How to spend the day at the Grand Prix

FROM getting into pole position as a spectator to taking a selfie with your favourite F1® hero, here’s how to make the most out of a day at the track.

Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo and a young fan

FROM getting into pole position as a spectator to taking a selfie with your favourite F1® hero, here’s how to make the most out of a day at the track.

IT’S barely 10am and die-hard Daniel Ricciardo fans are already camping out at Albert Park. They are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their racing hero in the hope of snagging a selfie or an autograph as this year’s cohort of drivers make their way to the F1® paddock.

The excitement is palpable.

The Australian Grand Prix was first run in 1928 and has since become one of the most popular races in the world for Formula 1® drivers and fans alike. Now, 90 years later, it is also one of the biggest events on Melbourne’s sporting calendar, with nearly 300,000 people flocking to Albert Park for what is, undoubtedly, one of the most thrilling weekends in racing.

“The Australian Grand Prix is central to what makes Melbourne the sporting capital of Australia,” Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren says. “As thousands of fans flock to Victoria, our city is beamed into millions of homes around the globe – images that inspire many to travel here and see for themselves what we have to offer.”

This year’s four-day event will be held over March 22-25, when all eyes will be on Melbourne for the opening round of the Formula 1® 2018 season. Reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton and his fierce rival Sebastian Vettel are expected to renew hostilities on the track, while local fans will be throwing their support behind Australia’s own Ricciardo. One of the stars of Formula 1® Ricciardo has taken the chequered flag five times in his career, though a maiden win on home soil would surely trigger nationwide celebrations.

This year also marks the first time that the Coates Hire Supercars Melbourne 400 will be a championship round.

It’s events like these where memories are made, so knowing when to get there, where the best spots are and which grandstands have the best views of the track will ensure you don’t miss a second of the turbocharged action.

10 TIPS FOR NAILING A DAY AT THE GRAND PRIX

1. Tickets

Whether you want to be part of the glitz and glamour or get amongst the action, the Grand Prix boasts options to suit every style and budget. From exclusive hospitality suites to general admission and grandstand tickets, you can tailor your F1®experience to be as low-key or as lavish as you like. If it’s your first time, a General Admission ticket is a great introduction to the world of racing. If you want the best view of the action and the flexibility of being able to come and go as you please and know that you’ll have a seat, splash out on a Grandstand ticket - all the stands around the final corner, down the main straight and at Turn 1 are excellent choices. Fan favourites include Jones, which sits you between Turn 1 and 2, Schumacher on Turn 15 and the pit entrance and Brabham, which is on the inside of the track on Turn 1.

2. What to bring

A great day at the Grand Prix is all about being prepared. If you have a general admission ticket, bring a chair and nab yourself a spot to view the action trackside. Brocky’s Hill at Turn 11 and the viewing area at Turn 9 are popular spots. Comfy shoes are a must, especially if you plan on dancing the days away in the Heineken® Village. And if you plan on bringing the kids along, pack some cool earmuffs in your F1® team colours. While fans love the sound of the world's fastest cars, it’s good to play it safe with the little ones.

3. Getting there

Public transport is your best option for getting to Albert Park on race day. There is a bumper public transport schedule, with more frequent trams, trains and buses to get event-goers to and from the track. Free shuttle trams will also be running for ticket holders from the city to Albert Park.

4. Map and directions

Don’t waste time trying to wing it on the day. There is so much to do and see at the Grand Prix, with six entertainment zones, 16 exciting turns on track and a host of attractions from music to simulators, luxury car displays and food. Look at the circuit map ahead of time and familiarise yourself with the entrances, track, zones and facilities. Plan your day, including your arrival time entry gate and preferred trackside position.

5. Do the Melbourne Walk

As soon as the gates open, get in and head straight there. You’ll want to snap up a good spot to get an autograph or selfie with an F1® driver as they take the Melbourne Walk when they arrive at the circuit. If you don’t have one, buy a programme so you have somewhere to keep all the autographs you’re about to get.  As each F1® driver arrives at Melbourne Walk, find the page for that driver so you have it ready for them to sign (and don’t forget a marker.)

6. Get into the festival vibe

From international music acts to some of the world’s fastest cars, make sure you explore everything that is happening off the track. The massive stage in Heineken® Village will create a buzzing atmosphere where fans can enjoy special music performances from Apl.de.ap and Taboo from the Black Eyed Peas performing an exclusive DJ set. FoxFM will also take to the stage on Friday with a full line-up of RnB artists and DJs for its famous RnB Fridays.

7. Eat your way around the circuit

Melbourne is renowned for its vibrant street art scene and mouth-watering foodie culture, so what better way to celebrate the city than combining the two in one great event? M-Lane will be a unique Melbourne laneway-styled experience featuring food trucks and live entertainment, plus live street art installations on stacked 20ft shipping containers, curated by local street art network, Just Another Agency.

8. Celebrity spotting

Hometown heroes and international stars collide at the Grand Prix with the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Australia’s very own Daniel Ricciardo. Dan will be vying for a podium spot in front of his home crowd, so make sure you show your Aussie pride and support the local hero.

9. Just kidding

If you’ve got little ones, the Grand Prix is the ultimate playground. They’ll love learning how to drive at the Porsche Kids’ Driving School, getting active in the Kids Sporting Zone and getting a taste of the fast lane in the Junior GP Challenge Race. Plus, kids under 14 are free so you can lap up the entertainment without breaking the bank.

10. Lap it up

Nothing beats the sounds, smells and excitement of being there in person. The Grand Prix is a sensory experience unlike any other, which makes it impossible not to get caught up in all the F1® hype.

Originally published as How to spend the day at the Grand Prix