Like all things, last year’s Formula 1 Championship was disrupted by the pandemic, with Lewis Hamilton eventually taking the crown after a stop, start season.
Fortunately, this year has seen a gradual return to normality. With the news that the British Grand Prix at Silverstone will be operating at full capacity next month – that’s a whole 140’000 fans in attendance – some hopeful F1 fanatics are starting to consider holidays incorporating their beloved sport once again.
For some inspiration, here are 4 of the best holiday destinations to experience the Grand Prix in 2021/22.
MONACO – CIRCUIT DE MONACO
We had to start here. Arguably the most famous and prestigious event in the racing calendar, Monaco should be on every F1 obsessive’s bucket list. Though the excitement levels are always at fever pitch at this iconic track, Monaco is actually said to be the slowest (and most difficult) circuit in the F1 world.
The Grand Prix and its A-lister posse descend on Monaco every May; as such, it’s best to book accommodation and the rest well in advance (yep, we realise the next event is almost a year away) if you’re going to catch a glimpse of the cars.
What to do while you’re there?
Located on the French Riviera and with France bordering the country on three sides, Monaco has a total area of only 2.2 square kilometres, making it approximately the same size as New York’s Central Park. This means that travellers can easily explore every nook and cranny of the tiny country in no time. A visit to Casino Monte Carlo is obligatory if you’re visiting Monaco, though be aware that you can’t visit the Casino or port raceday.
If the ride gets too much and you need a breather, the Jardin Exotique, standing tall over the Med, boasts gorgeous views below.
Where to stay?
Since Monaco is wonderfully compact, focus on finding the best hotel deal rather than prioritising a particular area you’ll stay. Keep in mind that Monaco is on the French Riviera, as such many chose to base themselves in Nice instead due to its significantly more affordable accommodation options. You can easily travel to and from the track each day as the vicinity has excellent transport.
MONZA – THE AUTODROMO NAZIONALE DI MONZA
One of the oldest Grand Prix circuits, Monza has been a mainstay of Formula 1 since 1950. Nicknamed La Pista Magica (the Magic Track), there’s a real sense of spectacle and history here. This year, the event is happening on 12th September; expect warm temperatures and a fantastic atmosphere in the Royal Villa of Monza.
What to do while you’re there? If you’re staying in Milan, then you’ll be spoilt for choice, shopping wise; the city is known as one of the world’s fashion capitals. The city’s fashion district, known as The Quadrilatero Della Moda, is bound by four of the planet’s most fashionable streets (Via Montenapoleone, Via Manzoni, Via Della Spiga and Corso Venezia) forming a square. Inside is a maze of upscale fashion boutiques by the dozen.
For those after vintage apparel, the trendy and more hipster-leaning Corso di Porta Ticinese is a favourite for many. Milan is also home to The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest shopping malls and a major landmark of the city.
We’re in love with the city’s food scene; the thought of our first Osso Buco back in the city in September after so long away is over is a delicious light at the end of the tunnel. Or should that be the saffron risotto through the hollow bone?
In Monza itself, the key tourist site is the gothic Cathedral of Saint John, known locally as Duomo. Aside from that, the Royal Villa and Palace, where the event is held, represents another key attraction, though you’ll struggle to get the full experience during race weekend.
If you’re staying a little longer and fancy getting behind the wheel yourself, the region of Lombardy offers some superb driving options, with winding roads stretching through vineyards and rolling hills perfect for an Italian Grand Prix driving holiday.
Where to stay? The Autodromo Nazionale Di Monza sits in the Royal Park in the city of Monza – around 9 miles north-northeast of Milan. Many fans choose to stay in Milan, as there’s more to do in the city. If you choose to do the same, then to get to the track, you can take the train from Milan to Monza station in under 15 minutes. Here, free shuttle buses will take you to the circuit.
Should you be keen to stay closer to the action, Monza has a few simple hotels around half an hour’s walk (or ten minute drive) from the circuit, the closest of which are Hotel de la Ville Monza and Residence Luna di Monza.
SINGAPORE – MARINA BAY CIRCUIT
Launched in 2008 as the first street race in Asia, the Marina Bay Circuit race runs along Singapore’s harbour and boasts the city’s famous skyline as its spectacular backdrop. Though 2021’s event was cancelled due to the pandemic, the 2022 event is mooted to be happening on September 18th 2022, though that is, of course, subject to chance or potential cancellation.
If you don’t manage to get tickets for the Grand Prix, fear not; there are some great spots where you can watch the action for free including the National Gallery’s open-air rooftop, Esplanade’s open-air rooftop and The Gallerie food court at Marina Square.
What to do while you’re there? The afterparties over this high-octane race weekend in Singapore are something else – be sure to go to at least one. Otherwise, a trip up Sands Sky Park observation deck, taking in the spectacle of the Digital Light Canvas and experiencing the Spectra light and water show should definitely be high on your itinerary.
For us, the food in Singapore is where it’s at. The cuisine is a glorious amalgamation of the many historic, ethnic and cultural influences of the place; Malaysian, Chinese, Portuguese…they all play a part.
When dining out, locals often eat at the ubiquitous Hawker Centres which are found all over town. Perhaps the best is Lau Pa Sat (also known as Telok Ayer Market also known as satay street) where you’ll find a huge diversity of dishes and styles. Singapore also lays claim to the world’s cheapest Michelin star meal at Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle.
Where to stay? If you want to be close to the track, you can be! Most of the city’s best hotels, including Mandarin Oriental, Ritz Carlton Millennia, Pan Pacific and of course the Marina Bay Sands, are located around the circuit These rooms don’t come cheap – especially on race weekends. For better value, look further away from the Marina and city centre, and be sure to stay in a hotel that’s close to an MRT so you’ll be able to easily get to the circuit
MELBOURNE – THE ALBERT PARK CIRCUIT
Recently upgraded to allow for faster racing, Albert Park sits 3km south of Melbourne and is the only F1 event to occur in Australia. This year, the event was postponed, and will now occur on the weekend of the 18th to 21st November. We can’t wait.
What to do while you’re there? A cosmopolitan, diverse community, inclusive and artistic vibes, boutique cafes and restaurants, a thriving street food scene and wide open, green spaces to match, we think it’s fair to say that Melbourne has plenty going for it. Melbourne is known as one of the street art capitals of the world, with the city’s expressive, creative soul on display at every turn. As such, simply walking around and seeing the street art is a must while here.
Where to stay? If you want to stay near the track, there are plenty of hotels near Albert Park. Melbourne city centre, otherwise known as Melbourne CBD, is well connected to the circuit with free transport options shuttling spectators to and from the venue. South Bank St Kilda offers free trams to the circuit on race weekends.