Posted on by Simon Mawdsley

Where & How to Buy Formula 1 Tickets For 2026 – A Beginners Guide

Planning your first trip to the track? Whether you’re dreaming of the glitz of Monaco or the high-speed history of Monza, securing F1 race tickets is the first step toward an unforgettable adventure. 

At Grand Prix Grand Tours, we’re not just travel consultants; we’re F1 fanatics who live for the roar of the engines. We’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the world of Formula One tickets with the confidence of a seasoned pro.

Key Takeaways: Planning Your F1 Adventure

  • Book Early: High-demand races like Silverstone or Miami can sell out within minutes or days.
  • Official Sources Only: Always use the official circuit website or a trusted, ATOL-protected reseller.
  • Budget Matters: F1 ticket prices vary wildly, from £100 for General Admission to £25,000+ for elite hospitality.
  • Location is Everything: Consider “fly-away” races like China or Hungary for the cheapest F1 tickets.
  • Package it Up: For a seamlessly organised trip, booking a full travel package often saves both money and logistical headaches.

What are the different types of F1 tickets?

Before you look at where to buy F1 tickets, it’s vital to understand what your money actually gets you. Broadly speaking, there are 3 types of F1 Grand Prix tickets:

General Admission (GA): Often the most affordable entry point, GA tickets grant you access to the circuit grounds and designated viewing areas (usually grassy banks or standing zones) without a reserved seat.

Grandstand Seating: A reserved, numbered seat in a constructed stand. These often provide better views, giant screen access, and are sometimes covered to protect you from the elements.

F1 Hospitality: The premier way to experience a race. These packages include gourmet catering, open bars, and exclusive views, often from suites directly above the pit lane or at iconic corners.

Where can I buy F1 Tickets?

There are a huge number of options to purchase tickets for the F1 Grand Prix. In some cases, you can go directly to the circuit, or you can use an authorised reseller such as Grandstand Tickets or Grand Prix Events.

 A small number of events offer easy access to the circuit from an International Airport or a major city, but most do not. By way of example, the Belgian and Austrian Grand Prix are around a 2-hour drive from their nearest cities, and most other events require some logistical arrangements. Unless you are happy arranging car hire and parking at the circuit (if available), it is often far easier, convenient, and usually cheaper to go with a specialist company like us offering F1 travel packages. 

You can find current availability and Formula 1 ticket prices on our F1 Tickets page.

When do F1 tickets go on sale?

F1 grand prix tickets are released by individual race promoters, meaning there isn’t one single date for the whole season. The Monaco Grand Prix, for example, is run by the Automobile Club de Monaco, which normally releases tickets around 6 months before the event. Therefore, you can typically expect tickets to go on sale 6-9 months before the event itself.

Pro Tip: Some circuits, like Silverstone and Austria, often release “Early Bird” tickets for the following year almost immediately after the current race ends. If you’re wondering when do F1 tickets go on sale for your favourite track, signing up for circuit newsletters is essential.

If you want to see the F1 Calendar, you can find all details here.

How quickly do F1 tickets sell out?

Tickets for Formula 1 often sell out within hours of release. How far in advance you need to purchase F1 tickets depends on a whole host of factors – is the event popular? Is there a local hero? Is the race on the calendar for the first time? For some context, here are some examples of how fast Formula One tickets can sell out for popular races:

However, 2022 was a unique year following COVID-lockdown restrictions. Add this to the growth in the popularity of F1, and a perfect storm has created unprecedented demand.

That said, if you don’t want to be disappointed, there is really only one answer: book your F1 tickets as soon as you can!

How much does a Formula 1 ticket cost?

The cost of your Formula One tickets depends on a variety of factors, including:

  • The type of experience you’re seeking
  • The availability of flights
  • Whether you want a grandstand seat
  • How close the circuit is to the nearest city

The Budget Approach

The cheapest F1 tickets are usually Friday practice sessions in General Access, at an event that doesn’t sell out too quickly. For example, Azerbaijan is not the obvious choice for a Grand Prix, but Baku F1 Tickets are cheaper than other higher-demand races. 

The Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest is often cited as one of the more affordable F1 races, with a 3-day Hungaroring ticket costing around £449 and affordable flights from Europe.

The Full Experience

If you’re looking for the best value, we recommend European classics like Spain or Italy. Both events are located around 40 minutes from Milan and Barcelona, both offer good value hotels, and both are easily accessible from most international airports. Depending on when you book, you should be able to secure a Grandstand seat, 3 nights in a 4* hotel, flights, and all transfers, for around £1,000-£1,200 per person.

Here’s a breakdown of average F1 ticket prices for races around the world:

Grand PrixCheapest TicketNumber of DaysPrestige Level
Hungary (Budapest)£4493Fan Favoruite
Italy (Monza)£5413Iconic Atmosphere
Great Britain (Silverstone)£5903High Demand
Miami (Autodrome)£6453International Prestige
Monaco (Monte Carlo)£11932Ultimate Experience

These prices are based on rates from Grandstand Tickets in February 2026 and may fluctuate. 

