Every F1 Race in 2026 ranked: from bucket list travel to easy weekend trip
A new era began in 2026 for Formula 1. New regulations, new teams and a new way of racing. Updated rules brought new power units, active aero, a new overtaking system and a different way of competing.
Perhaps one of the biggest changes is the removal of the Drag Reduction System (DRS). The overtaking system, first introduced in 2011, has been replaced by Overtake Mode - a button that gives drivers a temporary speed boost if they’re within one second of the car in front. This boost comes at the expense of electrical power later in the lap and, with cars now getting 50 per cent of that power through electricity, it’s added a new element to the driving.
The design of the cars has also changed, to allow them to follow much closer than before. This, coupled with the active aero (where parts of the car move to increase or decrease aerodynamic drag as the cars drive), means the racing is different from before.
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The regulations are not the only new thing this year, fresh off a Formula 2 campaign new driver, Arvid Lindblad, is partnering Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls. Plus, Spain will get two races this year, the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix in Barcelona and the Spanish Grand Prix held at the new Madring track - a street circuit - in Madrid.
For the first time since 2016, an 11th team also lines up on the grid - Cadillac F1. Aiming to prove their racing prowess in the pinnacle of motorsport, and with a win at the IMSA series in 2023, Cadillac brought fan-favourites Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez off the benches and into the sport once more.
American Formula 1 fans will be happy to know that Cadillac isn’t their country’s only part in F1, though, as Ford has returned to the grid as Red Bull’s engine partner.
It’s a very exciting time to be a Formula 1 fan. And there’s never been a better time - or more reason - to go to an F1 race in person and experience everything it has to offer. But which race should you buy tickets for?
How SPORTBible ranked every Formula 1 race
Every race on the 2026 calendar was assessed across these three elements:
Difficulty to attend - scores from 1–5, where 1 is a straightforward weekend trip and 5 requires serious planning and budget ticket availability, including visa requirements for travellers, local infrastructure, and how straightforward getting around actually is once you're there.
Cost - from General Admission through to hospitality, factoring in realistic travel and accommodation costs from the UK. Not just the ticket price.
Experience quality - the atmosphere, the quality of on-track action, what the circuit offers beyond the race itself, and how much of it you can actually see and feel in person.
From this we then sorted every race into the following tiers:
Bucket List - once-in-a-lifetime races where the event is bigger than the sport. Premium budget required, but these are the ones you'll talk about forever.
Heritage - iconic circuits with history you can feel, strong atmosphere, and a mid-range price point. The backbone of the F1 calendar.
Easy Weekend - accessible, well-priced, and genuinely brilliant races that are perfect if you're new to attending F1 or want to combine a race with a wider trip.
Best for First-Timers - one race that ticks every box for someone attending their first grand prix. Scroll down to find out which one we picked and why.
Where to buy Formula 1 tickets
tickets.formula1.com - is a third-party operator affiliated with F1, which is reflected in the pricing. A three-day GA ticket at Silverstone is £499.95 here versus £419 through the circuit direct.
Circuit websites - often the cheapest route and the one most fans overlook. Not every circuit sells independently, but it's always worth checking before going through a reseller.
Third party ticket resellers - useful for experience packages you won't find elsewhere. Monaco is the best example, where yacht viewing and hospitality add-ons are available through select resellers only. To avoid ticket scams and ensure a money-back guarantee, always purchase resale tickets through verified sites.
- Buy from StubHub - tickets start from £114 for this year's British Grand Prix
- Buy from HelloTickets - tickets start from £196 for a three-day General Admission pass to Barcelona Grand Prix.
- Buy from Seat Unique - get a premium experience for the Austrian Grand Prix starting from £385.
- Buy from TicketNetwork - a US ticket partner and third party reseller for Formula 1 tickets.
- Buy from Virgin Experience Days - if you can't get race tickets, a Silverstone driving experience is the next best thing
Ticket Types Explained
General Admission - cheapest option, freedom to move around designated areas, but no guaranteed spot. First come, first served at the fences.
Grandstand - same freedom as GA plus a reserved seat with better track views. Costs more, but you know exactly what you're getting.
Hospitality - premium pricing, premium everything. Food, drink, and exclusive track access included. The view and experience depends on the package - but you won't be roughing it.
When to actually book F1 tickets
Tickets typically go on sale 6–9 months before race day. Move fast for the popular races like Monaco, Silverstone, and the Dutch GP sell out quickly. For others, inventory is usually available closer to the event through circuits and resellers even if the primary sale is gone.
