Turbocharging the F1 experience
Formula 1 is one of the most thrilling sports in the world - and getting closer to the action boosts its appeal.
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It’s like bungee jumping, skydiving, or leaping off a mountain.
Standing on the front row of the F1 grid next to the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri delivered an unexpected thrill.
The buzz on race day at the Australian Grand Prix was electrifying – you can sense the hope and fear of team members, feel the heat radiating from impossibly powerful engines, and smell the sweetness of racing fuel as drivers prepare to do battle.
I was so energised by the experience that I felt ready to grab a helmet, strap into one of the cars and fight for position on the run to the first corner.
Yet the drivers remain cold as ice.
Hundreds of fans surround them, snapping photos, taking videos and reaching out to touch them, yet these amazing athletes remain strikingly calm and focused.
Witnessing this is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
There are many ways to watch the Australian Grand Prix, but it doesn’t get better than this. Sure, general admission tickets let you soak in the action from the sidelines, grandstand seats provide a guaranteed view, and hospitality suites up the stakes with fine dining.
But the hottest tickets in town allow guests to brush shoulders – literally – with the superstars of Formula 1.
These experiences are anything but cheap. Often part of a money-can’t-buy package reserved for VIPs such as Olympic medallist Jess Fox or test batsman Usman Khawaja, it’s hard to buy a ticket to F1’s inner sanctum.
And those that are for sale are searingly expensive.
Three days with American Express will set you back $5850, while going as a paying guest of an F1 team costs an eye-watering $19,000 per person.
We had a peek behind the scenes at the American Express lounge and were blown away.
From the moment you step through the door, you’re greeted by opulent luxury.
Thirsty fans can sample a private wine tasting with St Hugo’s, or ask a Belvedere mixologist to craft a bespoke cocktail.
Celebrity hair stylist Joey Scandizzo is on standby to work his magic for folks whose race-day look is ruined by Melbourne weather.
Then, there’s divine food provided by the Ritz-Carlton, including a three-course lunch with free-flowing champagne.
But beyond the luxury, these special experiences provide what every F1 fan craves – unfiltered access.
Before the race, a private tour offers a look at the teams’ inner sanctum. You have the chance to learn about every intricate detail from what the drivers wear to how the cars are built.
You also get the chance to bump into the stars of the sport, from Formula 1 drivers to celebrities and icons from many different sports.
Then there’s the grid walk – the most electrifying experience.
It’s the kind of moment you’ll never forget: standing within arm’s reach of the world’s best drivers as they prepare to take off.
It’s incredible to see these athletes in their element, completely zoned out from the chaos around them.
When the race begins, elevated viewing platforms deck provide a view directly down the straight.
And the experience doesn’t end when the race does.
When the drivers take to the podium, you have an opportunity to witness the celebration up close, with a prime view of the ceremony.
After the race, the fun continues for guests invited to a legendary after-party where top performers take the stage.
Having experienced how the ultra-wealthy – or ultra-connected – spend their Formula 1 weekends, there’s no doubt privileged access amplifies the experience.
But if I was spending my own money, $500 for a grandstand is about all I could justify.
Originally published as Turbocharging the F1 experience
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