[Closed] Going to the F1 British Grand Prix, any pearls of wisdom?

Also seen on their website that they allow bikes in to get around. It's this something worth considering or will it be annoying to cart about? Cheers

I went a few years ago. Sat on pit straight seats opposite McCartney when Hamilton and Button drove for them.

It depends on what type of ticket you have? If not a specified grandstand seat then take bike to get around, but where its busy will be annoying feeding it through ppl.

Good place to watch is banks around maggots beckett complex and at the end of hanger straight. Maggots/beckets looks amazing with cars flying round. Hanger straight has overtakes

or will it be annoying to cart about?

Tricky. On a normal F1 weekend, a bike would be a massive PITA, the crowds are normally so dense they'd quickly become a liability. On the other hand, if the crowds are being kept artificially low, then they might be OK to use one to get around.

General tips; Patience...the operation to get everyone in and out of the site works pretty well, but it's time consuming. There's parking for everyone, just chill...The grandstands are by far the best place to watch the race from. bring a small FM radio to tune into race radio, there's more info, interviews, information and a race commentary, it will make the whole thing more enjoyable. There's not just the F1 race, and there's normally racing after the GP has finished, so kick back in the emptying stands, watch some more racing while everyone else tries to get out. Don't buy any merch until then, they'll want rid of it, you can normally grab a bargain.

I've not been on race day for years, but I used to scope out some places to park (responsibly) a few miles from Silverstone and then ride in from there on my bike, then the real bonus came when leaving and you could just pedal past a lot of stationary traffic. Other tips if you don't have a seat are to get there EARLY (I mean EARLY) as a lot of the best viewing spots will fill up fast. If you do find a spot make sure you can see one of the big screens, as that makes it easier to follow the race when pit stops etc kick in. I used to be in the stands so could lock my bike under them but I think it'd be a PITA without a place to leave it, as nickc says the race day crowds make any ideas of pedalling around a non-starter. Friday practice was the time for that sort of thing.

Small radio was great back then but these days you can just use a phone the 5 live commentary.

Oh and whatever the weather, take some decent layers. I've never been as cold as on a summers day at Silverstone.

if the crowds are being kept artificially low,

They aren’t, IIRC. 140k on race day.

Looks like it's going to be hot and sunny so a hat and suncream. If that changes and rain is forecast then some decent waterproofs.

It depends, we did the full camping weekend with an extra day as it was an anniversary weekend for the circuit iirc.
The bikes were great for getting to the toilets, showers, round to different bits of track during practice and support races.

I lost the lock so the bikes were then less useful, race day I think was best enjoyed on foot.

Also suncream as you are likely to be in a static position/location for a reasonably extended period.

We went about 5 years ago, used the park and ride shuttle bis thing, I remember it working excellently, hang around for a good while after the race to soak up the atmosphere and we didn't experience any traffic in or out.

Oh and remember where your friends are, our mate went off to buy ice-creams then lost us, hilarious but messy!

Good place to watch is banks around maggots beckett complex and at the end of hanger straight. Maggots/beckets looks amazing with cars flying round. Hanger straight has overtakes

That's where I went the only time I've been to the British GP. Saw Schumacher break his legs in 1999 to put himself out of the title race. I feel kind of sorry for him now but certainly didn't at the time.

But like you say, it's a good spot where you can see a few corners from a single vantage point.

140k on race day.....

Wow! OK at least it's outdoors, but I don't think I'd go...

If you have NT membership you can park at the car park by the Corinthian Arch (///glassware.dictation.grips), if not there's a small free car park nearby at Chackmore (///digitally.handy.saved). It's a 20 minute ride through Dadford to the ground, and you'll soon encounter the vast queues of traffic and be feeling smug. You'll also get out far quicker than anyone else, and all the drivers will hate you! IMO, it's best to lock the bike somewhere secure inside and walk around, as there'll be so many people. Once inside you take your pick of viewpoints during the support races and stay there for the GP itself, but do get there as early as possible.
The campsites look like fun, especially as the weather is set fair, but I've never used them.

I haven't been to an F1 event there since 2007 but have done a few of the WEC's, Classics and MotoGP's the last few years. If they allow you go watch the cars through Maggots, Becketts and Chapel at some point, the change of direction is immense. From there you can also normally cross the bridge halfway down Hangar Straight then walk alongside the Wellington straight, cross the bridge halfway down and then get to the fanzone on the inside of Brooklands. Saying that though don't rush around trying to see the F1 cars everywhere, they'll only be out for ~90 mins and that's not enough to get around everywhere. Use the support races to scope out viewing choices if you haven't been to Silverstone before.

