The tickets have been bought, the anticipation is growing and the premier class is back in Spielberg. From 28 to 30 June, Formula 1 will be back at the Red Bull Ring. For many fans, the Austrian GP is a highlight, also because they get to come to the race track in person. MSM presents the best tips and tricks for the (first) visit to the Formula 1 race.
Good footwear, seating arrangement and sun protection
Although everything revolves around cars, you do a lot of walking at a Formula 1 race. That’s why good, comfortable shoes are recommended. It’s a five to ten minute walk from the car park to the Red Bull Ring. Sometimes you walk past cows in style and in a picturesque way.
Before entering, tickets are scanned at the entrance and there is a security check. If there are a lot of people, there may be delays. So it’s better to allow yourself a bit more time than to be stressed and possibly miss out on the racing action on the track.
Important information in advance: Only cashless payments are possible on site. With all standard credit and debit cards. Spielberg has its own cashless card, for which an activation fee of 1.80 euros must be paid. The card can be “loaded” with cash and used to pay anywhere on the event site.
In addition to the food, there is Formula 1 merchandise from all teams and specifically from the Red Bull Ring available to buy at stands on site and in the fan shop. There are official merchandise stores in the fan zones. Merchandise from the Red Bull Ring itself is available in the Red Bull Ring Fan Shop at the Welcome Center. Drinks and food are sometimes sold on the way to the track, where you can pay in cash.
Once you arrive at the venue, there are signs showing the way to the stands. Before you enter the rows, your tickets are checked again. This means that you only have access to your own stand. The seats are all numbered, and the number is on the ticket. There is some storage space under the seat for backpacks or other items.
Standing places are free to choose your seat. We recommend seats next to a large video screen to follow the action well. The live timing in the F1 app and of course Motorsport-Magazin.com are good for keeping up to date. There are plenty of toilets near all of the stands. However, there can be traffic jams here at peak times.
What the ticket can (not) do in Spielberg
Recommended: In addition to the printed ticket, have the ticket on your mobile phone as well. It has to be shown quite often, so a transparent shoulder bag is also a good idea. If necessary, this can also be purchased on site.
With the ticket you can spend the whole day at the Red Bull Ring. Between the sessions and in the evening, the two fan zones offer a welcome way to pass the time. The Steiermark Village with more traditional music is located opposite the Red Bull Wing. The F1 Fan Zone is behind the Niki Lauda curve. All music acts and DJs take place here, as well as exhibitions, pit stop exercises and various other entertainment programs.
Opening hours F1 Fan Zone & Steiermark Village
- Thursday: 12:00 – 20:00
- Friday: 08:00 – 22:30
- Saturday: 07:00 – 22:30
- Sunday: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Speaking of fan zones: They can be quite busy (in the evenings) and not just there. It is advisable to agree on meeting points in case you lose your companion in the crowd. Making phone calls often turns out to be difficult due to the high volume.
Unfortunately, the purchased ticket does not provide access to the paddock. For the Pit Lane Walk on Thursday, an extra Pit Lane Walk Ticket must be purchased in addition to the normal weekend ticket. If the ticket is damaged or lost, simply contact the staff at the box office.
Backpacks, Red Bull and Co: The Formula 1 luggage list
The most important thing first: the ticket! Also essential: ID, debit card (or cashless card), and your own cell phone. There are no charging options at the ring itself, so a power bank (including charger) ensures survival.
There are many opportunities to buy food and drink (including a 3 euro deposit per cup) directly at the ring, but at slightly higher prices. It is therefore advisable to bring your own food: plastic bottles and drinks cans – in quantities that are normal for personal use – are permitted. Alcoholic drinks and glass bottles are not.
Snacks are also permitted, but they must be consumed cold. Grills and similar cooking devices for preparing food are prohibited. But not too cold: cool bags are also not permitted at the Red Bull Ring. Smoking is prohibited on the entire site.
Rain protection is always a good idea. Warning: umbrellas are not allowed in the stands (they obstruct your view). It can also be cool in the morning, so you might want to think about a vest or jacket. And very important: sun protection! There is a high risk of getting sunburnt or worse. In the stands with a bit of wind, the sun seems less strong. Therefore: apply sunscreen regularly, drink plenty and wear a sun hat or cap.
For those with standing room tickets, it is a good idea to bring a camping chair. Unfortunately, parasols are not allowed, nor are tents. Also not allowed are animals (with the exception of assistance dogs), bicycles or other vehicles such as e-scooters or strollers. Electronic devices such as computers are prohibited, as are drones, gas spray cans, and self-explanatory: weapons (including Swiss knives, darts and the like).
All of this can be carried in a backpack or similar piece of luggage. However, it must not be larger than 297 x 420 mm (A3 format). In general, large, bulky items are not allowed.
Formula 1 luggage list
- Tickets
- ID
- Good shoes
- Sun protection
- beverages
- Snacks
- Rain protection (no umbrellas!)
- Camping chair
- sunglasses
- Mobile phone charger and power bank
Safety Car in Spielberg: In case something happens
There are numerous paramedics on site who can help with small and large problems. If you need help, just speak to them or alternatively call 112 or 133. For smaller things, you may want to take plasters and disinfectant with you. The same applies if you need help from the police: don’t hesitate and call the emergency number once too often.
Describe the problem and the location as precisely as possible. The more precise the description, the quicker help will arrive. If something is stolen or a report needs to be made, contact the police. There are also police officers on site, and the Welcome Center has its own police station.
Spielberg: Arriving early for Formula 1 saves time and nerves
You can travel by car, public transport or bicycle. The rule everywhere is: leave early enough and allow enough time. There can be traffic jams even on the motorway, and experience shows that the closer you get to the race track, the more congested they become. It is always worth listening to traffic reports on the radio or checking the traffic jams online.
There are attendants at the parking spaces who will show you where to park. The parking spaces open one hour before the race track and are free for normal cars. It is not permitted to leave your car there overnight. We recommend that you make a note of the parking space number that is displayed at the entrance to each parking space.
When it comes to leaving, it’s a good idea not to rush off straight after the race, but to wait a bit. Immediately after the awards ceremony, the parking lots and streets are usually a hive of activity. You’re not allowed to leave the campsite until 8 p.m. (for traffic police reasons). And the last tip: have fun, enjoy the atmosphere, and experience the best sport in the world up close.