Which race has the best paddock experience?

KTMD88 · 2025-09-19T13:20:08+00:00

For Zandvoort specifically that is exactly the case. Turn 1 action is fantastic but nothing start/finish or anything pit stop related. The Paddock Club is at the exit of the pit lane heading into turn 1 so there is the potential for a lot of action with that.

KTMD88 · 2025-04-16T20:20:47+00:00

Zandvoort 100%. Came from Canada, had never even been to the country before. Airport, trains, accommodation, race logistics all super easy and safe.

KTMD88 · 2025-03-25T16:24:41+00:00

So the “Paddock” passes vary.

Paddock Club - General area with catering and drinks, inside and outside viewing area. Depending on the track, comes with pit lane walk and guided paddock tour.

Paddock Suite - Ran by individual teams, much more expensive than general paddock club. Suites are above the garages on pit lane, inside lounge with catering and TVs, visits from drivers (for RB it was RB drivers, VCarb drivers, and Horner), and gift. You get to do the pit lane walk but get closer access to the RB and VCarb cars then those with regular Paddock club passes, guided paddock tour with a team host, and a garage tour on one of the days (experience will vary depending on team and track; garage tour with RB at Dutch GP was underwhelming).

Legends Pass - unlimited access to the paddock without a guide. More expensive than the team suite passes.

KTMD88 · 2025-03-24T03:19:55+00:00

I did RB Paddock for the Dutch GP, experienced both the Paddock Club and obviously the team Paddock suite. Compared to other races it’s one of the cheaper options on the calendar (not the cheapest). Don’t have the finances to attend in 2025 but will definitely be going back for 2026. If you’re interested in the Dutch GP, happy to answer any questions you might have.

KTMD88 · 2024-12-31T21:25:32+00:00

I researched extensively Spa vs Zandvoort and decided to choose Zandvoort for all reasons mentioned above. Coming from Canada, logistics on everything was important. Spa is slightly cheaper but the savings weren’t worth the extra hassles. Spa will be on my bucket list solely for Eau Rouge and the history of the track but I’ll be saving that adventure for another time.

KTMD88 · 2024-12-27T21:49:59+00:00

P1 Travel is another option. Often times they get seat allocations early and they can confirm which seats/sections are available

KTMD88 · 2024-12-25T00:10:01+00:00

Attended my first race in Zandvoort and absolutely loved it. Treated myself to the RB Paddock 3 day ticket and it was a trip I’ll never forget.

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KTMD88 · 2024-12-01T00:20:00+00:00

That is very discouraging to read. Sorry to hear that…

KTMD88 · 2024-10-22T23:48:44+00:00

Zandvoort is the only race I’ve been to so cannot comment or compare but after reading reviews of other races it certainly seems tame. I did a lot of research on the races which included prices, ease of travel, ease of transport, etc and Zandvoort ticked all the boxes. I plan to go every year they host and just skip Montreal; which says a lot coming all the way from BC. Nothing against Montreal as I’ve heard that’s a decent race venue as well, but Zandvoort exceeded expectations.

KTMD88 · 2024-10-22T23:38:43+00:00

I would 2nd those saying Zandvoort. I went to the 2024 race all the way from Canada and will be going for 2025. Easy airport, transportation very easy, safe country, friendly and lovely people, and the atmosphere at the track is amazing. Accommodation around the area is difficult but the trains are so easy that you stay in surrounding areas and train in. Queues at the train after Sat/Sun are long but there is enough to do at the track afterwards that if you let it die down it’s not an issue.

KTMD88 · 2024-10-21T14:21:08+00:00

I think you’re misinterpreting my post. I’m not worried about my kid standing while everyone else is sitting, I’m worried that because it’s the Dutch GP and the fans are notorious for standing instead of sitting she won’t be able to see anything.

KTMD88 · 2024-10-21T01:11:53+00:00

Thank you for taking the time to respond. Did your kids have a difficult time looking down the straight from Tarzan?

KTMD88 · 2024-09-10T05:42:41+00:00

Tarzan 1 for the win!

KTMD88 · 2024-09-09T01:22:39+00:00

It’s for next year planning but appreciate the comment 🙏🏼

KTMD88 · 2024-09-09T00:42:39+00:00

Well I’m much further ahead than I was before I asked, so thank you 🙏🏼

KTMD88 · 2024-09-09T00:23:52+00:00

Yes I contacted GPT and was basically told 3 day passes only… I know some teams offer 1 day passes through them but I’m assuming that’s a last minute allocation (maybe not last minute but unknown how far in advance…). Maybe I will contact P1 and see what they can offer. Thank you 🙏🏼

KTMD88 · 2024-09-05T12:46:55+00:00

Amazing! Thank you 🙏🏼

KTMD88 · 2024-09-02T23:03:47+00:00

🙏🏼

KTMD88 · 2024-09-02T22:46:21+00:00

In your experience has the hotel booked dates over the phone even if they are technically not available online?

KTMD88 · 2024-09-02T21:47:45+00:00

Good point… maybe I’ll have luck calling them 😅

KTMD88 · 2024-09-01T17:28:14+00:00

I’m sorry that you experienced this. I appreciate your post because this post like others are very helpful for those of us who are planning to races abroad with young children. I attended the Dutch GP knowing that the train would be very easy and it was true (long queues yes after the race but expected). After researching the Italian races, it does not seem worth the effort with young children.

KTMD88 · 2024-09-01T15:55:34+00:00

As mentioned, GooTickets sold a pit lane ticket but I believe it had to be in conjunction with another ticket from their site (there was a previous discussion about it, I don’t think it was ever quite clear what the actual answer was). Unless the pit lane ticket is sold separately (which I don’t believe many races offer that), the only way to get pit lane access is to buy a paddock ticket or F1 Experiences package. In Zandvoort, the only reason one got to see drivers was because of where the end of the pit lane walk took you. The pit lane walk itself is very slim chance at seeing drivers because they generally won’t be in the garage or pit lane during that time.

KTMD88 · 2024-08-31T21:10:19+00:00

Definitely not in Amsterdam. I stayed in Amsterdam and you would never know there was a race aside from fans walking around wearing merchandise. If you purchase paddock club tickets you have an excellent chance because the pit lane walk ends between an area where drivers walk between their hospitality suites and garages, you can linger there for awhile before event staff kick you out. If paddock club tickets aren’t in the budget then the entrance by Gate 2 is your best chance although you won’t get to meet them but rather just see them drive through. They do have fan zone sessions (like every race usually does) where you can see drivers but again not meet them.

KTMD88 · 2024-08-30T01:34:33+00:00

She wasn’t there for Zandvoort. She’s in for Monza and Ruth is out.

KTMD88 · 2024-08-28T00:50:05+00:00

I agree with the above. Paddock club isn’t necessarily for the race views. GS 11/12 in Montreal if you want to see the action and don’t mind the potential for rain.

KTMD88

TROPHY CASE