Other general stuff:

If you just have general admission tickets take folding camping chairs, having somewhere to sit down that's comfy and dry between races is a godsend.
Personally I wouldn't take a bike as it'll be mostly pushed and a lot of the access paths are not great to pedal on.
Get there early, as in about 8.30-9am at the latest as lots of people will claim the best spots well before the racing starts at 10am.
If you have a hydration bladder for biking put it in a rucksack, saves having to queue for drinks all the time.
Take a bog roll.
A radio to follow the race is a must. It's the same commentary as the loudspeakers but you can understand it!
Regardless of the weather take suncream, a waterproof jacket and comfy shoes. Even on a calm day the wind can hide the effects of a strong sun and really cool you down. If it's even slightly cool or damp you will get cold quickly, it's a flat airfield so the wind really gets going at times.
Stay for all the racing, it extends the value of the day and you miss the majority of the queues leaving.
If you can stay (and if they're doing it) for the after race gig behind the old pits. You usually get a few drivers turn up on stage for a chat and stuff.
Have a snack and drinks waiting for you in the car for when you return. Every food and drink outlet within 20 miles will be rammed by everyone else on their way home so makes it easier to just drive away.

But the main one: enjoy it. You'll most likely have to watch the race back on catch-up to know exactly what went on so make the most of the trackside atmosphere and perspective.

Earplugs. Race cars are LOUD. Even the current crop of V6 hybrid turbos are louder than I expected. I saw the 2019 Merc at Goodwood yesterday and whilst not as loud as a V8 screamer a whole grid of them will still be plenty noisy.

 if not there’s a small free car park nearby at Chackmore

but I used to scope out some places to park (responsibly) a few miles from Silverstone

I used to live in Syresham, and then Brackley. Could I please suggest that you don't do this? The A43 in and out and CP at Silverstone can cope with all the traffic into and out of the site and has ample parking, it just takes a while to get in and out that's all. The roads around the circuit at GP time are the only way that locals can get on with their lives. Don't go looking for a "shortcut" or some way to beat the system, it just winds up the people that have to live there. One of the hospitality companies used a field next to where I lived as a heliport over the weekend to shuttle posh nobs in and out of the circuit, and my wee road was littered with cars abandoned by idiots who couldn't care less about the fact you have to get on with your life. Don't be one of them.

Maggots/Becketts is great to see the speed of the cars, it is truly mind-bending seeing how much quicker they corner than the support series.

The racing there is not always brilliant though, I was lucky enough to see Vettel go off there during his dominant years, but other than that, not too much action really.

I think if I had general admission, i'd get into the track early as possible and find a good spot, then just go for a wander in the second half of the race.

ps I've always taken a radio or hired one of those little tvs (not sure if they still do that), if you want to actually know what's going on in the race I'd say something like that is essential. The screens round the track are not great.

Following this as going for the first time too.
Going to be staying with family who live about 10 miles away, their plan is to drop us somewhere near Silverstone village and walk in from there. Is this realistic or is traffic in to the village going to be at a standstill? (Very grateful for their offer but don't want them to waste half their day sat in traffic for 3 days!)
We were also wondering whether taking bikes and dropping us a bit further out is an option. There's a bridleway across from Whittlebury to the north end of the circuit (pedestiran entrance there?). Is there like a big bike parking area where you can lock them up for the day and pick them up again on your way out?

 their plan is to drop us somewhere near Silverstone village

Unless they've got a resident badge for their car, I doubt you'll get near the place. The roads around Silverstone are generally equally managed as much as the A43 is mostly to stop folk trying to beat the system. If you really don't want to queue along with everyone else than use the Park and Ride.

I've only been once in 2008 when Hamilton won in the pouring rain and Barrichello was 3rd in that dog of a Honda. This was back in the days of the old pit buildings and start/finish straight, I was sat at Woodcote with a decent view across the old Bridge/Priory/Brooklands complex.

The main memory I have is that if you fancy going to the other side of the track it's a lot further away than you think. Cars get from Woodcote to Stowe in about 45-50 seconds but to do it on foot takes about 25 minutes.

Ooo, jealous dot com! 🙂 Nothing new to add, I would say -
- It's an airfield - it will either be blazing hot or freezing cold, be prepared for both. And rain.
- Radio FTW - the circuit commentary is outstanding
- It's a long way round the outside of the circuit, take bikes and a lock, you can just as easily lock them up if there are too many pedestrians to make cycling round worthwhile
- Use Friday and Saturday to scope the circuit and find a place you like - make sure you can see a big screen
- Get there super-early on race day. If the gates open at, say, 5am, there will be a queue to get in at 5am
- If you're camping, the facilities on the onsite camping are pretty good - they normally put loads of entertainment on for MotoGP, I presume it's the same for F1

A number of suggestions from me....

- Dont try and 'beat' the system by dumping a car somewhere stupid or not following the yellow signage. It wont work, it causes issues, it adds stress. Events like this are very well organised in terms of traffic, getting people in/out. The most efficient thing to do is follow the crowd - thats the way its designed! The contraflow on the A43, the park and ride buses etc - just go with it. Plan your routes, take maps/info etc.

