As the end of the Formula 1 2016 season draws near, if you’re a motorsports fan, it’ll feel like an eternity before the Formula 1 2017 season starts in March. Start planning for F1 2017 and keep the excitement going. We look at some of our favourite tracks, ready to plan trips for Formula 1 2017. Make your expedition even more worthwhile with our guide to nearby attractions. Check out the top picks for accommodation and discover where to collect your hire car from.
All information below is correct at the time of writing. Edit: Updated 07/12/16 to reflect confirmation of 2017 calendar.
Photo by: storm/Fotolia
Austria
Dates: 7 – 9 July 2017
Location: Red Bull Ring, Spielberg
The Red Bull Ring, or Österreichring, was refurbished and reopened as it is now in May 2011. It has attracted sports events such as the Formula 1, MotoGP and the Red Bull Air Race Championship. Circuit designer Hermann Tilke designed the 4.318km circuit which features 9 turns.
Tickets
Tickets start from €70.
You can experience each day from a different grandstand corner with the newly-introduced ‘Grandstand Hopping’ ticket. You’ll sit in the Start/Finish grandstand on race day with a Platinum ticket (€360 including the 20% discount when booked before 01.01.17).
A general admission ticket for the whole weekend costs €75.
If you purchase a weekend ticket you can take a friend along to the events on Thursday and Friday for free. They can experience the signing sessions, practice sessions, and public pit walk with you.
Visitors can best view races and track events from Turn 1, Castrol Edge, in the South-West grandstand. Here you’ll see cars race down the Start/Finish section and climb towards Turn 2. You’ll also be able to view Turn 4 (Rauch) and Turn 5.
Accommodation
CampingF1 is the only pre-erected campsite close to the track grounds and is 300m from the track entrance. Ticket packages are available to combine a camping space and event entry. A single pitch with a parking space and access to toilet and shower facilities costs from £100 which allows you to set up your own tent. A pre-erected budget tent costs £170pp for three nights and includes an airbed.
Camping am Red Bull Ring is the closest to the track at just 150m away. One space for a tent or caravan for 2 people over 3 nights’ costs €162.20. You can book tickets for Camping am Red Bull Ring and other local campsites here.
Alternatively, you can stay in one of the many local hotels or B&Bs around Spielberg. For example, the stunning Zeilinger Schlössl in Knittelfeld. 4 nights here in a double room will cost from €1470. A double room from the Sandhof B&B costs upwards of €80 per night.
Bärenschützklamm Gorge. Photo by: Maksud/Fotolia
Where local to the Red Bull Ring can I hire a car?
The nearest airport is Vienna Airport, 2 hours away. You can hire a car from Schiller Rent, Buchbinder, Enterprise or Alamo from the airport.
All motorways and ‘S’ roads are toll roads. You’ll need to purchase a vignette to drive on these roads. This is a little sticker which can be purchased from most petrol stations and newsagents to be fixed to the windscreen. Tolls scan the barcode on them when the vehicle passes through. You can find out more about their use in Austria here.
Other attractions
If visiting the Red Bull Ring outside the race dates, take advantage of the on- and off-road experiences on offer. Drive a Formula Renault 2.0 or BMW Z4 among others around the track.
To feed your interest in motoring, visit the nearby VW Käfermuseum in Gaal, which has 3 race simulators along with a variety of classic VW Beetles. There’s also the Seppenbauer Automobile Museum, adjoining the Seppenbauer hotel, previously owned by Gerhard Porsche. Walk around his collection of classic cars and motorbikes ranging from Rolls Royce, Bentley, Vespa, and of course Porsche. It’s also home to the only flight-able prototype WW1 fighter plane, Albatross (Oeffag) D.111.
Austria’s climate and mountainous regions suit hiking well. Explore some stunning views with your hire car or take the time to plot your own route by foot. Either on your way to Spielberg from Vienna or on the journey home, spend some time, at least half a day, at Bärenschützklamm Gorge. You’ll need to ascend wood bridges and ladders for around an hour. The whole walk takes close to 5 hours in total, but the views of the nature around you will be well worth it.
Consider more travel experiences in Austria here.
Italy
Dates: 1 – 3 September
Location: Autodromo Nationale Monza
Built in 1922, this 5.8km track is known as the Temple of Speed. It’s famous for the long straight and fast corners, showcasing the pure power behind the machines that hit the track. Sadly, this has gone together with some fatal crashes. Over the years changes have been made to the track to make it safer, ultimately removing the steep banking that was an attraction for many racers. There are currently 3 tracks within the Autodromo’s grounds- the Grand Prix track, a 2.4km Junior track, and the remains of the high-speed oval track. The track hosts several motorsports events throughout the year including parts of the Superbike World Championship and the World Touring Car Championship.
