Formula 1: Top Destinations to Witness The Pinnacle of Motorsport
Once reserved for motorheads and royals, Formula 1 has become the world’s most glamorous circuit—where roaring engines meet five-star stays, exclusive paddock access, and curated cultural experiences.
When the Monaco Grand Prix took place this year, besides the race tracks, the visitors’ eyes were forced to look in another direction — the open waters — which were full of superyachts of the rich and famous, watching the race from a unique vantage point. This has become an every year ritual for the who’s who of the world.
Once a niche pursuit for motorsport purists, Formula 1 has transformed into a globe-trotting showcase of speed, spectacle, and opulence. Today, beyond the roar of engines and the pursuit of podium finishes, the sport is steering luxury tourism into high gear, attracting high-net-worth travellers to some of the world’s most glamorous cities. With data from the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), travel ministries, and tourism boards, the numbers confirm what jet-setting fans already know: F1 is as much about premium experiences as it is about pole positions.
Formula 1: A High-Octane Tourism Driver
According to Formula 1’s official “Global Media Report,” the 2023 season reached 1.5 billion cumulative TV viewers, while race attendance exceeded 6 million—an all-time record. The events also significantly contribute to local economies, with the EY F1 “Economic Impact Report” revealing that the 2022 Las Vegas Grand Prix generated approximately USD 1.2 billion in economic activity.
Luxury hospitality benefits directly from this boom. Forbes reports that average nightly hotel rates in race-hosting cities often increase by over 200 per cent during race weekends, while private jet charters and VIP paddock passes—each costing upwards of USD 10,000—sell out well in advance.
Similarly, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism noted a significant spike in luxury hotel bookings during the Grand Prix weekend, while the Monaco Tourism Office attributes a sizeable portion of its annual visitor revenue to the race.
But these travels are no longer restricted to five-star stays. Formula 1’s calendar now reads like a who’s who of cultural capitals, each race weekend offering more than just sport. In Singapore and Las Vegas, the on-track drama is accompanied by headline concerts and light shows. In Melbourne and Austin, Michelin-starred pop-ups and chef collaborations fuse gourmet with gridiron. Monaco seamlessly merges fashion, art, and nightlife with the thrum of V6 turbo-hybrid engines. Many of these packages include access to exclusive afterparties, gourmet experiences, yacht viewing, and luxury accommodations, reinforcing F1’s role as a luxury lifestyle product.
Top F1 Destinations for Luxury Travellers
So where are the jet-set heading for their dose of trackside thrills? These five destinations offer front-row racing alongside first-class indulgence
Monaco Grand Prix, Monte Carlo
When: May
Why Visit: Often dubbed the crown jewel of the F1 calendar, the Monaco Grand Prix offers views of the race from superyachts, hotel balconies, and private terraces. The Fairmont Monte Carlo and Hôtel de Paris are coveted stays. Beyond the circuit, Monaco offers fine dining at Le Louis XV by Alain Ducasse and the famed Casino de Monte-Carlo.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit
When: November
Why Visit: As the season finale, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix combines motorsport with Middle Eastern luxury. The Yas Hotel (now W Abu Dhabi), built over the racetrack, offers front-row views. Tourists also enjoy desert safaris, private beach clubs, and cultural landmarks like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Singapore Grand Prix, Marina Bay Street Circuit
When: September
Why Visit: F1’s original night race delivers a unique blend of cityscape and speed. Luxury seekers can stay at the Fullerton Bay Hotel or Raffles Singapore, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and explore the Gardens by the Bay. The Marina Bay Sands SkyPark offers an elevated view of the race and skyline.
Miami Grand Prix, Hard Rock Stadium Circuit
When: May
Why Visit: A relatively new entry to the calendar, Miami’s F1 event brings a celebrity-heavy crowd and top-tier hospitality. Five-star resorts like The Setai and Faena Hotel Miami Beach cater to affluent guests. The race is accompanied by fashion events, art showcases, and waterfront dining, echoing the city’s Latin-American flair.
Italian Grand Prix, Monza
When: September
Why Visit: The “Temple of Speed” offers a nostalgic F1 experience amidst the royal gardens of Monza. While the race retains its traditional motorsport charm, nearby Milan boasts high-end boutiques, historic landmarks like the Duomo, and elegant accommodations such as the Bulgari Hotel and Hotel Principe di Savoia.
Shaping the Future of High-End Motorsport Travel
F1’s growth strategy includes a deliberate emphasis on tourism. New venues in Doha, Jeddah, and Las Vegas are not only geographically strategic—they’re culturally rich and luxury-forward. The *F1 Experiences* programme, officially licensed by the sport, packages pit walks, driver Q&As, and five-star hospitality for fans seeking all-access itineraries.
This dovetails with global trends. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), experience-led luxury travel is outpacing traditional tourism. F1 fits squarely into this narrative—blending elite sport with curated lifestyle events.
Whether it’s trackside in Tuscany or paddock-side in the Persian Gulf, Formula 1 has shifted gears—becoming not just a competition, but a passport to the world’s most glamorous cities. Now, each race weekend is a curated experience, where every champagne toast and chequered flag is part of a larger luxury narrative.