Red Eye’s Ultimate Formula 1 Road Trip

Formula 1 is truly a global sport. With races on almost every major continent, and in most of the world’s major countries, it’s a paradise for those who want to combine high-octane action on track with the opportunity to travel.

One positive to come from last season’s COVID-hit schedule was the opportunity to shake up the status quo, and take the sport back to a few old haunts, as well as a couple of new ones!

It got us thinking here at Red Eye HQ; if we could design a Formula 1 calendar to go alongside the ultimate road trip around Europe, where would it take us?

Round 1: Algarve - The Portuguese Grand Prix

After picking up our sportscar of choice, our first destination is the Algarve International Circuit in Portugal.

Combine that new season buzz with a trip to nearby Portimao, home to the ultimate blend of Portuguese cuisine and the simply breath-taking Praia da Rocha beach.

If avoiding the crowds is more to your taste, then the region is home to a number of sandy beaches and stunning examples of natural architecture, and you can even take a trip to watch the dolphins!

On track, the first race of the season never fails to disappoint, as the stars – and cars – of the world’s fastest sport kick off another action-packed year.

Round 2: Barcelona - The Spanish Grand Prix

Our road trip takes us across the border and through the heart of Spain before reaching our next destination, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

As the name suggests, we’re right on the doorstep of Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia and famous for its vibrant culture and economy, golden shoreline, Gaudi architecture and modern art offering.

Whether it’s a trip to Las Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter, the Basilica Sagrada Familia or just a visit to a proper tapas bar, there’s something for everybody here.

The circuit itself is more of an all-rounder, with long straights, fast, sweeping corners and heavy braking zones that offer plenty of overtaking opportunities.

Fernando Alonso’s return to the sport with Alpine has caused quite the atmosphere amongst the home faithful, who also have Ferrari star Carlos Sainz to cheer on from the grandstands.

Round 3: Monte Carlo - The Monaco Grand Prix

No calendar would be complete without a trip to the jewel in the sport’s crown – the Monaco Grand Prix. There’s a reason this is the race every driver once to win, in a place where glitz and glamour meets skill and bravery.

You could check in to the world-famous Fairmont Hotel, but why not take advantage of Red Eye’s Super Yacht accommodation instead?

This 5-star accommodation in Monaco’s harbour comes complete with full daytime hospitality, and an invite to the best parties in town across the weekend – not to mention a perfect view as the action unfolds on the winding streets of the principality!

With exquisite catering from Tom Kerridge, and the full Harbour Club experience, this makes for a memorable stop on your trip.

Round 4: Monza - The Italian Grand Prix

Our next stop is always one of the highlights of the calendar – a trip to Monza, the Italian ‘Temple of Speed’. Combine a trip to the circuit, set in the heart of Monza’s scenic parkland, with a visit to nearby Milan, the heart of culture, art and fashion in Italy.

Soak in the atmosphere from Ferrari’s ever-loyal army of Tifosi, who’ve turned up in their thousandths in the hope of seeing the iconic ‘Prancing Horse’ up on the top step of Monza’s raised podium – the only place to be after the race on Sunday!

Round 5: Red Bull Ring - The Austrian Grand Prix

Our next destination is the Styrian Alps, characterised by jaw-dropping mountain ranges and some of the best forestland on the continent.

This breath-taking backdrop provides the perfect opportunity to relax after the hustle and bustle of Monaco and Milan, giving you a chance to enjoy some peace and quiet – but not for long!

It’s also home to the Red Bull Ring, and with it come the usual horde of Max Verstappen fans – the ‘Orange Army’ – keen to cheer the Dutch hero on to success on the team’s home soil.

You decide to get one Verstappen’s now-infamous orange caps and join them – why not – and it proves to be one of the best atmospheres of the season.

Round 6: Nurburgring - The German Grand Prix

If one mountain range wasn’t enough, the journey north into Germany ends in the Eifel region, also home to one of the world’s most challenging race circuits.

Before the Grand Prix weekend gets into full swing, you take advantage of the opportunity to sample the ‘Green Hell’, the Nordschliefe, for a ‘once in a lifetime’ adrenaline rush.

After that, it’s time to settle back on the modern GP circuit as Mercedes seek out another victory at home, with the circuit offering the perfect opportunity to see modern F1 cars put through their paces.

Round 7: Spa - The Belgian Grand Prix

Our penultimate stop is the Ardennes Forest, home to the beautiful Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.

With its sweeping corners, astonishing changes in gradient and high-speed straights, it’s a true spectacle for any Formula 1 fan – and the weather isn’t shy of a rain shower or two!

After the latest Grand Prix in this stunning part of the Belgian countryside, it’s time to head north towards the ferry at Dunkirk – but not before stopping off in the capital city of Brussels.

History meets architecture as you navigate the city’s memorials, landmarks, museums and palaces, not to mention sampling some of its famous cuisine.

Our trip now turns towards a return to the UK, and arguably one of the greatest spectacles on the whole calendar.

Round 8: Silverstone - The British Grand Prix

It’s fitting that our trip ends right where it all began, in Britain. The first Formula 1 Grand Prix was held at Aintree in 1950 and, although the modern-day Silverstone venue has changed over the years, the passion and enthusiasm for the sport by those who attend the race has never dulled a jot.

And you’re in luck, because once again, Red Eye’s renowned hospitality is on hand to make your British Grand Prix experience one of the highlights of the trip.

The Silverstone Live package puts you right in the heart of the action, with panoramic views over Maggotts, Becketts, Farm Curve, Village, The Loop and Aintree – the corner, not the circuit!

A complimentary bar, fine cuisine and a visit from a star of season’s gone by is the perfect addition to the main event, which even includes the traditional flyby from the Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force’s stunt display team.

After that, with a heavy heart, it’s time to pack the bags, turn your ‘out of office’ email alert off and head back to the office… or is it?

Round 9: UAE - The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

You didn’t think it was over yet, did you? A last-minute addition to the calendar for this craziest of seasons, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will bring down the curtain on the year, and our trip.

Of course, it’s quite a long way to drive, so for this final leg of the journey, it’s time to swap the car keys for your passport and boarding pass, as you fly out to the United Arab Emirates in style.

With your luggage safely stowed in your room at the Yas Hotel situated in the heart of the circuit, it’s time to get re-acquainted with some old friends in Harbour Club, before settling in for the title decider.

A magnificent race to end the season, plus access to the official after-party at the Amber Lounge, proves to be the cherry, on the icing, on a very satisfying cake.

It gets even better – this could be you! Our packages are now on sale for a wide range of Formula 1 Grand Prix events across the 2021 season and beyond. Click here.