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Formula 1 tickets have a reputation for being expensive, but there are ways to reduce the costs on these incredible trips. It is undeniable that F1 tickets have increased in price in recent years. This is partly due to the Drive to Survive effect on the popularity of the sport, as well as rising costs for the circuits.
The increase in ticket prices is far from unique to Formula 1. Other ticketed events such as Premier League football games, West End theatre tickets and music festivals have gone the same way. This was demonstrated when Glastonbury tickets jumped from £285 to £340 in 2023.
As well as some cheaper options on the calendar, there are also ways that motorsport fans to save money on the Formula 1 experiences.
We’ve put together a couple of tips to put you in pole position to beat the budget cap.
Which are the cheapest Formula 1 races?
It’s a fact that some races are more expensive than others. Below are the five cheapest General Admission tickets currently on sale on the Motorsport Tickets website.
| F1 Grand Prix* | General Admission priced from |
|---|---|
| Japanese Grand Prix (2024) | £92 |
| Hungary Grand Prix (2024) | £109 |
| Qatar Grand Prix (2024) | £106 |
| Bahrain Grand Prix (2024 – off sale) | £138 |
| Belgian Grand Prix (2024) | £188 |
Japan may offer the cheapest tickets on the calendar, but once flights and hotels have been factored in, Hungary is the much more economical option for European fans. This is especially true as Budapest is one of the cheapest cities to visit on the continent.
Austria is another European option at the cheaper end of the scale and camping is by far the most popular option. This gives the event a festival feel as well as reducing the costs of attending the Grand Prix.
Remember that British travellers to Europe will have to apply for an ETIAS visa in 2025.
Top tips on booking cheap Formula 1 tickets
Book as early as possible
Many circuits will begin selling tickets for races well in advance, and there are a few good reasons for booking as soon as they do.
The first is early bird prices. Some tracks will start selling tickets at slightly lower prices, which could save you up to 15% on tickets compared to buying them closer to the race. Booking early has the added benefit of guaranteeing a spot in popular grandstands before they sell out – which most races have done in recent years.
Planning ahead means the cost of travel and accommodation will likely be cheaper, too, saving even more money all-round.
You can sign up to our mailing list on the event page of the Grand Prix that interests you.
Don’t be afraid of General Admission
There are tonnes of options for where to watch a Formula 1 race. Long circuits will have several different grandstands with differing vantage points along the way. They could be covered or uncovered and will guarantee a seat for the whole weekend.
But that shouldn’t put you off a General Admission ticket, which is often a fraction of the price of a grandstand seat. You have the freedom to roam around many different areas of the circuit throughout the weekend, so as the different support series take place you can scope out the best places to watch.
The general admission zones often get you access much closer to the track, putting you almost in touching distance of the cars. You’ll also be able to access parts of the circuit where there may not be grandstands offering a view, such as the Kemmel Straight in Belgium or long back straight in Austria.
Even in Monaco, Le Rocher hill gives fans with GA tickets a unique view of the final few turns and is packed all weekend.
With any ticket to a Grand Prix, you will have access to the F1 Fan Village where you can take part in racing simulators, pit stop challenges and see live driver appearances on stage.
You may have to arrive early to secure the best spots, but it will be well worth it if you’re hoping to keep costs to a minimum without skimping on experience.
Consider camping
At some circuits, the only way to stay close to the circuit is to camp. Belgium and Austria are particularly removed from major towns, and so thousands will pitch up in a campsite for the whole weekend.
That’s what makes options like Camping Pink Premium in Austria, or the 16 – 27 campsite and grandstand in Belgium such popular choices.
But there are camping options at races across the globe. The Hungaroring is just half an hour from the capital Budapest, but there are many campsites around the circuit. The same goes for Monza in Italy; it’s a short journey from Milan, but you can camp in the national park in which the circuit is based.
This not only saves you the time of travelling each day of the race weekend, but you’ll save cash on trains, buses or taxis, and hotels, apartments or BnBs.
While most will pitch their own tent, many take advantage of pre-erected tent packages or glamping options. Just turn up, and everything is sorted and waiting for you.