- I'd also say dont get obsessed with leaving either, everyone seems most concerned with how fast they can leave as the chequered flag drops. Just dont bother, stay, have some food, look around more, theres still plenty to see, soak it up. Last time we stayed till about 6 or 7, then just got in car and drove straight out, no traffic or queuing or stress.

- @reluctantjumper

Get there early, as in about 8.30-9am at the latest as lots of people will claim the best spots well before the racing starts at 10am.

er yeah by 9am you'll be about 3 hours too late to get the good spots. If your there for race day only, with GA tickets, you need to be a lot earlier than that!

- TAKE A RADIO with earphones. It is 100% the best way, you can actually hear the commentary, the timing, and loads of important stuff eg regarding delays, whats happening etc. A little pocket radio (or your phone if it does FM) with one earphone in the brilliant.

- I wouldn't even consider taking a bike. Itll just be a massive paint in the butt. You can barely walk in a straight line for people/crowds never mind ride a bike.

- Its LOUD. Even if you've seen some pretty loud race cars, and even given how much people moad the V8s and V10s were louder, the hybrid Turbo cars are still LOUD AF. If your taking kids, get some junior peltors for them.

- Outside of Maggots/Beckets/Chapel is magnificent. As above, I watch a lot of motor racing in real life but the turn in of the F1 cars is always, always something special. Its incredible. If you cant get up on the hill here its a good place to watch (good for Qually, id try get in front of a screen for the race).

- Enjoy it. Soak it up. The Red Arrows. The national anthem. It will probably rain at some point. The sun will definitely come out at some point. Its full of families and kids. I've just got back from Goodwood this weekend and wish I was doing Silverstone too. Its magic.

Thanks y'all for all the info. Lots to digest!
Our ticket is just for the Sunday race day so thinking that bikes will be a no no.

We've got parking already booked on site i think, so will have to put up with the queues.
How long does it take to get in/park?? And get out at the end??

Maggots/Becketts sounds like a good place. Any other good viewing spots?

Luffield is the other good spot. TBH, most folk will head to either one of those spots, they're both pretty well known, so if you are aiming to get a spot in either, get early to claim a spot. I've also watched from Stowe, you do loose a bit of the perspective of the car's actual speed, but you do get to see quite a bit of the circuit from one place, and it's not as popular as Becketts and Luffield*

*relatively speaking, there's still hoardes of folks, obvs.

Vale/Club are good on raceday, normally a screen there, there's usually some passing, you'll see them diving into the pits as it happens and the podium is (or was) visible.

I went about 10 years ago (dad won a competition for grandstand seats), I only remember a few things:

Took ages to get in

Took even longer to get out

The cars are loud

It's better watching it on TV so you don't have lots of time watching nothing and generally having little idea about what's going on in the race

I can't emphasise how loud the cars were - with cheap earplugs in (and probably 100m from the track) I still had a headache a few laps in, it was mental (although the current generation of cars won't be quite as bad).

Overall glad I went but no chance I'm going again (unless as a VIP and get helicoptered in/out and can get pissed-up on champagne after lap 3 and watch it mostly on TV in a sound-insulated private box...)

@snotrag - yeah, just noticed the gates open a lot earlier for the F1 than they do for the last few events! Both times I've been for the F1 I've had a grandstand ticket ('07 at Stowe, '02 at Woodcote) so that's probably why I had those times in my mind. Last event was for the Classic in '17 and that was so relaxed it was unreal.

I've not been before but am lucky enough to have a ticket for the "McLaren Experience" in the Paddock Club. As far as I understand, the viewing area is above the McLaren pit. Has anyone been in there before? Is it "good"? Is it hopelessly corporate and not a real GP experience, or will it be OK? I'm told that there are complementary ear plugs.

It's more of an atmosphere and vibe thing, the racing is better watched on telly as it's just loads of noise unless you're in a good grandstand.

The crowd were quite zealous, which is great but scary if you work there.

People get very drunk

It's actually quite well organised but very expensive.

Camping is fun

So @colande - how was your first time? Must've been quite an atmosphere!

Hey, yeah it was an brilliant experience.
To be completely honest did so little research into it that me and my partner ended up just going with the flow.

This was the first time since our son (24months) was born that we've had whole day off ( not having to do bed time etc.) So this was the biggest treat!!

We got there relatively late 12.30pm but that meant we drove straight into the car park with out any traffic and no queues to walk in.
I was surprised how much of a festival feel it was there. Really nice and relaxed.

We came in on the opposite side on the track to maggots Becketts chapel. We decided that it was to far to walk so we ended up watching from Brooklands luffield. Wasn't too busy there so was able to get close to the fence and get a good view of the cars.

The race went by so quick, was hard to keep track of all the nuances of the race but the atmosphere was amazing when Lewis was hunting down leclerc.
Would definitely recommend it.

That's really cool you drove straight in! Really glad you all had a good day. 🙂