What Type of F1 Ticket Should I Buy?

Hospitality Tickets

As you probably guess, hospitality is where you will be rubbing shoulders with the bold and the beautiful. Hospitality areas are not located near grandstands, but in dedicated hospitality units, often directly above the pit buildings, and always with fantastic views. If you are lucky enough to be in a hospitality unit, you can expect:

  • Premium Food: Free-flowing premium drinks
  • Gourmet cuisine: Often from Michelin-starred chefs)
  • No allocated seating: You just get to explore the balcony and take in the race in a far more relaxed environment.
  • Other Perks: Pit-lane walks, paddock tours, driver appearances, and Q&A sessions with team members.

 If you want to get close to the action, then a hospitality F1 package is the best option.

All VIP F1 Packages offered by Grand Prix Grand Tours come with Hospitality as standard. Prices normally start from around £2,500 per person.

Grandstand Tickets

Unless money is no object, most F1 fans opt for Grandstand seating. This is where you will experience the best atmosphere at an F1 Grand Prix and, often, the best views too. Prices vary depending on the grandstand you choose, with the main straight usually being the most expensive. However, if it’s great racing you’re after, we recommend one of the corners at the end of a straight.

With grandstand F1 tickets, you can expect:

  • Reserved Seating: A guaranteed, numbered seat for the entire weekend, giving you the freedom to explore the circuit without losing your spot.
  • Elevated Views: Strategically positioned sightlines that look over the catch fencing, often covering multiple corners or the main straight.
  • Giant Screens: Direct sight of massive LED screens opposite your stand, ensuring you never miss the live timing or race replays.
  • Essential Comforts: Easier access to dedicated food stalls, restrooms, and merchandise, with many stands providing cover from sun or rain.

All F1 Packages offered by Grand Prix Grand Tours come with Grandstand Tickets as standard. Prices normally start from around £999 per person.

General Admission

There’s no such thing as a ‘cheap’ Grand Prix weekend, but if you’re looking to experience F1 on a shoestring, then General Access F1 tickets are for you. The views from General Access areas are typically a little restricted compared to the Grandstands, but what you might lack in visibility, you will make up for in enthusiasm. 

With general admission tickets, you can expect:

  • Freedom to Roam: Unlike grandstands, you aren’t fixed to one spot. You can explore various viewing banks and grassy verges to find your favorite angle of the circuit.
  • Electric Atmosphere: General Access is where the ‘hardcore’ F1 fans go, so the atmosphere is almost always electric
  • Flexible Budgeting: These are the cheapest f1 tickets available, making it easier to attend bucket-list races like the British or Italian Grand Prix without the premier price tag.
  • Adventure & Strategy: Part of the fun is the “land grab”—arriving early to scout the best spots and setting up your base for a day of high-speed drama.

While Grand Prix Grand Tours do not offer General Access tickets, you can get them from a wide range of reputable suppliers, such as Grandstand Tickets, Goo Tickets, and Grand Prix Events. Tickets start from around £40 for a practice day, and from £100 for a 3-day ticket.

Can you buy F1 tickets at the gate?

The quick answer to this is, unfortunately, ‘no’. Like most major sporting events, all Grand Prix tickets need to be bought in advance. There will always be people illegally reselling tickets at the events, but we strongly suggest you purchase your tickets in advance and through a reputable supplier.

Tips for securing F1 tickets before they sell out

F1 tickets for iconic circuits often vanish faster than a qualifying lap. To ensure you aren’t left behind, follow our insider strategy for securing your Formula One tickets:

  1. Register for Alerts Early: Sign up for newsletters on official circuit sites and with a trusted concierge like Grand Prix Grand Tours to receive immediate on-sale notifications.
  2. The “Day After” Rule: Be ready to book next year’s tickets almost immediately after the current race ends to catch early-bird windows.
  3. Use Pre-sale Windows: Keep an eye out for credit card partner pre-sales, such as those offered by American Express, which grant early access to specific races.
  4. Have a Backup Grandstand: Pick two or three alternative seating areas in advance so you can pivot quickly if your first choice sells out.
  5. Book a Full Package: If tickets are sold out on official sites, specialist tour operators like us often have secured allocations as part of a seamlessly organised package.
  6. Avoid the “Gate” Gamble: Never rely on buying tickets at the track on race day, as almost all modern Grands Prix are strictly advance-purchase only.

Your Journey to the Grid Starts Here

Whether you’re hunting for the cheapest F1 tickets for a budget-friendly weekend or looking to indulge in a premier hospitality suite, the key to a successful Grand Prix weekend is planning. By booking early and choosing a seamlessly organised travel partner, you can stop worrying about the logistics and start focusing on the race.

Don’t leave your 2026 season to chance. Our team of F1 fanatics is ready to help you craft an unforgettable weekend tailored to your passion. Get in touch today to plan the trip of a lifetime!