers can be additional purchases.
I would want to know the hotel, the number of nights, the pickup point and the transfer schedule before deciding whether that arrangement suits my trip.
Airport transportation is another question. A hotel-to-circuit transfer does not tell you how you are getting from the airport to the hotel.
The convenience has value when the arrangements work for you. It is worth checking whether the hotel’s location and the transportation schedule also fit what you want to do outside the circuit.
The lobby at Sir Victor in Barcelona.My Rhino ride at W São Paulo during my 2025 trip.
4. A Clearer Plan for the Whole Trip
A well-planned package can give the race weekend a useful structure.
Once the ticket, hotel and transportation are settled, it becomes easier to see how much time remains for everything else.
That matters to me because I plan these trips around more than Formula 1. Restaurants, cocktail bars and the city itself are a substantial part of why I travel.
I do not want to book a dinner based only on the time the final session is supposed to end. I also have to get out of the circuit, get back to the hotel and leave enough time to get ready.
The same applies to Thursday activities. If a package includes something you want to attend before the race weekend, your flights and hotel dates need to allow for it.
A package is most useful when its schedule fits the trip you want to take.
I have written more about the broader experience in my article on Formula 1 luxury travel. When evaluating a package, I would keep the focus practical: does it leave enough time to enjoy those other parts of the trip?
A course at Evvai during my November 2025 São Paulo trip.A cocktail at Sir Victor in Barcelona. The Sagrada Família during my June 2026 visit to Barcelona
5. A Point of Contact for the Arrangements You Have Booked
Another potential benefit is having someone to contact when you have a question about the parts of the trip they are providing.
Before paying, I would establish what that support covers.
Who handles ticket delivery? Who explains the meeting points for activities? Who do you contact if the transfer has not arrived? Is assistance available during race weekend, and through which channel?
Those are more useful questions than whether a package is described as “seamless” or “stress-free.”
A good arrangement should make responsibilities clear. You should know what the provider is handling and which bookings remain yours to manage.
What to Check Before Booking an F1 Luxury Vacation Package
Before committing to an F1 luxury vacation package, I would want clear answers to these questions:
Which grandstand or hospitality area am I buying, and on which days?
Where will I watch the racing?
Which activities are included, and when do they happen?
What food and drinks are included, and during which hours?
Is the hotel included, and for how many nights?
Are circuit transfers and airport transfers included?
What is the total price, including any mandatory fees?
What can change, and what are the cancellation or refund terms?
Who can I contact before and during the trip?
I would also compare the package with the cost of arranging the parts I actually want separately. An upgrade is easier to justify when I understand what I am paying for.
Is an F1 Luxury Vacation Package Worth It
It can be, especially when the included experiences and practical arrangements match what you want from the weekend.
My own choices have changed from year to year. I enjoyed the additional activities in São Paulo in 2025. For 2026, I am happy going back without them.
The best package for me is the one that puts the money toward the parts of the trip I care about most.
That might be an extra experience at the circuit. It might be a more comfortable seat, a hotel I want to stay in or another day in São Paulo.
Knowing those priorities makes the decision much easier.
If you would like to discuss planning a São Paulo Grand Prix trip, contact me. Start with the kind of weekend you want, your dates and your budget. The details should follow from there.
For me, the right F1 luxury vacation package is the one that makes the race weekend easier while leaving room for the restaurants and experiences I want to enjoy.
Planning your own race weekend? Get in touch with me to talk about your Formula 1 travel plans.
History of Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace: From Its 1940 Opening to Formula 1 Glory
By Richard Jarocki | Updated September 2026
The history of Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace stretches back to 1940, but my connection to Interlagos comes from the racing, the fans and the city that keeps bringing me back.
São Paulo has become a place I want to keep exploring. The restaurants, the cocktails and the people all play a part. So does a racetrack in the south of the city where an ordinary-looking stretch of asphalt carries more than eight decades of stories.
Its official name is Autódromo José Carlos Pace. Most Formula 1 fans know it as Interlagos.
This is where Brazilian drivers won in front of their home crowd, where championships changed hands in the final moments and where Ayrton Senna finally achieved the home victory he wanted so badly.
It is also a place for concerts, festivals and an annual running event honoring Senna. The more I learn about Interlagos, the more I appreciate how much it means beyond a Grand Prix weekend.
My view of Interlagos during the 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix weekend. From Sector G
The History of Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace Begins Before Formula 1
The story starts in the 1920s, when British engineer and developer Louis Romero Sanson had plans for land between the Guarapiranga and Billings reservoirs in southern São Paulo.