The abandoned track at Monza. Photo by: Claudio Colombo/Fotolia
Tickets
You should use the prices below as a guide only as tickets for Formula 1 2017 in Italy have not yet gone on sale.
A three-day ticket will allow you access to a public pit walk on Thursday, along with a view of the practice and qualifying races, before the main event on Sunday. You’ll only be able to walk the pit lane if you have a three-day ticket.
You’ll be able to keep up-to-date on the race as it unfolds whichever area you’re in as there are large screens all around the circuit.
Tickets for grandstands with a view of the Start/Finish line are highly popular and tend to sell out first. Buy a ticket for grandstand 1 (£619), 4 (£278), 5 (£167) or 26 (from £214) for a great view of the start/finish line. Grandstands 23 (£158/£214) and 24 (£219) will also have a prime position for watching the action on Curva Parabolica and partially the pit lane.
The best grandstands to view Curva Parabolica, the last corner before the start/finish line, are 21, 22, and 23. Grandstand 22 sits at the start of the corner whereas grandstand 23 has the pit lane and start/finish line in its sights.
For a view of Rettifilo Tribune, pick grandstand 4 or 5. You’ll see all the action of the pit lane and start/finish straight.
A general admission ticket for the three days will cost around £112.
Top tip: It can be possible to grab an autograph or photo of your favourite driver as they leave the circuit in the afternoons of the Grand Prix weekend (between 5-8pm). Although nothing is guaranteed, visit the entrance to the VIP parking area from the tunnel near the main straight grandstands.
Accommodation
If you want to stay within Monza, consider the AS Hotel Monza. If you’d like to stay further afield and take advantage of a visit to Lake Como while in Italy, there’s the Hotel San Martino, with prices from €596 for 7 nights for a double/twin room including breakfast.
You can get a bus or train from Milan Station to Monza if staying in the city and then take a 20-30 minute walk through the park surrounding the circuit.
Explore Milan during your trip. Photo by: bepsphoto/Fotolia
Where local to the Autodromo Nationale Monza can I hire a car?
Milan Malpensa Airport is just under an hour away from the track. You can hire a car from Europcar, Alamo, Sicily by Car, and Keddy from the airport car park. Green Motion offers a shuttle bus from the airport to collect cars from their depot a short distance away.
You can also collect your vehicle from Milan Linate Airport with Europcar, Alamo, Sicily by Car, and Keddy. Alternatively, collect from Milan Rail Station or from the city centre.
You’ll need to have a reflective jacket, warning triangle, and headlight beam deflectors (depending on the model) within your hire car. Check that the supplier has equipped these before driving away. If in doubt, call us at the time. Italian police issue on-the-spot fines if you don’t have these items in the vehicle.
Most motorways have tolls which can be paid with a Mastercard or Visa card (Maestro and Electron debit cards aren’t accepted).
Many roads in Monza close on race day so you may wish to save the driving for other attractions during your visit and take the train or bus to the circuit. If you decide to drive, you’ll be shown to a nearby car park and then a shuttle bus will get you closer to the circuit entrance.
Other attractions
Monza Park surrounds the circuit, the fourth largest walled park in Europe. The best time to visit is in the week as it attracts lots of people at the weekends. You can reach parts of the abandoned track if you explore enough. You can also take a walk alongside the Lambro river that flows through the park. The park is open 7am-7pm in the winter and 7am-8.30pm in the summer. There are plenty of areas to explore so pack a picnic in your hire car, pull on your walking boots, and make a day of it.
The track is open to visitors all year except for main holidays over Christmas. Check out the Museum of Speed. Learn more about the history of the track with multi-sensory exhibits and extensive collections of memorabilia. Book a driving experience with Puresport and take a Ferrari 488 or Lamborghini Gallardo around the track.
Petrol heads delight at the amount of other car-based museums on offer. Visit the Maranello Ferrari Museum or the Ducati Museum. Learn more about the development of these fantastic vehicles and their history. Check the opening times of the Umberto Panini Motor Museum to see 22 classic Maserati’s or make a special request for a visit if they’re closed during your stay.
Plan a visit to Lake Como- eat lunch by the lakeside and take a walk around the picturesque villages. Go sailing or hire a boat and spend some time bobbing about. There’s also the option for a session of wine tasting.
Consider more travel experiences in Italy here.
Varenna by Lake Como, Italy Photo by: Rene Hartmann/Fotolia
USA
Dates: 20 – 22 October
Location: The Circuit of the Americas (COTA), Austin, Texas
Hermann Tilke also designed this 5.5km track which opened in 2012 and doubles as a live outdoor music space. The Austin360 Amphitheatre is the largest permanent covered outside amphitheatre in the area which supports Austin’s claim as the live music capital of the world. The track also houses a 251ft observation tower.
