Anybody been to an F1 race in Austria?

[Barney Da Dog]

I'm planning to book tickets for the 2025 Austrian F1 race while holidaying in Austria/Italy - just wondering if anybody had any advice on what grandstand to go for? I've already provisionally booked accommodation about 90 minutes away (hiring a car)

As I've never been to a race before, any advice would be great!

 

[Jimlaad43]

I have just gone back through and found this thread and realised I can answer yes! Even though it may be a bit late for the question.

I went to the 2019 Austrian GP and it was great. I was holidaying in Hungary with a friend that week, and we checked ticket prices for the GP on the Tuesday before. We found General Admission tickets for €90 each for the Sunday and decided to snap them up.

We stayed in a cheap hostel in Weiner Neustadt and then got up early on Sunday morning for the 2 hour drive through the Alpine valley towards Spielberg. We parked as directed at https://maps.app.goo.gl/AdcbpqXUYKas5FBE6?g_st=ac

Then walked in. General Admission - at least in 2019 - was all the hill above Turns 3-4, the final DRS straight. Then it was a first-come-first-served free for all to pick a spot to watch from. I ended up 2nd from the catch fence basically next to where Kimi and Alonso finished their 2015 start crash.

The view from there was excellent. We could see Turn 1 up to 2, half of the straight we were on, all from T5-8 as well. Circuit commentary was in English and German and the racing was great.

Add to all of that, the view of the Alps and the valley below was exceptional. These photos don't really convey it well but it was breathtaking.

So yeah, I would recommend it. Just be aware that the queue to escape the car park is awful. It took two hours to get out of the car park itself and another two just to get to the town. Accept that pain for an excellent race experience.

 

[Barney Da Dog]

Thank you 👍 yeah I went a bit over the top, and booked a 3 day ticket, in the Steiermark grandstand at the end of the pit straight.

Probably only go for the Saturday and Sunday though, as we're doing other touristy stuff through Austria and Italy

I'd read about delays getting out... We're staying half way to Salzburg so it could be a long trip back 🤣

I hope we get weather like you had, though will go prepared for anything 😀

 

[Jimlaad43]

You'll have a good time. Being at the first turn means you'll experience a Race Start, and you'll have a great view of T1, the next straight and then likely quite a bit of the middle sector. Use the Friday and Saturday to experience anywhere else on the track you can view from and try out the amenities put out for spectators, because by Sunday you'll want to avoid all of that. Make sure you have plenty of drink with you and something to keep you warm, because it's amazing how quickly a bit of a wind can cool you down in a grandstand. Admittedly when I was there with was 38°C so I got badly sunburned. Bring good suncream if your skin is light enough to be susceptible to that.

For Sunday, I'd say get there early and get in your seat. The F3 race is first and early so make sure you're there for that. Then you're best to stay for the day and just enjoy everything. You'll get to see the card on the grid and see 20 of them accelerating off the line. I have been by the start line for 3 Grand Prix to see that start and it is an incredible sight. Have a good time and post photos here!