REVEALED: The World’s Most Expensive F1 Races
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Formula 1 is constantly increasing in popularity, with more and more fans making the trip to races each year both home and abroad.
In fact, about 5.7 million people attended F1 events during the 2022 racing season, with the United States Grand Prix (Austin) alone attracting a roaring crowd of 440,000 spectators.
While an exciting and electrifying experience, enjoying a full day at an F1 race doesn’t come cheap.
cinch, the faff-free way of buying a car online, found that the most expensive event to sit through is the newly launched Las Vegas race at Las Vegas Strip Circuit, as the most affordable grandstand ticket is a whopping £1,649.60.
But what about other races across the globe? With some of the priciest competitions still waiting to warm up their engines, Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at cinch, reveals the costliest F1 races of the 2023 season based on tickets, accommodation, transport and food prices.
1. Las Vegas
Since its most pocket-friendly tickets are still by far the most expensive seats you can grab across all races, Las Vegas was bound to be the priciest F1 competition to attend all tournament.
The Las Vegas Strip Circuit is a brand-new venue that will hold its very first Formula 1 event between the 16th and 18th of November 2023. Measuring just over 6km in length, the track features a heart-stopping 17 corners, unravelling past several landmarks that will be illuminated at night.
“Based on our findings, the Las Vegas race is no doubt the costliest F1 competition you can attend,” Sheehan explained. “On average, you can expect to spend an impressive £1,900.48 overall if you plan to treat yourself to a (cheap!) seat in the grandstand.
“Interestingly, food and accommodation expenses are not too exaggerated. The average fast-food meal and glass of beer in the US cost £7.95 and £4.83 respectively, whereas a three-night hotel stay in Las Vegas will amount to around £238.
“And if you’re not at the wheel of your own used Audi or BMW, transport tickets to the circuit won’t be much more than £2.27.
“That said, it’s the grandstand seat that will significantly bring up the price. But as it’s Las Vegas’ debut in the F1 world, and with a flat track that’s likely to favour a top-speed race, we can see why some fans are ready to break the bank for such an unforgettable event.”
2. Monaco
The Principality of Monaco organised its first Grand Prix in 1929, more than two decades before the official start of the Formula One championship.
With its rich F1 history and an innate passion for racing cars, it’s certainly one of the most prestigious competitions to attend. However, if you want to soak up the full experience, you have time until the end of May to grow your savings.
Monaco is the priciest country in the world to live in, so it’s no surprise that its race is the second most expensive to go to overall, with an average total cost of £1,580.
Lodging in the Principality of Monaco can truly take its toll on your finances. Staying at a hotel for three nights is likely to cost you about £900, making it the F1 location with the highest accommodation prices.
And even if you want to just grab a quick bite, you can expect to receive the priciest bill across all hosting countries (e.g., £9.81 for a fast-food meal).
3. Miami
Is there anything better than a long weekend in Miami? Alternating sunny days at the beach and an F1 event at the Miami International Autodrome, it’s no wonder the Miami race is extremely popular among Formula One lovers.
With an average total cost of £1,090, the Miami Grand Prix clinches the bronze medal and stands as the third most expensive F1 race to attend.
Why is it so costly? The cheapest grandstand ticket comes at £701.10, meaning it’s only second to Las Vegas’ eye-watering pricing.
4. United States Grand Prix (Austin)
Known as the Circuit of the Americas, this world-famous track in Austin (Texas) is the stage of the United States Grand Prix, making its first appearance on the F1 calendar in 2012.
The event takes place between the 20th and 22nd of October and, as mentioned, welcomes some of the largest crowds of the entire season.
Due to its popularity, accommodation in Austin can cost you a bit more than expected, with the average price for a three-day stay in a local hotel reaching around £423. Only Monaco has more expensive rooms!
Tickets to access the grandstand start at £412.40, which isn’t the most prohibitive pricing on the list. But all things considered, the United States Grand Prix is the fourth costliest F1 weekend of the year.
5. Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi deserves a ‘dear’ mention, too. Although it’s only fifth on the list, attending the Formula One race at the Yas Marina circuit in the UAE (24th-26th November 2023) will set you back around £683.
The Yas Marina track is believed to be the priciest F1 circuit ever built, with a reported construction cost of almost £700 million. So, expect even the most affordable grandstand tickets to reflect that, as you will have to pay £475.90 to bag yourself a seat in the venue’s best spot.
Another thing to consider is that, if you fancy a beer or two after the event, you will have to pay out a tad more than usual. The average cost of a beer in the UAE is £9.65, so bear that in mind when celebrating the triumph of your favourite racer.
Here is a full list of the top ten most expensive F1 races of the season:
- Las Vegas (Las Vegas Strip Circuit) – Average total spending: £1,900.48
- Monaco (Monaco) – Average total spending: £1,580
- Miami (Miami International Autodrome) – Average total spending : £1,090.48
- United States Grand Prix (Circuit of the Americas) – Average total spending: £847.88
- Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina) – Average total spending: £683.17
- Britain (Silverstone) – Average total spending: £659
- Netherlands (Zandvoort) – Average total spending: £635.39
- Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps) – Average total spending: £582.77
- Spain (Circuit de Catalunya) – Average total spending: £557.87
- Singapore (Singapore) – Average total spending: £536.74
