Popularity of Formula 1 has significantly increased in recent years around the world. It draws millions of viewers (including myself) in front of their screens each year between March and December. At the same time, hundreds of thousands of fans from all over the world travel to watch the races live, creating a truly unique and electrifying atmosphere at each event.
Back in 2021 —before Açık Bilet even existed— I had the chance to watch a Formula 1 race live in Istanbul, and then again in 2022 in Italy. Even though a few years have passed, just thinking about those experiences still gives me a rush of excitement. With this blog post, I wanted to share that excitement and my personal journey with all of you.
Since the Turkish Grand Prix (wishing to have it back in the future) is no longer on the calendar, I’ll mostly be focusing on general topics like how and where I bought Italian Grand Prix tickets, as well as sharing my experience during the Italian Grand Prix weekend. So here it is: a full start-to-finish Formula 1 race experience and guide. Lights out and away we go!
Attending a Formula 1 Race in Italy
The History of Monza Race Track
Let’s start with the Italian Grand Prix. It holds a unique place in Formula 1 history as the only race to have been featured in every single season since the championship began in 1950. All Italian Grands Prix have been held at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, except for the 1980 race. The 1980 Italian GP was an exception, taking place at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola instead. The reason for this one-off change was the renovation work being done at Monza that year, aimed at modernizing the track and improving safety standards.
Looking ahead to the 2025 Formula 1 season, there are two races held within Italy. The race at Monza continues to be organized under the name of the Italian Grand Prix, while the race at Imola —reintroduced to the calendar in 2020— has been held under the title of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
The Importance of Formula 1 in Italy and the Tifosi Culture
The Italian Grand Prix is not only one of the cornerstone events of Formula 1 but also one of the most historic races in all of motorsport. Beyond its rich legacy, the presence of a legendary team like Ferrari brings a unique spirit and emotional depth to the Italian GP that sets it apart from any other race.
Ferrari Formula 1 team —also known as “Scuderia Ferrari”— is considered a part of the national identity in Italy. What truly makes the Italian Grand Prix so special, though, is the unique atmosphere created by the tifosi (the passionate fans). For me, this passion was the biggest motivation to experience the race in person and feel that passion firsthand.
Although Ferrari didn’t win the race I attended, witnessing the Italians’ unwavering love for the team and hearing the Italian national anthem before the start was an unforgettable experience. If you’re even slightly interested in the sport, just watching Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc’s emotional victory at Monza in 2024 is enough to give you goosebumps.
How and Where to Buy Formula 1 Tickets
Official and Reliable Ticket Sales Platforms
When you are looking for Formula 1 tickets online, you’ll come across a wide range of websites. The most reliable option is Formula 1’s official ticket website, where you can find tickets for all races on the calendar. It allows you to explore seating options and make direct purchases with confidence. However, ticket prices on the official site can sometimes be higher compared to other trustworthy platforms. That’s why I’d like to suggest an alternative where you might find more affordable options without compromising safety or reliability.
Most Formula 1 circuits have their own official websites, and I highly recommend checking those first when looking into ticket prices. For example, I purchased my ticket directly from Monza’s official website. Compared to the main Formula 1 ticket site, the prices there were not only more affordable but also went on sale earlier. It’s a good idea to compare both the circuit’s official website and the F1 official site before making your decision. For the Italian Grand Prix, I bought a three-day general admission ticket for €94. While I don’t remember the exact price listed on the F1 site at the time, I do recall it being slightly more expensive. For reference, the updated price for the same ticket in the 2025 season is now €120.
Start Looking for Tickets Early
The release date for Formula 1 tickets varies from race to race, but they generally go on sale a few months before the event, anywhere from 4 to 10 months in advance (yes, quite a wide range). To stay informed and avoid missing out, you can sign up with your email on either the official Formula 1 ticketing platform or the official website of the circuit you’re interested in. This way, you’ll receive notifications either right before the tickets go on sale or as soon as they’re available.
In the year I attended, tickets for the Italian Grand Prix—which takes place in early September—went on sale at the end of April, about 4.5 months before the race.
