What is the most expensive F1 race to attend?

Discover the top five most expensive F1 races on the calendar, from Monaco to Abu Dhabi.


What is the most expensive F1 race to attend?

F1 cars in Bahrain (Credits: CNBC)

Formula One is undoubtedly one of the most glamorous and expensive sports in the world. With millions of fans across the globe, F1 is a sport that has captivated audiences for decades. Every year, the Formula One industry generates billions of dollars in revenue, with the teams and organizers earning a substantial share. But it’s not just the sport’s financial success that draws fans in – it’s the excitement and thrill of the races themselves.

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From the high-speed straights of Monza to the winding streets of Monaco, F1 races are a true spectacle. However, attending an F1 race is not for the faint-hearted. The cost of tickets, accommodation, and travel can quickly increase, with some races commanding eye-watering prices. So, let’s dive into the top five most expensive races on the Formula One calendar.

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5. American Grand Prix – Austin 

F1 at Austin GP
F1 at Austin GP (Credits: NBC News)

The United States Grand Prix in Austin is undoubtedly one of the most highly anticipated races of the year for motorsport enthusiasts. Held at the Circuit of the Americas, this race weekend attracts fans from all around the world. However, it is also known for being one of the most expensive races on the Formula One calendar and sits in the fifth spot on the list of most expensive races, with a total cost of $2,835. It has a relatively lower ticket price than Miami Grand Prix, but the expenses for the hotel bump it above Miami.

One reason why the USA Grand Prix in Austin is so highly sought after by fans is due to the race’s timing. It occurs towards the end of the Formula One season, often when the championship is still up for grabs. This means a lot is at stake for the teams and drivers, which can make for some exciting and unpredictable racing. Another reason why the Austin Grand Prix is so popular is due to the track itself. The Circuit of the Americas is a challenging and varied track, with long straights, tight hairpin bends, and sweeping corners. This makes for a thrilling race, as drivers battle it out to find the perfect racing line.

However, all this excitement comes at a price. The costliest grandstand at the Circuit of the Americas will set you back $1,025, while the average ticket price is $677. Accommodation in Austin during the race weekend can also be expensive, with a typical cost of $2067. Even the cost of food can be high, with a meal typically costing around $91.

4. Monaco Grand Prix – Monte Carlo

Monaco Grand Prix
Monaco Grand Prix (Credits: Autoweek)

The Monaco Grand Prix is the epitome of prestige and glamour in the world of Formula One racing. Held annually in the iconic Principality of Monaco, it is the race that every driver dreams of winning. But with a total cost of $2,837, it is also one of the most expensive Grand Prix weekends on the calendar and is fourth on the list.  Part of what makes the Monaco GP so special is the historic essence of the location itself. The Principality of Monaco is steeped in history and is known for its lavish lifestyle and celebrity culture. Many of the world’s biggest stars and high-net-worth individuals flock to Monaco for the Grand Prix weekend, making it a truly glamorous event.

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The race is held in late May each year, and fans come from all over the world to watch the action unfold on the Circuit de Monaco. The track is a unique street circuit that winds its way through the narrow and winding streets of Monaco. With its tight corners and high-speed sections, it is one of the most challenging circuits on the calendar. But it’s not just the track that makes the Monaco Grand Prix so special. The race is also famous for the celebrities who grace it with their presence. From movie stars to royalty, the Grand Prix weekend in Monaco is a magnet for the rich and famous.

One of the most famous races in the history of the Monaco Grand Prix was the 1992 race, which saw Ayrton Senna, one of the greatest drivers of all time, take victory in challenging wet conditions. The race is remembered as one of Senna’s greatest victories and is still talked about by fans today. But with the costliest grandstand ticket price of $925, an average ticket price of $687, and accommodation costs of $1817, attending the Monaco Grand Prix is not cheap. Even a meal in Monaco can set you back over $333.2. However, for those who can afford it, the experience of attending the Monaco Grand Prix is truly unforgettable.

3. Belgium Grand Prix – Stavelot

Bird's eye view of Spa Francochamps
Bird’s eye view of Spa Francochamps (Credits: Grand Prix 247)

The Belgian Grand Prix, held at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit, is a race that has captivated the hearts of motorsport enthusiasts for decades. But with a total cost of $2,966, it is also one of the most expensive Grand Prix weekends on the calendar, ranking third on the list. One of the reasons why the Belgian Grand Prix is so popular is due to the event’s history. It has been a mainstay on the Formula One calendar since the championship’s inception in 1950 and is renowned for being one of the most challenging and exciting races of the season.

