What You Need (For Your Race Weekend)

Whether it be the first time or if you are a returning visitor, going to a Grand Prix weekend can be like camping. You may want to pack well in advance but I recommend leaving it till nearly last minute.  As we know, weather is constantly changing and so can your items. 

There are somethings though that you never want to leave behind!

First and foremost, what you want is a good set of earplugs or earphones.  If you go without them, it's exciting.  It's thrilling but after about 5 laps, your ears will start ringing and after the full 70 laps (if your in Canada)  expect to hear nothing for a few hours to a few days!   Some tracks do offer a set of courtesy earplugs and make sure to look into this before packing.

The next thing that you should toss in your bag would be sun screen.  Chances are that you maybe like me and do not have the funds for VIP and will end up buying a ticket in a grandstand where there is no shade. Sure you might think that a few hours in the sun will give you a nice tan. No, it will give you a bright red sunburn!

The third thing that we recommend you take is a good pair of running shoes.  Getting a seat at one of the rows of a grand stand may seem like a fantastic idea, great view and not too much noise, but the hike up with thousands of others can take it's toll.  Wearing a pair of flip-flops, you will be followed by someone only inches from you and you do not want them to accidentally step on the back of your 'flop' just as you were about to 'flip'.  Your foot will feel like it's been glued to the ground and chances are, if it happened once it will happen again!

And finally. The last thing recommended to bring to your Grand Prix weekend would have to be your mobile!  Yes, on most circuits you may not get wi-fi. You may not even get signal but you will want to take it along as your are going to meet amazing people. Outrageous fans and altogether make a ton of new friends. You need your phone so you can share numbers, exchange emails, and of course snap the odd photo or two when you just don't have the time you get you camera out!

But don't take it from me, here is what others say to bring!

"depends on the weather, Wellies if you were at Canada and a good rain coat! I'd say a reasonable back pack to have the essentials in.. A camera... want those memories, reasonable amount of cash to buy some food & drinks..." - Mel P.

"deffo take waterproofs so u are not damp and cold" - Paula R.

"Eyewash....saved my life one year when silverstone was dry and the dust was being blown around!!!" - Ruth C.

"Money to buy team/driver souvenirs so you can deck yourself out in the latest kit. And also to buy several double shot espressos when you arrive at the circuit esp if you had a bit to drink at the campsite bar the night before ;)" - Debbie H.

"Rain coat (your favourite teams version obviously). Suncream (used both at Silverstone in the space of an hour). Was impressed with the Fanvision but also need a good pair of earphones and ear defenders to go with it." - Caroline B.

"comfortable chair, not a tripod stool, plenty of food and drink. Good camera to capture the action. Wet wipes are good for keeping clean." - Tracy Ann D.

"Gel plasters for my poor feet. The abuse they got this weekend nearly finished them off...or comfy footwear is an option;)" - Julia S.

"Don't forget to bring F1 magazine or some merchandise,for driver's signatures)" - Fatimatuz Z.

"Must haves: a device that can use the F1 timing & scoring app (either a tablet or smart phone); camera, w/extra batts!" -Russ L.

"From years of going to festivals...wetwipes everytime!" - Robyn B.