F1™ 2024: What to Do and Where to Stay in 10 of This Season's Key Locations

Formula One™ is a thrilling high-stakes sport that packs cutting-edge technology, skilful driving and fierce rivalries into one jam-packed season. In 2024, the season is bigger than ever, with 24 races and six sprints. If you’re lucky enough to be watching a race live instead of from your couch, here are some tips on how to make the most of your F1™ fan experience.

Azerbaijan: expect the unexpected

When F1™ returns to Azerbaijan on September 15, you can bet there'll be a surprise or two as the cars vie for position on the thrilling street circuit (Photo: Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team)

The Baku Grand Prix™ takes place on one of the most thrilling street circuits, and the five times it has been held, there have been five different winners, with Mercedes coming out on top on two occasions. You never know what surprises lie in store here.

F1™ returns to Azerbaijan on September 15, and The Ritz-Carlton Baku is offering an irresistible F1™ package, which includes round-trip transportation and access to the exclusive Club Lounge. Another good option is the JW Marriott Absheron Baku, which is conveniently located close to local attractions and boasts one of the most lavish spas in the city.

Italy: treat yourself to a Grand Prix™ double

Italy is a major F1™ destination, with two Grand Prix™ for fans to enjoy (Photo: Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team)

F1™ fans are spoilt for choice in Italy as teams visit the country for two Grand Prix™: the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix™ in Imola on May 19 and the Italian Grand Prix™ in Monza on September 1. The tracks, which span 4.9km and 5.8km respectively, are fast and adrenaline inducing.

Hop south after the Imola event for a memorable stay at the The St. Regis Florence. With an unparalleled location in Florence’s historical centre on the banks of the Arno River, the hotel has been the preferred pitstop for luxury travellers to the city since the 18th century. When visiting the Temple of Speed in Monza, meanwhile, indulge yourself with a luxurious stay at Excelsior Hotel Gallia, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Milan. After the high-octane thrills of the Grand Prix™, refresh your senses at the superb wellness centre, which spans over two floors. Grab your Grandstand Passes to ensure you get a really premium viewing experience. 

Monaco: live life in the fast lane

With its challenging corners and elevation changes, the Monaco Grand Prix™ tests drivers to their limits (Photo: Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team)

Monaco is one of the most coveted locations that F1™ visits. Circuit de Monaco consists of tight corners and multiple elevation changes, making it a seriously challenging track, but on May 26, the drivers will be doing just that – and at over 300km/h.

In a location as upscale as Monaco, there is no better place to stay than at Le Méridien Beach Plaza, which has its own private beach – there's no better place to decompress after a session of F1™. Staying at Le Méridien Beach Plaza, you also have your choice of view: take in the ocean, beach or city from your room. You could also take to the seas with the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, which redefines luxury, and elevate your F1 experience with Paddock Club™ Passes.

Spain: become part of F1™ history

Get even closer to the action at the richly historic Spanish Grand Prix™ with Paddock Club™ Passes (Photo: Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team)

Barcelona has hosted the Spanish Grand Prix™ since 1913 (although it wasn’t included in the modern championship until decades later), making it one of the most historic tracks on the calendar. If you're interested in premium race viewing at this year's Spanish Grand Prix™ (June 23), grab yourself Grandstand Passes, or get close to the action with Paddock Club™ Passes. A race with this kind of motorsport heritage deserves no less.

For accommodation as impressive as the event, look no further than the stunning Hotel Arts. Occupying a striking tower of blue glass and steel, the hotel boasts a two-Michelin-star restaurant, rooftop spa and a pair of outdoor swimming pools with sea views. With the Spanish Grand Prix™ one of the most historic in the world, another fine option is the heritage-rich Cotton House Hotel, Autograph Collection. Housed in a storied 19th-century building, the hotel has two grand, wonderfully cinematic staircases, not to mention a library – how many hotels can claim that? Alternatively, opt for the beachfront W Barcelona – when you think of Spain, you might well think of beaches, after all. Excellent cuisine might come to mind, too – and W Barcelona's 26th-floor ECLIPSE rooftop bar certainly ticks that box.

The UK: see Silverstone's bullets

Beginning life as a humble perimeter road, the UK's Silverstone has gone on to be one of the most revered tracks in motorsport (Photo: Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team)

One of the great cathedrals of motorsport, where Lewis Hamilton has won an astounding eight times, the UK's Silverstone circuit began life as a humble perimeter road to the RAF Silverstone airfield.

The easiest way to access the British Grand Prix™ on July 7 is by staying at Delta Hotels Northampton. Enjoy the best of British cuisine at the hotel's restaurant, all made using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, before heading to the circuit.

If you don’t mind venturing a bit farther away, find an urban sanctuary at The London EDITION in the heart of the UK capital. In one of the busiest cities in the world, treat yourself to the hotel's rainforest showers, which feel like tropical (instead of British) rains are pouring down on you. Speaking of enhanced experiences, you can take your time at Silverstone to a different level by grabbing Paddock Club™ Passes and visiting the TRC Silver Arrows Lounge at the British Grand Prix™.