Formula 1 Ticket Prices and Options
Formula 1 Ticket Prices
Formula 1 is undoubtedly an expensive sport when it comes to ticket prices. And if you’re planning to attend a race abroad, the costs go beyond just the ticket—you also need to factor in expenses like travel, accommodation, food and drinks, and possibly a visa. All of these can add up quickly, so budgeting ahead is essential.
If we take a look purely at ticket prices, races in countries like Hungary, Italy, and Austria tend to be more affordable compared to many other locations in Europe. Outside of Europe, you can also find relatively budget-friendly options in places like Japan, China, and Bahrain, where a three-day ticket typically costs between $150 and $250. If you’d like a more detailed breakdown, I recommend checking out the 2024 ticket price analysis by F1destinations.com. It offers a great comparison of prices across all races on the calendar.
Where to Watch a Formula 1 Race
If you’re wondering where to watch a Formula 1 race from, the answer largely depends on your budget. Grandstand seats offer the best comfort and visibility with assigned seating, but their prices are generally quite high across almost all circuits. The most affordable option is typically a “General Admission” ticket, also known as open-area access. These tickets don’t provide you with a reserved seat, but they do allow you to watch the race from designated areas around the track. Most of these zones don’t have formal seating or stands, so fans bring their own chairs, sit on the grass, or stand throughout the race.
While rules and access zones vary depending on the circuit, general admission tickets are available at many tracks (except for some street circuits) and are usually the cheapest ticket option. For a three-day pass, prices can range anywhere from $120 to $650, depending on the circuit.
Types of Formula 1 Tickets
Formula 1 race weekends typically run from Thursday to Sunday. On Thursdays, the pit lane is often opened to ticket holders, offering a unique chance to walk along the pit lane and get an up-close look than ever at the teams’ garages. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of pit stop practice sessions. This experience varies by circuit: at some tracks, all ticket holders are allowed in, while at others, it’s limited to those with special pit lane access tickets. It’s a great way to kick off the race weekend and immerse yourself in the behind-the-scenes action of Formula 1.
On Friday, the cars hit the track for two one-hour practice sessions, giving teams and drivers the opportunity to test tire setups and fine-tune their cars for the weekend. Saturday is when qualifying takes place, determining the starting grid for the race. Then comes the main event on Sunday, the race itself. Tickets are available for each day individually, but there are also three-day passes that allow you to attend the full race weekend. If you want the complete Formula 1 experience from practice to qualifying to the race, I highly recommend going for the three-day ticket.
While the main event of the weekend is, of course, the race on Sunday, I highly recommend getting a two or three-day ticket to fully soak in the atmosphere and make the most of your time at the circuit. Trust me, you won’t regret it. After all, who knows when you’ll get another chance like this? Spending Friday or Saturday at the track is especially helpful for getting familiar with the track and surroundings before race day. This is particularly important if you have a General Admission ticket, where seating isn’t assigned. Scouting out the best viewing spots in advance can make a huge difference in your overall experience.
Getting to Monza: How to Reach the Race Track
Thanks to Italy’s extensive train network, you can easily reach the city of Monza by train from wherever you are in the country. You can check schedules and purchase tickets to Monza train station via Trenitalia’s official website. While it’s also possible to buy last-minute tickets from the ticket machines at train stations, I recommend booking in advance—especially for a major event like Formula 1, when trains can get quite crowded.
The closest major city to Monza is Milan, and the train ride from Milan to Monza takes only about 15 minutes. However, Monza’s central train station is not within walking distance of the circuit. On race weekend, there are regular shuttle buses between the train station and the track. Once you get off the train, you can hop on one of these shuttles to reach the circuit with ease. You can purchase your shuttle bus ticket together with your train ticket directly on Trenitalia’s official website. This makes the process more convenient and ensures you’re fully prepared for your journey to the circuit.
Last but not least, there is a train that runs from Milano Porta Garibaldi station directly to Biassono-Lesmo station near Monza without stopping at Monza’s central station on the race day. This is a game-changer, as Biassono-Lesmo drops you off just steps away from the circuit, allowing you to enter the track from a different, much closer gate. We happened to take this train by chance on race day and ended up saving a lot of time and energy. From what we learned, this direct route is organized exclusively for race Sundays, but it’s still worth checking if a similar service runs on other days too. Getting off at Biassono-Lesmo made our Sunday experience far more efficient—and I highly recommend it if you want to avoid long walks and crowded shuttle lines.
