Putting the excitement and drama of the opening races of the season aside for one moment, as well as the ever-shifting F1 odds for the next pole position, let’s look at an altogether different side of this sport we all love so much.
One of the myriad of advantages of following a sport such as Formula 1 is that it gives fans the opportunity to travel to some of the most incredible parts of the globe. Not only does the F1 carnival travel to countries that the tourist may have otherwise not thought of or not been motivated enough to visit, it also unlocks parts of those countries that may otherwise have been ignored.
And there are also ones that are on everybody’s bucket list and the Formula 1 rolling into town provides the impetus to finally cross it off. The 2023 F1 calendar provides all of these opportunities. Here, in chronological order are our four tips.
Barcelona – Spanish Grand Prix – 4th June
The Catalan capital is one of Europe’s best city breaks for a very good reason. It really is a city that has everything, including the weather. For a start it is rare for such a large, bustling city to have a fantastic beach. In the past, that was a side of the city that was neglected, even getting the nickname, ‘the city that turned its back on the sea’.
But that couldn’t be further from the truth today. Long stretches of golden sand fringed by bars and restaurants, make it as much a beach destination as anything else. But that would mean missing out on everything else this wonderful city has to offer.
Its famous Gaudi architecture will make you pinch yourself that you haven’t stepped into some children’s fairy tale. There is history everywhere you look, hidden treasures around almost every corner. There is also of course incredible nightlife and cuisine. Getting back to Formula 1, this year has seen some much needed enhancements to the track, which should make for an even more interesting race day.
Monza – Italian Grand Prix – 3rd September
The Italian Grand Prix should be somewhere near the top of any Formula 1 fans bucket list, if only to witness the locals’ passion for the sport they hold so dear to their heart. Monza itself, based in the Northwest of the country, is in reality a satellite of Milan.
This is no bad thing of course as Monza is not without its stunning buildings and historical landmarks, and its vicinity to the metropolis means travel and accommodation is relatively straightforward. One can only hope some of the issues highlighted last year at the race have been looked into and corrected.
Singapore – Singapore Grand Prix – 17th September
The Lion City is a fascinating island where east meets west. It is an unashamedly modern city, but one which plays its role as a melting pot of many of the world’s cultures exceptionally well. First time visitors will be surprised by how small the island is, how clean it is, and probably most of all, how hot it is.
Being practically on the equator, the sun seems to be burning down from almost within touching distance, and the humidity ratchets up the heat factor another couple of notches. Three days are enough to see most of what the city state has to offer, but what an amazing three days they will be. Another huge plus point of Singapore is its proximity to so many other jewels of Southeast Asia.
Las Vegas – Las Vegas Grand Prix – 19th November
It’s hard to say anything about Las Vegas that hasn’t been said a thousand times before. It is not everybody’s cup of tea, but it is somewhere that everyone should go to at least once. And for many, after that first trip, it’s somewhere they can’t resist going back to time and time again.
There is more to Las Vegas than casinos and The Strip, but when in Rome it would be a shame not to at least dip your toe in what has made this desert city world famous. The race could very well coincide with a world title boxing match, or if that isn’t your thing there is bound to be a show worth seeing. Further afield there is even the Grand Canyon.