Tickets
Tickets haven’t gone on sale yet for Formula 1 2017 in USA so view those below as a guide only.
General admission tickets for the three days start from £181.
Those sat in the start/finish grandstand (from £500) will experience the American-style in-seat food and drink service- sample hot dogs and other typical American trackside food.
Grandstands that view Turns 12-15 are highly popular as they see a lot of track action. Obstructions such as fencing and bridges could affect your view so do a bit of research into what section and row to sit at. Turn 12 grandstand tickets start from £391 and there is more than one section to sit in, as with the grandstand at Turn 15 that has three tiers (priced from £542).
If you want to take part in the public pit lane walk on Thursday so be sure to get a three-day ticket as only these ticket holders will have access.
In 2016, Taylor Swift headlined a concert after the qualifying races on Saturday and so only those with a three-day or Saturday-only ticket could attend. Your ticket may include a concert at the circuit on the weekend of the race so check nearer the time for more information.
Accommodation
Consider the Days Inn Austin Crossroads, under half an hour away from the track, for £392 based on a 7-night stay. For something more luxurious, there’s Hotel Ella from $292 per night based on 2 people sharing.
For a truly American stay, there’s always motels. The Super 8 on the North Interstate has rooms available from $160 per night.
Explore Austin. Photo by: Sean Pavone Photo/Fotolia
Where local to the Circuit of the Americas can I hire a car?
COTA is just 9 miles away from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and just under 15 miles from the city of Austin. You can hire a car here from Alamo, who have a desk in the airport arrivals hall.
Alternatively, hire from Houston George Bush Airport (2 hours 40 minutes away) or Fort Worth International Airport (3 hours 20 minutes away) and explore more of Texas. Dollar and Alamo hire from both airports.
Although there are specific parking sites, traffic to the track is likely to build up so consider taking one of the many shuttle buses from Austin to COTA that will run on across the F1 weekend.
Other attractions
Visit COTA at the weekend when no events are on and treat yourself to a guided tour. You can get access to the observation tower, track, amphitheatre, pit and paddock buildings.
Austin is home to the McKinney Falls State Park, named after Thomas F. McKinney, businessman, rancher, and racehorse breeder, who once owned the land. There are many hiking trails and beautiful picnic spots, especially along Onion Creek. Visit the ruins of McKinney’s homestead. There are over 80 campsites in the park or cabins to rent should you wish to spend the night.
Take a guided tour of the Longhorn Caverns. Lasting 1 hour and 25 minutes, find out more about this incredible geological site, how it was made and how it was used by Indians, outlaws, and Confederate soldiers.
On your travels, be sure to sample a range of classic American street food that’s available from trucks or tiny trailers. Texas is the origin of yarn-bombing so you may see woolly-coated trees.
Consider more travel experiences in America here.
General tips
Bear in mind that accommodation in and around the host cities starts filling up as soon as dates are announced so don’t leave arranging accommodation until the last minute. It’s also worth contacting hotels directly if they’re showing no availability in case their rates aren’t yet online. You may see prices increase around F1 dates.
Take along earplugs or ear defenders. If you’re up close, the track noise will be deafening so go prepared.
Be aware of your own personal security and whether you could be an easy target for pickpockets. If you’re taking a bag, ensure it closes fully and it’s kept where you can always see it.
Remember to take your tickets and any booking confirmations you may need for your trip. If you prefer, buy a lanyard to keep your tickets around your neck so you don’t lose them.
Take along sealed bottles of water or food if you don’t want to pay for these at the track. Check the individual track restrictions for prohibited items.
Explore Austin. Photo by: tuelezka/Fotolia
If you’ve got a General Admission ticket, be sure to wander around the areas to get a feel for the track and decide where has the best viewing. Consider taking along a folding seat (again, check track entry restrictions) and go early to get a good spot.
Check where the nearest accessible large screen is if there are obstructions in your way. Many grandstands have these and they’ll keep you updated on the race.
Familiarise yourself with the race schedule, layout and details on how to get to the track so your day is planned. This will ensure you don’t miss anything that you want to see.
Dress appropriately for the climate. Take sunscreen if it’s going to be a hot day or a light waterproof jacket if it’s due to rain.
Book your hire car for your Formula 1 2017 trip now
With many exciting destinations hosting Formula 1 2017 races, plan well in advance to avoid disappointment. Have you visited an F1 race before? Are you planning any upcoming track visits? Let us know in the comments, and share any other useful tips of advice.
Written by Jessica Juby.
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