SPORTBible's definitive F1 ranking of all 22 Races
Monaco GP - Bucket List
- Dates - 5 - 7 June 2026
- Difficulty - 5/5
- Cost - £££££
Monaco is the crown jewel in Formula 1’s calendar, and is the pinnacle of glitz and glamour in motorsport. From the yachts in the harbour to the celebrities attending and the glistening Mediterranean sea, the race doesn’t really exist for the people watching at home - it’s for the lucky people who are there in person. This opulence comes at a cost though, as tickets can easily run into the five figure-territory. Still, to see F1 cars flying around the street circuit mere millimetres from the barriers, surrounded by luxury, and being able to soak up the atmosphere in person? That’s bucket list stuff.
Las Vegas GP - Bucket List
- Dates - 20 - 22 November 2026
- Difficulty - 4/5
- Cost - ££££
First introduced in 2023, the Las Vegas street circuit is the definition of extravagance. Flashing lights, gambling, the Sphere - all things that drivers (and fans) pass on their way around the track. It’s also fast for a street circuit, with average speeds around Vegas being similar to those around Suzuka - meaning that any slight mistake can cause chaos.
As with Monaco, the Las Vegas GP is one which you can only partly understand on TV - the real experience happens away from the track. The entertainment, the parties, the Las Vegas Strip - it’s all things that you need to be there in person for, making this a bucket list race to visit.
Singapore GP - Bucket List
- Dates - 9 - 11 October 2026
- Difficulty - 4/5
- Cost - ££££
Singapore is another street circuit but, unlike Monaco, it’s warm. Very warm. It’s the hottest race of the year in fact, with drivers losing 3-5kg of body weight per race. It’s also a race that drivers tend to put extra effort in for, with special helmet designs to mark the occasion and stand out under the floodlights. Sebastian Vettel famously had LED lights installed in his helmet in 2012, while Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, and Ollie Bearman were all among the drivers who changed designs specifically for Singapore in 2025.
Abu Dhabi GP - Bucket List
- Dates - 4 - 6 December 2026
- Difficulty - 3/5
- Cost - ££££
The season finale. Day to night running. Modern, spectacular, and with an atmosphere all of its own. The Abu Dhabi GP is the season closer for a reason. With the circuit being on Yas Island, even a General Admission ticket for the Abu Dhabi GP actually offers a lot more than just entry - you get free access to museums, concerts, and a one-day pass to one of Abu Dhabi’s theme parks (which includes Ferrari World located next to the circuit). It makes for a very tempting opportunity to see more than just the F1, and a real bucket list trip. One thing to note about the Abu Dhabi GP is that while it’s currently going ahead, it’s very dependent on the situation in the Middle East.
British GP - Heritage and Best For First-Timers
- Dates - 3 - 5 July 2026
- Difficulty - 2/5
- Cost - ££ - ££££
The home of the very first Formula 1 race, the British Grand Prix has an incredible amount of heritage that simply can’t be found elsewhere. It’s the home race to five drivers and three teams this year, and always carries a festival atmosphere regardless of the weather. The Landostand will also be making a return for 2026, and the circuit offers multiple vantage points for fans with General Admission tickets to see the action. It’s a great first race for those in the UK looking to dip their toes into F1, as there’s no flights needed or any language barriers.
Belgian GP - Heritage
- Dates - 17 - 19 July 2026
- Difficulty - 2/5
- Cost - ££ - £££
A favourite of F1 drivers for its old-school design and high speed, Spa Francorchamps is home to Eau Rouge - one of the most formidable corners in racing. It’s also a race with meaning for two drivers, as both Max Verstappen and Lando Norris have Belgian mothers.
Unlike some other circuits, General Admission at Spa actually gives you a lot of access. A Bronze GA ticket allows you along the Kemmel Straight, the outside of Ickx corner down to Campus, the outside of Campus through Stavelot, and up towards the bus stop chicane.
Spa is, unfortunately, going onto a rotational schedule for the F1 calendar from 2027 - meaning that it will be missing from the 2028 and 2030 calendars. This gives you fewer chances to visit this historic track, meaning you need to take the chances when they arise.
Italian GP - Heritage
- Dates - 4 - 6 September 2026
- Difficulty - 3/5
- Cost - ££ - £££
Monza is the fastest track on the F1 calendar, with an average speed of almost 165 mph, and the one with the most history. Silverstone may have held the first F1 race, but Monza has held the most races (it’s held one every year barring 1980, when the Italian GP moved to Imola). This gives it an unparalleled level of history and heritage and, with the Tifosi always out in force creating a sea of red, there’s an undeniable energy around the track. It’s also your only chance to watch F1 in Italy this year, as Imola isn’t on the calendar.