Hungary: experience serious twists and turns

The relative lack of straights and abundance of twists and turns means that karting skills are to the fore at Hungary's Grand Prix™ (Photo: Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team)

What makes the Hungaroring stand out is its lack of straights. Barely any other circuit on the calendar resembles a karting track so much as this one.

The Hungarian capital Budapest lies just thirty minutes' drive – in a regular car – from the Hungarian Grand Prix™ track. Head to the capital after the July 21 race and enjoy a stay at its very heart by booking into The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest. Located a short walk from St. Stephen's Basilica, Erzsébet Square and the River Danube, the hotel puts all the delights of Budapest on your doorstep.

With a beautiful setting on the banks of the Danube river – not to mention a fabulous rooftop bar – the centrally located Budapest Marriott Hotel is another excellent option.

Belgium: turn two iconic corners

Welcome to Spa-Francorchamps, a beloved track with a mix of long straights and fast corners that force drivers to adapt quickly. The Belgian Grand Prix™ – on July 28 this year – also features two of the most iconic corners in F1™: the thrilling Eau Rouge and the uphill Raidillon.

South of Spa lies Antwerp, a city loved by fashionistas, foodies and art lovers. Antwerp is the location of Sapphire House Antwerp, Autograph Collection, housed in a local 16th-century landmark and standing next to the world’s first stock exchange.

Alternatively, for independent living with the security and amenities of a hotel, you could stay at Residence Inn Ghent – Belgium’s first apart-hotel. The hotel will deliver groceries to satisfy your cravings, and you can start your mornings with the free breakfast buffet.

The Netherlands: witness a true F1™ spectacle

The Dutch Grand Prix™ is a real spectacle to behold, especially if you get Grandstand Passes (Photo: Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team)

Attending the Dutch Grand Prix™ means you’ll be surrounded by a sea of orange shirts – it's a real spectacle to behold, especially if you get Grandstand Passes. At only 4.3km, Circuit Zandvoort is one of the shorter tracks on the calendar, so drivers go zooming past fans quite often.

Staying in Amsterdam puts you close to the F1™ action on August 25, and you can admire the intersection of five canals from Apollo Hotel Amsterdam, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, stroll along the waterfront, relax at the rooftop bar, and enjoy fine French cuisine. Rotterdam’s Mainport, Rotterdam, a Member of Design Hotels™, meanwhile, has rooms which include oversized hot tubs and private Finnish saunas. The eighth-floor spa has a Turkish hammam complex to invigorate your senses.

Qatar: go from a fast track to a serene oasis 

The Qatar Grand Prix™ is a fast and flowing track with medium- and high-speed corners (Photo: Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team)

If you live in the northern hemisphere and want to escape the autumn chill, head to the Qatar Grand Prix™ on December 1. The track is fast and flowing with medium- and high-speed corners, and the main straight is over a kilometre long, providing drivers with overtaking opportunities going into turn 1.

With its private island setting and stunning sea-view suites, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha is truly a hotel befitting the big F1™ occasion. Another superb way to round off this special F1™ event would be with a stay amidst the grandeur of Le Royal Méridien Doha, which connects seamlessly to Doha’s palatial, Parisian-inspired Place Vendôme. If you want to jump in and experience Doha’s nightlife, meanwhile, the luxury apartments at Marriott Marquis City Center drop you right into the heart of the action.

Abu Dhabi: end on a high note

If you're truly passionate about F1™ then W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, located on top of the Yas Marina circuit, is the perfect hotel for you (Photo: Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team)

On December 8, the season ends at Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina circuit which has given us multiple memorable moments, not least the iconic radio message between Sebastian Vettel and his race engineer in 2010. Grandstand Passes will allow you to savour every moment of the finale in style. 

A stay at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal will be the jewel in the crown of your stay in Abu Dhabi. Housed within ten Venetian-inspired building, the opulent property forms a crescent around one of the city’s largest outdoor pools.

If you love the sound of F1™ cars revving and changing gears, though, then W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island is the place to be, since it is the only hotel on top of the racetrack. Its prime location also means that it is a stone’s throw away from Ferrari World. Since it's the F1™ season's last race, treat yourself to Paddock Club™ Passes and have a look at the work that goes into prepping the cars by visiting the TRC Silver Arrows Lounge.

You could also book St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, which lies a few minutes from downtown with its own private beach. Close the season in style with a stay at this sumptuous property – unwind at the luxury indoor pool or the three outdoor pools after returning from the Grand Prix™, and begin planning your travels for the next season!

For more information about Marriott Bonvoy Moments, keep an eye on moments.marriottbonvoy.com/en-us/moments/category/sports.

Published: April 06, 2023

Last Updated: February 29, 2024