According to the city’s official history of Interlagos, the original vision included a resort community, with French urbanist Alfred Agache involved in its development.
A permanent motorsport circuit eventually became part of the area’s story. Construction began in 1938, and Interlagos officially opened on May 12, 1940.
The opening program included motorcycle and car racing. Approximately 15,000 people attended, according to the city’s account.
That date matters. People were coming here to watch racing a full decade before the Formula 1 World Championship began in 1950.
The facilities have changed, the course has been redesigned and generations of cars have competed here. But the connection between this part of São Paulo and motorsport has endured.
I like knowing that the circuit’s story began with ambitions for the city itself. Formula 1 would eventually introduce Interlagos to a worldwide audience, but its history was already underway.
Why Is It Called Interlagos—and Who Was José Carlos Pace?
The two names tell different parts of the story.
Interlagos means “between lakes.” It refers to the area between the Guarapiranga and Billings reservoirs. The city’s history explains that Alfred Agache saw a resemblance to the area around Interlaken in Switzerland, helping inspire the name.
That geographical name became inseparable from the racetrack. Even after its official name changed, Interlagos remained the name fans used.
Autódromo José Carlos Pace honors the Brazilian Formula 1 driver José Carlos Pace.
Pace won the 1975 Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos, earning what would be his only Formula 1 victory. For a Brazilian driver to achieve that win at home gives the result a significance that goes beyond the statistics.
He died in a plane crash in 1977. In 1985, the circuit was officially renamed in his memory.
So, although Senna is closely associated with Interlagos, the circuit itself is named for Pace. Senna’s name belongs to its famous opening corner sequence, the S do Senna, among other tributes connected to the venue.
I think Pace deserves that explanation. It is easy to repeat a circuit’s official name without stopping to consider the person behind it.
Interlagos tells you about the place. José Carlos Pace tells you about a driver whose achievement there became part of Brazil’s racing history.
A tribute to Ayrton Senna, photographed during my visit to São Paulo.
Formula 1 Arrives, and Brazil Gets Its Own Stage
Formula 1 first raced at Interlagos in 1972, but that event did not count toward the World Championship.
The first championship Brazilian Grand Prix at the circuit followed in 1973. Emerson Fittipaldi won in front of his home crowd, then won again in 1974. Pace’s victory followed in 1975.
Three consecutive Brazilian winners at the first three championship Grands Prix held there. That must have been something to experience.
Formula 1’s circuit guide records those victories, which helped establish the connection between the race and Brazil’s growing presence in the sport.
The Grand Prix did not stay at Interlagos continuously. It moved to Rio de Janeiro in 1978, returned to São Paulo for 1979 and 1980, and then spent the rest of the 1980s in Rio.
Interlagos continued hosting other racing during that period. It remained part of Brazilian motorsport even when Formula 1 was elsewhere.
The 1990 Redesign That Shaped Modern Interlagos
A closer look at Interlagos: 4.309 kilometres, 15 turns and an anticlockwise lap through some of Formula 1’s most recognisable corners.
Formula 1 returned in 1990, following a substantial redesign and improvements to the circuit’s facilities.
The old course had been nearly eight kilometers long. Today’s configuration measures approximately 4.309 kilometers.
The shorter layout retained the elevation changes and varied rhythm that make a lap here distinctive. The city’s circuit history documents the transformation.
On a map, Interlagos looks compact. Watching cars descend through the opening corners and climb back toward the main straight gives you a better understanding of its character.
The circuit runs counterclockwise. Its opening sequence, the S do Senna, leads into Curva do Sol, then the back straight and the braking zone at Descida do Lago.
Later come tighter corners through the infield before the uphill run toward the finish.
A driver has to manage changing demands throughout the lap. When rain arrives, grip, tire choices and timing add another layer of uncertainty.
That combination helps explain why Interlagos has produced so many races that refuse to follow expectations.
My view of the famous Senna S at Interlagos from the spectator area.
Interlagos History: The Victories and Heartbreak That Built the Legend
Championship history meets race-weekend atmosphere at Interlagos.
Some of the most memorable moments in Interlagos history came when a home victory, a world championship or an unexpected comeback was still in doubt until the final laps.
You could write an entire article about the memorable races here. A few explain why this circuit means so much to Formula 1 fans.
Senna Finally Wins at Home: 1991
Ayrton Senna had already won World Championships, but he had never won his home Grand Prix.
At Interlagos in 1991, a failing gearbox threatened to take that opportunity away again. He fought to keep his McLaren going and held on for a victory that meant far more than another result.