Accommodation Guide: Where to Stay for the Italian Grand Prix
As mentioned earlier, Milan —the closest major city to Monza— is the best place to stay if you want to explore a vibrant city while also enjoying the grand prix weekend. Milan offers a wider range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to upscale hotels, making it easier to find something that suits your preferences and budget. We stayed in Milan for the majority of our trip and traveled to the circuit by train each day. It was convenient and allowed us to enjoy both the city and the race. The only exception was Sunday night, after the race, when we stayed in Monza. This was a smart move to avoid post-race crowds and long commutes after an exhausting day at the track.
There is a downside of staying in Milan during race weekend. After the sessions end, getting back to the train station can be challenging due to the large crowds and traffic. The journey back to Milan can feel long and tiring, especially after a full day at the circuit. One tip is to wait in Monza for a bit after the race, allowing the crowds to thin out before heading back to the city. This can make the return trip more manageable and less stressful.
The other option is to stay in Monza itself. In the evenings, Monza turns into a quiet, laid-back town, and compared to Milan, it offers fewer entertainment and nightlife options. However, the biggest advantage is proximity to the circuit, which makes getting to and from the race much more convenient and less tiring. Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities:
- If you want a livelier atmosphere and more to do after the race, Milan is ideal.
- If you value ease of access and a calm experience, staying in Monza might be the better fit.
We stayed at a hostel called Cascina Costa Alta, located right next to the circuit, inside the park area in Monza. In terms of proximity, I can definitely recommend it since it was incredibly convenient for race day. While the rooms weren’t the best in terms of cleanliness and comfort, considering how tired we were after a long day at the track, it was a suitable option for a one-night stay. If you’re prioritizing location over luxury, it’s a solid choice.
In Milan, we mostly used Airbnb and were able to find some really nice options at reasonable prices. We lived a bit of a nomadic lifestyle during our stay, spending four nights in three different places across the city. Among all the places we stayed, my favorite and the one I’d most recommend is Combo Milano, located in the vibrant Navigli district. It offers a great mix of comfort, design, and atmosphere, and the neighborhood itself is full of character with plenty of cafes, bars, and canalside charm.
Food, Drinks, and Events at the Italian Grand Prix
When it comes to Italy and food, I’m sure we all get a little excited, how could you not? We had the chance to try some delicious dishes during our time in Milan. I’ll share a few of my favorites before diving into what the food and drink experience is like at the race track.
Milan Food Recommendations
- Panzerotti Luini: Panzerotti is a delicious pastry that originates from southern and central Italy and looks similar to calzone. You can think of it as a kind of deep-fried dough filled typically with tomato and mozzarella, much like a savory version of Turkish dish, çiğ börek. The most famous and beloved place to try panzerotti in Milan is Luini, located right in the city center. While the classic version comes with just mozzarella and tomato, Luini offers a variety of other fillings as well, so there’s something for every taste. It’s a must-try snack if you’re in Milan!
- Spontini: While Spontini leans more toward the fast food side of things as you order at the counter and typically eat standing or on the go, we really enjoyed their pizzas. Their lasagna also looked incredibly tempting. If you’re short on time but still want something quick, tasty, and authentic, this spot is perfect. It’s a great way to grab a satisfying bite without sacrificing quality or flavor.
- Aperitivo: Aperitivo isn’t just a place, it’s a cultural ritual in Italy, especially in Milan. In the early evening, before dinner, many bars and cafés offer a selection of small bites alongside your drink. The concept is simple: you pay for your drink, and in return, you get access to a buffet of appetizers, anything from olives and bruschetta to pasta salads and small sandwiches. In Milan, this tradition is alive and well, especially in the lively Navigli district, where locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy a drink while watching the sunset over the canal. We tried aperitivo at Yguana Café, a cozy spot that served a nice variety of food with generous portions. It’s a relaxing and social way to unwind after a day of exploring or after a full day at the race track.
