8 unique locations to watch F1 races

Formula 1 is a travelling circus that visits some of the most beautiful and interesting destinations in the world. Whilst each race is one-of-a-kind, there are some locations beyond the grandstands that give fans an interesting perspective of all the racing action.

Here are some of the most unique places to spectate an F1 race...

Monaco yachts and balconies

The Monaco Grand Prix is already one of the most iconic races on the calendar – and part of what makes it so special is the way fans watch. While most circuits are surrounded by grandstands, Monaco turns the whole city into a viewing platform.

The harbour becomes packed as boats line up beside the track, and well over 100 yachts will be in and around Monaco on race day, turning the marina into one of the most famous backdrops in the sport – and beyond.

With the sun bouncing off the clear waters and the champagne flowing freely to the tune of F1 engines echoing around Monte Carlo, there are certainly worse ways to enjoy a Grand Prix weekend!

The yachts may provide the postcard images, but the Monte Carlo balconies truly show just how close the racing gets to city life.

As the circuit winds through the famous Monegasque twists; the apartments, hotels and terraces lining the streets become viewing spots in their own right, as fans watch the cars race beneath balconies sitting just above the track.

Suzuka Ferris wheel

Few circuits on the F1 calendar are as universally adored as Suzuka. It has practically everything an F1 driver could wish for – exhilarating high speed sectors and twisty corners that reward precision and technical expertise, including the famously challenging 130R left-hander.

For many motorsport fans, the Japanese Grand Prix is a bucket-list race, and each year the grandstands are full of some of the most passionate supporters the sport has to offer. But watching the action from 50 metres above the tarmac provides a whole new vantage point. The iconic Suzuka Ferris wheel is one of the favourite non-racing attractions at the circuit, providing a unique birds-eye view of the action... for a few minutes!

COTA platform

The COTA Tower is one of the most indelible images of the circuit – and is even a Central Texas landmark. The platform provides some of the best views of the track during race weekends.

The 76-metre-tall platform is located near Turns 16–18, providing panoramic views of COTA and beyond. Only the bravest of fans step out onto the glass section of the platform — but those that do are rewarded with a view of the track beneath their feet.

In the Spa forest

Nestled in the heart of the Ardennes, Spa-Francorchamps is without doubt one of the most naturally picturesque circuits on the F1 calendar. And as many attending fans have discovered, the forest surrounding large sections of the track is itself part of the spectating experience.

Beyond the grandstands, General Admission tickets allow fans to take in a slightly more ‘natural’ viewing experience – nestled amongst the trees, and some even in hammocks.

Sea of orange in the Zandvoort Dunes

Another naturally scenic circuit comes courtesy of Zandvoort – ensconced by sand dunes on the Dutch coast.

But when F1 comes to this otherwise serene-looking location, the volume and colour of passion is unmatched. Filling up the grandstands that nestle in the dunes are tens of thousands of Max Verstappen fans – caked in orange and creating an atmosphere resembling a festival more so than a motorsport race.

The elevation of the dunes and 18 degree-banked turns give fans a fantastic vantage point, but this is almost secondary to the experience of being a part of the crowd there.

Mexico Foro Sol

Whenever F1 descends on Mexico City, the atmosphere is pure party – and perhaps nowhere more so than within the iconic stadium section of the Foro Sol, where thousands of fans roar as the cars weave through below.

There’s simply nowhere quite like it. The noise alone is something else entirely, and cheering from these grandstands is easily one of the most unique experiences in the sport — and certainly one that will never be forgotten.

Singapore Flyer

165 metres above the Marina Bay Street Circuit sits one of the most extraordinary viewing points in F1: the Singapore Flyer. Each rotation boasts a panoramic view of the street circuit and a view of the city lights at night — an unparalleled experience to have a bird's-eye view of the cars threading through the illuminated streets.

From the top of the Flyer, you can take in the entirety of downtown Singapore, Marina Bay and the famous Gardens, as well as the circuit that hosted F1’s first ever night race.

Baku’s medieval walls

Very few motor racing circuits in the world offer a backdrop quite like the Baku City Circuit. As the cars thread through the medieval streets of Icheri Sheher (The Old City), the walls of the ancient UNESCO site run alongside the track in the second sector.

The grandstand overlooks drivers negotiating the twists and turns of the narrow fortress section, but there are some lucky locals watching from the apartment balconies — getting an even more intimate view of the cars passing below with a remarkable fortress backdrop.