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The race is held right after the summer break each year, and fans from all over the world travel to the small town of Spa to witness the action unfold on the famous Spa-Francorchamps circuit. The track is known for its fast and flowing corners, which require incredible skill and precision from the drivers. But it’s not just the track that makes the Belgian Grand Prix so special. The race also has a unique atmosphere, with fans camping out in the forests surrounding the circuit, creating a festival-like atmosphere unrivaled in the world of motorsport.

However, attending the Belgian Grand Prix can be a costly affair. While the costliest grandstand ticket price is relatively reasonable at $664, the average ticket price is only $393. But the accommodation cost during race weekends is extremely high, with a typical cost of $2478. Even the cost of food is relatively high, with a meal typically costing around $94.7.

2. Las Vegas Grand Prix – Las Vegas

Las Vegas Grand Prix
Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023 (Credits: Autoweek)

Las Vegas is one of the most iconic cities in the world, known for its bright lights, luxurious hotels, and world-class entertainment. And now, it is set to add a new chapter to its illustrious history by hosting a Formula One race for the first time in nearly four decades. The inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix promises to be an exciting addition to the 2023 Formula One calendar, with the track featuring long straights, sharp corners, and plenty of overtaking opportunities. It is a circuit that is sure to test the drivers’ skills and provide fans with an unforgettable experience. The race has the costliest ticket prices of any race, and if that is the only factor, it easily is the most expensive race of F1. It is the second costliest race to attend. 

The race is set to take place from the 16th to the 18th of November, 2023, and it is already generating a lot of excitement among motorsport enthusiasts. With its prime location on the iconic Las Vegas Strip, the race is expected to attract many fans worldwide. However, attending the Las Vegas Grand Prix will come at a cost. The costliest grandstand ticket is estimated at $2,500, with an average ticket price of $1,667. The estimated cost of accommodation is $1,450, and a meal in Las Vegas is likely to set you back around $240. All in all, attending the Las Vegas Grand Prix is estimated to cost around $3,357.

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1. Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Credits: Yas Marina Circuit)

With an estimated $3,846, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the most expensive race weekend on the calendar. As the final race of the season, it is a fitting finale to an action-packed year of racing.  One of the main reasons for the high cost is the extravagant nature of Abu Dhabi. This city is known for its luxurious accommodations, with the finest hotels and resorts in the world. Fans attending the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix can expect to pay a premium for their stay, but the experience is worth every penny.

Another reason for the high cost is the substantial fee paid by Abu Dhabi to host the final race of the season. This investment has paid off, as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has become one of the most popular and exciting events on the Formula One calendar. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has a rich history of producing some of the most thrilling races in recent memory. The likes of Nico Rosberg, Sebastian Vettel, and Max Verstappen have all won their championships in dramatic fashion at this circuit. The track itself is a true spectacle, with long straights and tight corners that put the drivers’ skills to the test.

Fans from all over the world flock to Abu Dhabi every year to witness the excitement of the final race of the season. The atmosphere is electric, with celebrities, VIPs, and racing enthusiasts all mingling together to celebrate the sport. The experience of attending the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is truly unforgettable and well worth the investment.

List of all Grands Prix and their expenses

F1 cars racing
F1 cars racing (Credits: Autocar India)
All the prices in USD
S. No.Grand PrixCostliest grandstandsAverage ticket priceAverage hotel cost for 2 daysAverage cost for meals –  2 daysAverage total cost
1Abu Dhabi7895463260403,846
2Las Vegas2,5001,66714502403,357
3Belgium664393247894.72,966
4Monaco9256871817333.22,837
5USA- Austin1,0256772067912,835
6Miami 1,9001,11385595.42,063
7Hungary306184126040.451,484 
8UK- British792556734110.51,401
9Dutch – Netherlands7564795561001,135
10Mexico1,53669830345.61,047
11Italy- Imola92543944096975
12Singapore1,05252736468959
13Qatar63542240098920
14Azerbaijan74038035530.64766
15Saudi Arabia76739133040761
16Spain53032824580653
17Italy – Monza653350200100650
18Austria59331323180624
19Japan70734124028.92610
20Canada50029715487.28538
21Australia 36627614091.12507
22Bahrain 45126517032.07467
23Brazil7309017342305

Attending an F1 race is a pricey venture, but for racing fans, it’s an experience like no other. The F1 calendar boasts exclusive and exciting races that attract fans from all over the world. From the opulence in Abu Dhabi to the winding streets of Monaco, these top five most expensive races offer an unparalleled adrenaline rush. So, add them to your must-see list and witness the high-speed drama of the world’s most expensive sport.

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