Portugal Grand Prix: Guide to staying safe during the weekend

The Portuguese F1 Grand Prix is set to be one of the only races this season with fans in the grandstand.

Formula 1’s first visit to the Algarve circuit will be a celebration, as fans will get their first chance to see 2020 cars in racing trim.

The UK government’s recent announcement that travellers are no longer expected to quarantine when returning to Britain is a welcome boost for F1 fans needing their racing fix.

With tickets on sale for the Portuguese Grand Prix, we thought we’d share some tips on how to stay safe while traveling, and explain what the circuit has put in place to ensure fans’ safety throughout the weekend.

Travelling to Portugal

For most, flying to Faro airport will be the easiest way to get to the region. From the UK, flights leave from all major London airports, as well as East Midlands, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Bristol and Newcastle.

Before you arrive at the airport, try to check-in online. This will limit any face-to-face contact with airline staff. When you do arrive, make sure only people travelling actually enter the airport.

Make the most of the handwashing and sanitiser stations around every airport. Each airport will have its own rules about where to sit and move around. Make sure you follow them, as it makes it easier for everyone.

Once you’re on board the plane, safety measures will vary dependant on the aircraft. However, passengers in England, Scotland and Wales must wear face coverings during flights. A flight from London to Faro will take just under three hours, so download your favourite racing film and the time will fly by.

If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, or have had in the last seven days, you should not fly.

Once in Portugal, rules include the wearing of masks on public transport. So, you will have to wear one when boarding any transfers from the airport. If using a taxi, other rules are in place: the front seats can only be used by the driver, and only 2/3 of the remaining seats can be occupied. That means in a standard 5-seat car, only 2 passengers can ride in the back.

However, you are able to rent-a-car in Portugal. Cars with a capacity of five can be fully occupied, as long as they are from the same household. The use of masks in rented cars is required, too. But you may be more comfortable travelling from the airport and to the circuit in a rented car, than public transport.

Safety at the circuit

There are a number of safety measures in Portugal which you can expect to be adopted by the circuit. At the moment, everyone must observe a 2-meter social distancing rule, and wear masks in places with many people.

It’s likely the circuit on race weekend will be classified as a place “with many people”. So you may have to wear a face mask in the grandstand. We would recommend checking out the teams’ websites, where you may be able to buy a branded face mask – like you see the teams wearing on the grid. You’ll be able to stay safe and support your favourite team.

The circuit will also comply with any local safety requirements. That means you might be required to have your temperature taken before entering the circuit. For the purposes of contact tracing, you may also be required to pass on your contact details.

There will be hospitality options available at the Portugal F1 Grand Prix. There will be a number of changes to ensure everyone’s safety. The ‘F1 bubble’ system has been integral to getting the sport up and running again. That means a number of normal Paddock Club offerings won’t be available, such as the pit lane walk.

However, there will be a truck tour of the track, a photo experience on the grid, photo safari tour and new virtual experiences with F1 drivers.

Other measures in Portugal

The Portuguese tourist board has implemented a scheme to ensure safety during COVID-19. The ‘Clean & Safe’ symbol appears where hotels, attractions, travel companies, restaurants, and cafes have been verified as compliant with hygiene regulations. Think of it as a stamp of approval. You can trust any hotel or accommodation carrying the symbol.

Bars and restaurants are open across Portugal, as long as they close by 1am. Beaches are also open, with a number of rules to follow, as well as a traffic light system representing capacity.

If you want to check out the local museums and cultural landmarks, face masks and social distancing are required, but you’ll be able to check out the cobbled streets of Old Town Faro.

Ready to go? Book Portugal F1 Grand Prix tickets

Not everyone is ready to travel yet, and that’s okay. But for those who are, we hope that you find this information reassuring for your trip. If you’re ready to travel, book tickets to the Portugal F1 Grand Prix now.