Changing weather helped turn the 2012 season finale into another tense championship fight.
Jenson Button won the race. Sebastian Vettel finished sixth and secured the championship over Fernando Alonso.
Once again, Interlagos was the setting where a season’s worth of work came down to what happened over the final laps.
Verstappen’s Interlagos Comebacks: I Was There in 2024 and 2025
A look inside Verstappen’s garage during my 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix visit.
I was at Interlagos in 2024 when Max Verstappen started 17th and won a rain-affected São Paulo Grand Prix. Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly completed the podium for Alpine.
That race is part of my own connection to Interlagos history. I can read about Senna’s home victories or revisit footage of the 2008 championship finish, but Verstappen’s 2024 comeback is one I was there to witness.
I returned in 2025 and watched him deliver another remarkable recovery. This time, he started from the pit lane, suffered an early puncture and still fought his way onto the podium in third, behind Lando Norris and Kimi Antonelli.
From 17th to victory in 2024, then from the pit lane to third in 2025—I was there for both. Those two races are part of why this circuit means something personal to me.
There are plenty more: Giancarlo Fisichella’s delayed recognition as the 2003 winner, Kimi Räikkönen securing the 2007 title and Hamilton’s charge through the field in 2021.
Interlagos keeps giving us races worth discussing long after the teams have packed up.
Why the Grandstands Matter to Me
I usually prefer a grandstand to a hospitality suite because I want to watch the race unfold and feel the crowd react.
Interlagos makes that preference easy to understand. A driver gains a place, someone runs wide or the rain arrives, and the energy around you changes.
The television broadcast gives you information that can be difficult to follow at the circuit. Being there gives you the sound, anticipation and shared reaction of thousands of people experiencing the same moment.
That crowd has generations of Brazilian racing history behind it. Fittipaldi, Pace, Senna and Massa are part of the connection.
I want a good view and a screen so I can follow the action, but I also want to feel where I am. At Interlagos, São Paulo is very much part of the experience.
What Happens at Interlagos Beyond Formula 1?
Formula 1 may be the international headline, but the circuit has a much broader motorsport life.
Interlagos has hosted Brazilian categories including Stock Car, junior formula racing and motorcycle competition. Driving schools and training also use the facilities, as the circuit operator explains.
Different cars, different classes and a different race rhythm—all taking on the same hills and corners.
Knowing how much happens here throughout the year changes the way I think about it. Formula 1 arrives for a weekend. Interlagos belongs to São Paulo every day.
Concerts and Festivals at Interlagos
The circuit’s grounds have hosted Lollapalooza Brasil, The Town and Primavera Sound, along with performances including Iron Maiden.
These events give people who may never buy a Grand Prix ticket their own connection to Interlagos.
The venue also hosts exhibitions, corporate gatherings and other events.
Imagine knowing these grounds through Formula 1, then returning for music with a completely different crowd. The setting is familiar, but the reason everyone has gathered has changed.
That wider life matters. Interlagos is one of São Paulo’s gathering places. Motorsport built its reputation, and the city continues finding more ways to use it.
Ayrton Senna Racing Day: Running on Historic Ground
The annual Ayrton Senna Racing Day brings runners to Interlagos to celebrate his life and legacy.
There is something powerful about covering that circuit on foot. The hills you watch drivers tackle at speed become something you feel in your own legs. The S do Senna becomes part of your route.
The 2025 edition drew approximately 11,000 participants, according to the Instituto Ayrton Senna.
The 2026 event announcement described the 21st edition, scheduled for May 1, with a tribute marking 35 years since Senna’s first Interlagos victory. Participants could choose one, two or three laps of the event’s course.
It gives people another way to experience the circuit and connect with its history.
Supporting Senna’s Education Legacy
The run has a documented charitable history, although its format and organizers have changed over time.
For the 2016 relay marathon, the city stated that a substantial portion of registration proceeds went to the Instituto Ayrton Senna and its education work.
In 2025, the institute participated with an education campaign and sold advance McDia Feliz tickets at the event. Proceeds from those particular tickets supported its programs.
Those are different fundraising arrangements. Anyone entering a future edition specifically to support the institute should check that year’s terms rather than assume the entire entry fee is a donation.
Senna’s legacy includes what continues to happen for children and young people through the institute, as well as what he accomplished in a race car.
At Interlagos, his memory remains visible in the opening corners, the stories of his home victories and the thousands of people who gather to run in his honor.
Why I Keep Coming Back to Interlagos
Another side of Interlagos: the pit lane after dark.
My relationship with Formula 1 started later than it did for many lifelong fans. I came to the sport through Ferrari, and the races pulled me into the cities around them.