Food and Drink at the Formula 1 Circuit
When it comes to food and drink at the Formula 1 circuit, prices are definitely higher than your average café. There are food and beverage stations located around the track, but there’s an important catch: you can’t pay with cash or card. To make any purchases, you first need to get tokens from vending machines or kiosks. Unfortunately, this system can cause major bottlenecks. We ended up standing in line for 1.5 hours just to get tokens! It’s one of the frustrating realities of large-scale events like this.
So here’s my advice:
- Arrive early, and as soon as you get to the circuit, head straight for the token stations—ideally one that’s far from the main crowd.
- Try to avoid buying tokens from the fan zone during peak hours, as it draws the biggest crowds and, therefore, the longest lines.
- Once you have your tokens, buying food or drinks is relatively quicker.
Long lines are part of the experience at big events, but a little planning can save you time—and your nerves.
One final note worth mentioning: when we attended, it was the 100th anniversary of the Monza circuit, and they were selling commemorative plastic cups as part of the celebration. For just €1, you could purchase one of these souvenir cups. The great thing is, once you buy the cup, you don’t have to pay the cup fee again for refills. You can just hand it over at the drink stations. It’s a small but meaningful keepsake to take home, and a nice way to remember the race weekend.
Practical Tips for Formula 1: What to Keep in Mind for the Italian Grand Prix!
As we near the end of this post, I’d like to wrap things up with a clear and memorable list of tips which I’ve already mentioned, and others that are just good to keep in mind. So here are my key
- Start monitoring ticket availability for the race you want to attend at least 9–10 months in advance. For high-demand races like the Italian Grand Prix, tickets can sell out quickly once released, so staying ahead of the game gives you a much better chance of securing a spot, especially if you’re aiming for specific grandstands or more affordable options.
- Make your travel plans after securing your race tickets. If you book flights or accommodation first and then fail to get a race ticket, you risk losing those reservations. To avoid that, either buy your F1 ticket first or make sure your flights and accommodations are flexible or refundable just in case plans need to change.
- If you have a General Admission ticket, it’s absolutely essential to arrive early at the circuit to secure a good viewing spot. Since there’s no assigned seat or grandstand, the best areas fill up quickly, especially on race day. Use Friday and Saturday as scouting days: walk around the track, get familiar with the layout, and identify the best viewing angles. This way, you’ll know exactly where to head for the best experience by Sunday. Planning ahead will make a huge difference in how much you enjoy the race.
- If you’re attending the Italian Grand Prix in September like I did, be prepared for both sun and potential rain. While I personally don’t recall any rainy race days at Monza in recent years, it did rain lightly the day we arrived in Milan. On the other hand, the sunny days were very hot, especially with hours spent under direct sunlight.
Here’s what I strongly recommend bringing:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- A hat or cap
- Light clothing (shorts and a t-shirt usually work well)
- A lightweight rain jacket or poncho — even if it looks unlikely, you never know with the weather in northern Italy. It’s always better to be overprepared than caught off guard—especially when you’re outdoors all day.
- Skip the Monza central station and take the train that goes directly to Biassono-Lesmo station instead, on the race day. It drops you off much closer to the circuit, allowing for a quicker and less crowded entry. It’s a game-changer on race day and can save you both time and energy.
- After the race ends, the gates open and fans flood onto the track, filling the warm asphalt with energy and celebration. Don’t miss the chance to step onto the iconic Monza circuit, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Once you’ve soaked it all in and taken your walk down the straight, head toward the paddock exit, where drivers, team members, and even celebrities leave the circuit. With a bit of luck and timing, you might snap a photo with a familiar face or at least catch a close-up glimpse of your favorite driver. It’s the perfect way to end an unforgettable race weekend.
And finally yes, it’s going to be a long, exhausting weekend. You’ll wait in lines, deal with crowds, and at times feel overwhelmed by the heat or the sheer chaos of it all. But when you look back, it’s the unforgettable moments, the atmosphere, the roar of the engines, and the joy of being part of something so special that you’ll remember. So no matter what, make the most of every second. Take it all in, enjoy the ride, and be grateful for the experience. Because in the end, it’s those imperfect yet magical weekends that stay with us the longest.
