Perhaps considered to be one of the most indulgent, exclusive and, in our opinion, thrilling sports there ever was, Formula 1 is unparalleled in what it has to offer to fans. Picture a weekend at one of the many iconic tracks of the season, supporters decked out in team colours, spirits in a dizzying high as twenty of the best drivers in the world weave in and out of the paddock.
You simply can’t beat it – it’s fast cars, passionate fans, and for some, it’s sweet, pure, unabashed luxury.
At least that’s what the Paddock Club experience seeks to indulge you in. Present at every Grand Prix is a lavish suite situated right above the pitlane, a hospitality service that’s simply incomparable to anything you’ve ever experienced before. Not only does the immersive Paddock Club pass grant fans opportunities such as guided track tours and daily pitlane walks (where you’ll get just close enough to the garages to feel like you’re ‘in’ the action), it’s not uncommon to witness live-interviews of F1 legends from the comfort of the indoor-seated suite without the hustle and bustle of thousands to block your view.
Anticipating your every need and then some, an open bar of premium beverages (including a various assortment of alcohols, as well as an elegant selection of coffee and tea), as well as a grazing station where delectables from your favourite gourmet cuisines await your perusal, are just two of the many perks of being a part of this VIP exclusive club. If you’ve ever held a Paddock Club pass in Singapore, for example, you may have had the privilege of being served up the divine creations of chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa himself – you know, the man behind the Nobu?
Unsurprisingly, for all its luxury there comes a pretty hefty price tag. Many fans of F1, even the fanatics, have often cited that the Paddock Club pass is simply not worth the money, and that the same action can be witnessed from the grandstands, the excited buzz of the crowd something money can’t buy.
So why would anyone pay to experience the Paddock Club? Well, for starters, it’s not every race where you’re able to witness a driver pit-stop from the comfort of a lush balcony overhead the pitlane. Nothing beats feeling (and hearing) the action right from the pulse as one would experience in the Paddock Club. If you’re an avid F1 fan, can appreciate the finer things and would like to treat yourself to this bucket-list experience that you’ll remember for the rest of your life, it’s definitely worth trying at least once.
With that being said, if you had to pick only one Paddock Club experience, which race should you choose?
BEST PADDOCK CLUBS FOR RACING ACTION/VIEWING:
In terms of which tracks would have the best racing ‘action’ (though very subjective, because it really is hard to predict) and views as a spectator:
- Spa (Belgian Grand Prix);
- Monza (Italian Grand Prix) and;
- Silverstone (British Grand Prix)
Spa offers exciting potential for that classic F1 action with its series of long straights, fast corners and unpredictable weather. Plus, the Eau Rouge corner sequence is frequently deemed ‘F1’s most thrilling corner’ – coupled with the beautiful surroundings of the lush Ardennes forest, a Paddock Club experience here would truly be one for the books.
On the other hand, both Silverstone and Monza are very high speed tracks with challenging corners that also make for exciting races. Whilst Monza boasts its ambience with its green setting, Silverstone is less revered for its location and sometimes the target of flack for being in ‘the middle of nowhere.’
BEST PADDOCK CLUBS FOR THE EXPERIENCE/MOST ICONIC:
Strictly speaking on which tracks would, however, be the most iconic to experience in person (and even more special with a Paddock Club pass), I’d consider:
- Monaco (Monaco Grand Prix);
- Singapore (Singapore Grand Prix) and;
- Silverstone (British Grand Prix)
Perhaps the epitome of luxury can be found in the Monaco Paddock Club, which so happens to also include VIP yacht – talk about indulgence! Because of Monaco’s rich history with F1 and unique track structure, every year fans (and celebrities) bring incredible energy that makes this experience exceptional. A truly once-in-a-lifetime experience (no really, economically speaking it would probably be wise to do it only once, in a lifetime).
You won’t find a night race on the season calendar quite like Singapore, either – the colourful city lights and stunning views of iconic landmarks such as the Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by The Bay transports you into a futuristic utopia. As one of the most challenging races every year, you’ll be kept on your toes the whole time you’re being pampered by arguably the absolute best hospitality service in a Paddock Club – ever.
Silverstone is a driver and fan favourite, and for good reason. Though fans travel from all over the world for this iconic race, nothing beats the passion of British fans. It’s the home race to three drivers on the grid (as of writing), and it certainly feels like it – high spirits and great racing at every turn. Plus undoubtedly, significantly cheaper to experience than Monaco and Singapore.
PRICING:
If you value racing above all and would like to experience the universally-great privileges of the Paddock Club, consider:
Spa and Monza, both roughly around the same price range of £5,600 and;
Silverstone, slightly more expensive starting at £5,800 but in my opinion, absolutely unmissable.
If you don’t mind so much about the ‘racing’ per se but would like to experience the full ‘luxury’ of being a Paddock Club member, or would possibly like to make a whole trip around the race, consider:
Singapore, priced upwards of £8,500 and;
Monaco, upwards of £16,000
Although Singapore and Monaco would be absolutely wonderful experiences in the Paddock Club, they aren’t necessarily ‘worth it’ like the others might be. In this case, Singapore beats Monaco because it is a) significantly cheaper, b) still very iconic with lots of things to see and do, and c) has the best all-around experience in a Paddock Club – it’s the best service on the calendar.
Note that all above prices are estimates based on previous data as most tickets are not on sale for these Paddock Club passes as of writing. It also doesn’t include accommodation, holiday packages or any other miscellaneous travel fees.
WHICH PADDOCK CLUB EXPERIENCES TO AVOID:
Whichever you believe is the most worth buying Paddock Club passes for, the two you should absolutely avoid are the Las Vegas and Miami GPs. Both Paddock Club tickets are upwards of £12,000 but with trip packages it can well be closer to £40,000 – £60,000. As Verstappen himself commented on a race like Vegas, it’s ‘99% show, 1% sport’.
Both races here aren’t anything ‘special’ in the sense that they aren’t revered for having lots of racing action, and neither are spectator favourites due to the overload of glitz, glamour and performance that can be dizzyingly distracting. It’s like eating a cake made entirely out of frosting – sounds great, but you’ll most definitely get sick of it. Once again, if you’re into the full experience and wouldn’t mind some flash/glamour, you’re going to get better value for your money in Singapore.
FINAL VERDICT:
Overall, if we could recommend a race absolutely worth buying Paddock Club passes for, it would be Silverstone. In the same thread would also be Spa and Monza, and if you’re really wanting that ‘untouchable’ factor, Singapore and, in exceptional cases, Monaco. Whichever route you go, you’ll be sure to have the best experience in F1 that money can buy.