Japanese GP - Heritage
- Dates - 27 - 29 March 2026
- Difficulty - 4/5
- Cost - £££
Held in late March, the Japanese Grand Prix is one of the best races to visit. The site of some of F1’s most infamous moments (including Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost’s two title-deciding incidents, and the reason Senna’s “if you no longer go for a gap, you’re no longer a racing driver” quote exists). The Japanese GP is famous for both racing and fans. The fans really do go all-out with their hat designs, with people hand-crafting everything from miniature F1 cars to helmets and even hats with working DRS flaps. It’s significantly further to travel but, if you’re a fan of Japanese culture, it offers a unique experience all round.
Hungarian GP - Heritage and Best For First Timers
- Dates - 24 - 26 July 2026
- Difficulty - 2/5
- Cost - ££
The Hungarian GP is consistently listed among the cheapest races to visit, with a three-day podium-view grandstand seat at around £400. Add to this that travel to Budapest (the closest airport) is reasonably easy from the UK, the track being short means that cars go past 70 times during the race, and General Admission allows you to go from Turn 8 to Turn 14, it’s both accessible and attainable for F1 fans.
Canadian GP - Heritage
- Dates - 22 - 24 May 2026
- Difficulty - 3/5
- Cost - ££ - £££
The Canadian Grand Prix is a sprint weekend in 2026, so you’ll get some extra bang for your buck. Add to this that the track is in the heart of Montreal, and you’ve got a recipe for a full weekend outside of the F1, especially as the flight from the UK is around 8 hours.
Now, being a street circuit on an island, there aren’t too many places to view the race from. General Admission is on the inside of turns 5 and 7, the outside of the Turn 10 hairpin, and an area in the middle of the track just before (and after) the hairpin. That said, the track is fairly flat so you likely won’t see much, especially if you’ve not claimed your spot early. The grandstands offer much better views though, if you’re looking to spend a bit more.
Azerbaijan GP - Heritage
- Dates - 24 - 26 September 2026
- Difficulty - 3/5
- Cost - ££ - £££
Anything can happen at Baku and, despite only having hosted eight races to date, it’s created an awful lot of F1 history. Lance Stroll scored his first career podium on the Azerbaijani streets in 2017. Team mates Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen collided in 2018. Max Verstappen’s rear tyre exploded in 2021 and, on the restart, Lewis Hamilton messed up braking into the first corner, losing crucial points in the title battle. Baku is also bucking the trend this year by hosting the race on Saturday rather than the Sunday, to accommodate their Remembrance Day.
Barcelona-Catalunya GP - Easy Weekend
- Dates - 12 - 14 June 2026
- Difficulty - 1/5
- Cost - £ - ££
Not to be confused with the Spanish GP held in Madrid, the first Spanish race in the 2026 calendar held at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is an easy option to get to from the UK for many. There’s a lot of General Admission area too, with the largest going along both the inside and outside of Turn 3 down to Turn 4, as well as the inside of Turn 5 through towards Turn 9 and a small area on the outside of the back straight. Being in June it’s usually dry, and as it’s a week after the Monaco Grand Prix, it offers the chance to visit both F1 races in a double-header.
Austrian GP - Easy Weekend and Best For First Timers
- Dates - 26 - 28 June 2026
- Difficulty - 1/5
- Cost - £ - ££
If you’re a Red Bull fan, you’ll want to visit the Austrian Grand Prix. Held at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria, there’s always a large Red Bull and Max Verstappen contingent. The track is the second-hilliest after Spa, meaning you get incredible views of the compact circuit, and there’s usually some drama at Turn 3. There is only one General Admission area in 2026, which runs from Turn 3 down to Turn 4, so you won’t really get to see high-speed cornering up close, but you’ll see them fly by on the straights. While this might be disappointing, the benefit is that it’s at the highest point on the circuit - meaning you can look down and see a surprising amount of the track (and race) with a GA ticket.