São Paulo became a place I wanted to know through its restaurants, people and neighborhoods, as well as its Grand Prix. Interlagos is a big reason I want to keep returning.
The more I learn about the history of Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, the more I appreciate what it represents.
It opened in 1940. It carries the name of a Brazilian driver who won there. It gave Senna two home victories and became the setting for championship celebrations and heartbreak.
It continues bringing people together for racing, music and events that reach beyond motorsport.
You can buy an expensive race weekend almost anywhere Formula 1 goes. You cannot buy eighty-six years of stories or manufacture the feeling of a crowd with such a deep connection to the place.
For my next visit, I will still study the timetable and the weather. I will still think about where to sit and what to do after leaving the circuit.
But I also want to remember what this place means between Grands Prix.
Interlagos is part of São Paulo’s history, and São Paulo is part of what makes Interlagos worth the trip.
Completely Unnecessary. Absolutely Worth It.
Explore Interlagos and Plan Your São Paulo Experience
The 2025 Formula 1 Season: A Thrilling New Chapter
The countdown to the 2025 Formula 1 season has ignited excitement across the motorsport community. Teams are showcasing futuristic car designs and liveries that blend a proud legacy with cutting-edge technology. If you’ve been eagerly following every sneak peek, here’s your all-in-one guide to the biggest announcements—complete with links to official galleries and insider analysis.
Mercedes has pulled back the curtain on the W16, signaling another step forward in aerodynamics and powertrain technology. Building on the team’s championship-winning pedigree, the W16 features:
Sleek sidepods sculpted to minimize drag
Refined hybrid power unit that promises greater efficiency without sacrificing performance
Iconic livery that merges the heritage silver base with teal highlights, giving a nod to its Petronas partnership
With Mercedes’ consistent record of championship success, the W16 is poised to spark an intense battle at the front of the grid throughout 2025.
Ferrari has always commanded a special place in F1 lore, and the 2025 season is no exception. This in-depth piece from The Race sheds light on key points:
Car Launch Takeaways: How the newest Ferrari incorporates next-gen aerodynamic elements and a bold evolution of the Rosso Corsa livery
Driver Line-up Analysis: Speculation around Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc underscores Ferrari’s ambition to reclaim championship glory
Technical Innovations: Insights into engine developments, rumored performance gains, and how the team plans to bridge any gaps to its top rivals
With a storied history behind them, the Scuderia’s 2025 outlook is bound to stir plenty of debate—and excitement—among Tifosi worldwide.
If you’re a fan who needs to see every car in one place, this comprehensive roundup delivers high-resolution images of every 2025 livery. The gallery provides:
Close-up angles that highlight new design elements and sponsors
Under-the-lights shots showing how reflective and matte paint finishes look during night races
Team-by-team comparisons so you can decide which livery truly stands out this season
From McLaren’s unmistakable papaya-and-blue combo to Red Bull’s signature navy with fluorescent accents, this showcase has something for every style preference.
Key Features Defining the 2025 Liveries
Aerodynamic Emphasis Teams now use livery stripes and color gradients not just as decorative elements, but also to underscore critical airflow paths.
High-Tech Paint and Materials Lightweight paints, reflective decals, and matte finishes help reduce weight and improve the car’s aerodynamic profile.
Brand Heritage, Modern Execution Most teams blend legacy color schemes with futuristic design elements, striking a balance that resonates with both new fans and long-time supporters.
Driver Line-up Synergy The presence of established world champions and rising stars generates excitement and influences how each brand positions its livery to reflect driver personalities.
Why These Reveals Matter for F1 Fans and SEO
Timely Coverage: Blog posts on the latest F1 car reveals rank well when people are actively searching for news and photos of upcoming seasons.
Authoritative Links: Referencing official sources (Formula1.com) and respected outlets (The Race) signals credibility to both readers and search engines.
Engaging Visuals: High-quality images keep visitors on your page longer—a factor that can boost your site’s search engine ranking.
Looking Ahead to 2025
With these spectacular liveries now public, the stage is set for a competitive and visually stunning 2025 Formula 1 season. As technical regulations evolve, teams will push aerodynamic and powertrain innovations to gain that elusive performance edge. Whether you’re rooting for Mercedes’ polished Silver Arrows, Aston Martin’s refined green machine, or a resurgent Ferrari team, one thing is certain: the battles ahead promise to be as fierce as ever.
Stay tuned for more updates, interviews, and insights as we head toward the first Grand Prix of 2025—where these remarkable cars will finally unleash their potential on the track!
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