After attending my first Formula 1 GP in Melbourne in March 2023, I thought I’d share my highlights, regrets and advice for anyone who may be interested.
Highlights
My top 3 highlights of the weekend include:
- Melbourne Walk
- Post-Race Track Invasion
- Support classes (F2, F3, Supercars & Porsche)
The Melbourne Walk
The Melbourne Walk was a fantastic experience that I was a bit unprepared for. It was an opportunity to meet and engage with F1/F2/F3 drivers. You can get driver signatures, close-up photos of them, and if you’re lucky even photos with them. However, you have to arrive at the circuit early, we opted to do the Melbourne Walk on Thursday (the quietest day) and we got to the track around 8:00am and the gates opened at 9:30am. Following the gates opening it was an 800m – 1km sprint to get from Gate 1 to the Melbourne Walk area, but despite the chaos it was well worth it! Also be prepared to wait, standing around for 3-5hrs as drivers make their way in.
Post-Race Track Invasion
I had no idea that the post-race track invasion happened! The thought had just never occurred to me. But following the conclusion of the race, we were able to invade the track & get as close as possible to the podium (without being in the pitlane). The atmosphere throughout the race was incredible, but in this moment, when the track was packed with thousands of fans, it was even more mind-altering. It demonstrated just how passionate and supportive the motorsport community is. This is a moment I often think back as it was so unexpected but absolutely fantastic! I would highly recommend being a part of this if you have the opportunity.
Support Classes
Prior to the AUS F1 GP, I had little interest in F2, F3, or in Supercars & Porsches. However, they were so engaging and made for great races to watch. It was also cool that we got to meet some of the F2 + F3 drivers at the Melbourne walk, which meant we were able to put faces to names throughout the races. For anyone interested in motorsport, these other classes displayed great talent and racing ability to provide awesome entertainment. Supercar and Porche races are also much more accessible for motorsport fans ‘down under’, as they both race across Australia (and sometimes NZ) throughout the season, and usually make for a more affordable weekend.
Regrets
Over the course of the weekend, I really only have one regret. When we attended the Melbourne Walk we left our front row spots after around 3 or 4hrs because we really needed the bathroom, and wanted to explore the track. However, if we only waited another 30min we would have got to see the Red Bull Boys (including Max, Checo, Daniel and Mr Horner himself). I so badly wanted danny ric to sign my #3 cap and would have given anything for a photo with him. But it is what it is. However, I do recommend just waiting it out, if possible.
Something else I would change is that I’d consider booking different grandstands for different days if I were to go again. This is not a regret as I enjoyed the Fangio Grandstand, the pitlane and start/finish line views, and the accessibility for the track invasion. But in saying that, I would have liked to see the view from different grandstands, and to see different areas of the track during practices, quali and support races.
Tips, Tricks & Advice
- Take or buy FM headphones – they allow you to tune into the commentary which you can’t otherwise hear over the cars, and they work as earmuffs. We brought ours at the track for around $70AUD, but there are much cheaper options available if you brought them prior to the weekend.
- Be prepared for ALL weather every day – in one day I got sunburnt in the morning, and then we were absolutely drenched and freezing cold in the afternoon during F2 quali. So wear layers, and be prepared for any weather regardless of the forecast.
- Bring a portable charger – I used mine every day it was a lifesaver. Also at some points over the weekend, there was no cell signal, so we made sure to have screenshotted copies of everything (tickets, schedule, circuit map).
- Check your phone storage – this sounds like a no-brainer but I genuinely thought I had so much phone storage remaining, yet I took so many photos and videos over the weekend that when we got up close to the podium I had no phone storage left and relied on my friend to film it, and her phone was almost flat.
- Bring all your merch to the Melbourne Walk – I didn’t thoroughly consider the possibility of getting merch signed at the Melbourne Walk, I only had the merch I was wearing and one sharpie. However, I wish I had taken all my merch on Thursday because we only did the Melbourne Walk once and I potentially could have gotten more of it signed! I’d also recommend bringing multiple marker pens of different colours (you can never be too safe).
- I didn’t bother bringing my DSLR camera to the track – I brought my camera (Canon 750D) to Melbourne with the intention of taking it to the track, however, I quickly realised that it was too heavy, bulky and not worth the inconvenience. Especially going through the bag searches, carrying it around all day, keeping it safe under the seats, and in the unpredictable weather. So unless you are super committed, your phone is good enough, or bring a small digital camera.
Enjoy your Grand Prix – I’m sure you’ll have a fantastic time wherever you are and whatever race you are attending! Check out my budgeting post if you’re unsure where to start or how much it might cost you to attend a race.
~ Nikitas Nomadic Notes
Nikita’s Nomadic Notes 