Dutch GP - Easy Weekend
- Dates - 21 - 23 August 2026
- Difficulty - 2/5
- Cost - ££ - £££
This is the last year that the Dutch GP will be on the F1 calendar, so you need to act quickly if you want to see it. That’s the bad news. But the good news is that it’s only a stone’s throw from Amsterdam, making getting to the track easy; it’s a sprint weekend, giving you more action on track; and there’s a carnival atmosphere which is just as much fun as the race itself. In terms of General Admission, there’s hills (yes, even in the Netherlands) where fans can watch from the outside of Turn 1 through to the outside of Turn 9, and a small area on the inside of the penultimate corner. An absolute must-visit if you’re a Max Verstappen fan, or are a fan of Orange.
Spanish GP - Easy Weekend
- Dates - 11 -13 September 2026
- Difficulty - 2/5
- Cost - ££ - £££
For the first time since 2012, Spain is going to be holding two races. That’s because the new Gran Premio de Espana - held at the interestingly-named Madring - will be making its debut. Taking place on the streets and highways of Madrid, the race is a total unknown - how will it do? Will the fans and drivers like it? Will it be a success? Nobody knows yet. What we do know is that there’s a small General Admission area in the middle of the track around turns 7 - 9 and 14 - 15, two grandstands over by the start/finish straight, and a lot of hype. Madrid is another easy destination from UK airports, so one to consider if you’re after a race weekend that nobody has had before.
Miami GP - Easy Weekend
- Dates - 1 - 3 May 2026
- Difficulty - 3/5
- Cost - £££
Held in early May the Miami GP is on our list to see. That’s because Miami isn’t solely an F1 race - it’s been turned into an experience. Sure there’s a lot of things that will make more traditional fans scoff, like the yachts on a fake marina, the police escort to the podium we saw in 2022, and the fact that the circuit is built in the parking lot around the Hard Rock Stadium. This is America after all, and spectacle is what they do best, it’s their take on Monaco, with celebrities, entertainment, and Instagram-ready opportunities built into the race. It’s not for everyone, granted, but for people who see it as an event rather than a race, there’s plenty to like.
Australian GP - Easy Weekend
- Dates - 6 - 8 March 2026
- Difficulty - 4/5
- Cost - ££ - £££
The travel might not be easy, but getting excited about it is. It was the first race of the 2026 season (it’s unclear whether that will be the case for 2027), meaning it’s your first chance to see the new cars driving in anger. It’s also very accessible and with plenty of General Admission areas to watch the action from, and the track is in the middle of Melbourne - giving you great options for accommodation, food, sightseeing, and anything else you fancy while you’re down under.
United States GP - Easy Weekend
- Dates - 23 - 25 October 2026
- Difficulty - 2/5
- Cost - ££ - £££
The third American race in the list, the Austin Grand Prix is arguably the one your more die-hard F1 fans will want to visit. It’s a purpose-built circuit ,and has some big elevation changes (unlike the other two), and hosts other series through the year. While it might be a long way to go for a weekend (it’s an over 10-hour flight from the UK), it’s a 30-minute drive from the centre of Austin so you’ve got plenty to do away from the track. Being a permanent circuit it’s also easier to get around, so the weekend itself will be a bit simpler than trying to battle your way across the Vegas strip.
Mexican GP - Easy Weekend
- Dates - 30 October - 1 November 2026
- Difficulty - 2/5
- Cost - ££
The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is a unique venue as, not only does it host Formula 1, but it has a baseball stadium within the track, too. This is immediately obvious as drivers reach the end of the lap, as the track goes through the baseball section seating and onto the start/finish straight. It’s an amphitheatre for noise, with the fans and the cars creating a cacophony you won’t find elsewhere. 2026’s race takes place over the Halloween weekend, with Mexico’s traditional Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) taking place on the 2nd November 2026, offering the chance to take in even more culture while you’re there.
It is going to be more difficult to get to than the European races, but tickets are on the cheaper side and flights to Mexico City are reasonable, so it’s an option for an experience you won’t find elsewhere.
Brazilian GP - Easy Weekend
- Dates - 6 - 8 November 2026
- Difficulty - 3/5
- Cost - ££
Brazil is the birthplace of F1 world champions Ayrton Senna, Emerson Fittipaldi, and Nelson Piquet. There are a few words you’ll see the Brazilian GP associated with - passion, vibrance, and drama. It’s an old-school track with unpredictable weather and atmosphere that rarely disappoints, having seen some incredible battles over the years. It is on the other side of the world and the track’s location and logistics are tricky, but if you’re willing to overlook those, the purpose-built circuit has a lot to offer.
Chinese GP - Easy Weekend
- Dates - 13 - 15 March 2026
- Difficulty - 3/5
- Cost - ££
China’s Shanghai Circuit is another Hermann Tilke-designed offering (shaped like the Chinese character “shang”, which means “on top”), so you can expect a purpose-built destination with some pretty long straights and big runoffs. These might get in the way slightly for General Admission tickets (there are a few areas GA can access, with the outside of Turn 1 being perhaps the best place to watch), but the distance and visa requirements for UK travellers make it a race you have to really want to see to be worthwhile. That said, the sprint weekend, the value for money, and the closeness to Shanghai itself do offer multiple positives for those who do make the journey.
Qatar GP - Easy Weekend
- Dates - 27 - 29 November 2026
- Difficulty - 3/5
- Cost - £££
The Qatar Grand Prix is the penultimate race of the year which, thankfully for Brits, means it happens in late November and is cooler than if it was mid-summer. The race also takes place at night underneath the floodlights, and has some title battle potential given it’s the last stop before Abu Dhabi. Unfortunately though, there’s not a huge amount you can see of the track. All the grandstands and General Admission areas are based on the start/finish straight, with some also around the final corner and Turn 1 / Turn 2, meaning you’re not really seeing any cornering or anything when the cars are on the other side of the track. There’s no visa requirements for people from the UK though, and tickets in the grandstands start at less than £300 for the weekend, so if Abu Dhabi is too expensive for a desert race, Qatar might be a good alternative. As with the Abu Dhabi GP, the Qatar GP is currently going ahead but is at risk of cancellation if the situation in the Middle East deteriorates.
What an F1 trip actually costs
Tickets for the British GP Silverstone aren’t necessarily the cheapest available but, if you’re already in the UK, it does mean you don’t need to pay for flights; only petrol or your train journey.
If you’re looking at a fly-away race, a good one for first timers would be Hungary. A three-day General Admission ticket starts from around £241, while flights from London to Budapest departing the Thursday before and the Monday after the race are currently around £320 via SkyScanner. Hotel prices vary but, with Booking.com you can find deals for four nights under £500.
A seat in the Turn 8 grandstand at the Red Bull Ring in Austria will set you back £432 but does mean you get to see drivers taking the semi-chicane in front of you and then charging off to the final section. Flights and accommodation will be slightly more expensive, but it could be well worth it if you’re a Red Bull or Verstappen fan.
If you have a strong budget, living in the lap of luxury in hospitality for three days is an unforgettable experience, and we strongly recommend opting for that in Abu Dhabi. The Luna Lounge hospitality option is almost £4,200 for the race weekend, but its location between turns 14 and 15 gives you 360 degree views of the track and the famous hotel. Food and drink is included, as is entertainment and merchandise.
F1 first-timer’s survival guide
If you’ve never been to an F1 race before, there are a few things you should (and shouldn’t) do to be prepared. Whatever the weather, you should always pack suncream. That’s because F1 races obviously take place outdoors and, if you’re not in a covered grandstand, you’ll be standing in the sun all day and risk burning even on cloudy days in warmer climates.
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You’ll also need a portable phone charger. There’s loads to see and share at an F1 race, and making sure you can capture all these memories is a great way to remember the event. It’s also a good idea to take screenshots of your tickets and anything else you might need beforehand, as phone signal can be patchy at times.
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The cars are louder this year so depending on how close you are to the track bring ear protection. It can get noisy - particularly if you’re going to a street circuit, where the noise will bounce off the buildings far more than if you’re at an open circuit like Silverstone or Zandvoort.
READ MORE: For a full packing list, we've put together everything you need before an F1 race day
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Bringing food and drink is very circuit-dependent. For example, the British GP allows food and non-alcoholic drinks to be brought in (no glass, though) whereas the Dutch GP doesn’t allow any food or drink at all, and only ‘one empty water bottle of 0.5 litres per person is allowed’. The same goes for bags, as Silverstone allows backpacks while the Dutch GP says “no bags larger than A4 size and thicker than 10cm”. It’s a good idea to check your specific race’s guidelines before attending to avoid confusion.
F1 circuits usually have big screens for fans to watch the action that isn’t right in front of them, so check the track map to see where these are. These maps will usually tell you where everything is, including where your ticket will allow you to go, inspect these before the race to help you plan your visit.
Whichever race you decide to go to, and however you decide to enjoy it, you’ll be in for a treat. F1 races have an exciting, dynamic atmosphere that make you want to keep coming back, and the fan zones offer plenty to do when the racing isn’t on. With something for everyone, the only thing left to do is to pick one.
Topics: Formula 1
Tom Jeffries