The Grand Tour

Speed and style come together as travelers gear up to attend this year’s elite Formula 1 races set in stunning destinations worldwide

You don’t just hear a Formula 1 car – you feel it. Glamour, adrenaline, and precision come together in F1, charging the air long before the lights go dark and the engines rev. The steady hum of anticipation fills the grandstand as fans file in wearing their team’s colors and eagerly await the resonant roar of these single-seater vehicles that rattle every inch of the venue. Once the race starts, everything moves quickly. Cars streak by, tires are changed in a heartbeat, and all eyes are glued to the track. 

These luxurious races are already underway for 2026, and there’s no doubt travelers will venture near and far to feel the electric atmosphere of F1. With each event hosted in a different corner of the globe, attending a Grand Prix becomes more than just a sporting weekend – it’s a gateway into vibrant cultures, iconic skylines, and the unique character of the cities that bring the races to life.

The international sport has climbed in popularity since starting in the 1950s in the United Kingdom, with innovative aerodynamics and turbocharged engines redefining the limits of speed and engineering throughout the ’70s and ’80s. The modern era has plenty of its own groundbreaking elements, with expansion into the U.S. market, moves toward electric vehicles, and the first new team in a decade. 

But what makes these races so enticing? The answer is obvious once you enter the circuit. Attending a race overwhelms your senses in the best way. Whether it’s the roar of the engines, the scent of heated rubber and fuel in the air, or the rush of wind while the cars fly by, the sensory experience is nothing short of electrifying.  

The F1 Paddock Club️ is the perfect vantage point. According to Cherry Cooper, President of Grand Prix Tours, a luxury travel company specializing in premier motorsports events, this is the best seat. This section puts you in the heart of the action with pit lanes and garages in front of you, drivers and mechanics in sight, and views of the start/finish line. “You can also experience a pit lane walk every day,” Cherry adds. “Or you can take a tour around the track where you get an idea of the race from the driver’s point of view. Of course, champagne, wine, and gourmet food are always included.” 

With the Formula 1 app, you can watch live and learn about strategy amid the perfectly executed chaos.

The current season kicked off March 6 in Australia, marking the first of 22 exhilarating races that make up the 2026 season (the regular Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races have been canceled this year due to world events). Each Grand Prix unfolds in a different city, so aficionados can curate their journeys around some of the world’s most intriguing destinations. 

One of the most thrilling is the Monaco Grand Prix, which feels almost magical with exotic sports cars like Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and McLarens parked in the streets, million-dollar yachts just offshore, and people wandering Monte Carlo in ballgowns. 

Racecourses that wind through the streets are more difficult to view than circuits, but bring a whole different energy, with the cars traversing roads travelers have wandered down. The street race in Melbourne, Australia, has already taken place, but a new addition to the calendar is slated for Madrid, Spain, in September, while the enchanting night race in Singapore is in October. 

F1 expanding into the United States has taken shape over the past 15 years, marked by high‑profile additions like Miami, Las Vegas, and Austin. Other notable destinations include Suzuka in Japan, Montreal in Canada, Monza in Italy, Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, and São Paulo in Brazil. Extend your visit beyond the weekend to spend  
a few days exploring vibrant destinations. 

With social media, it is easier to get to know the drivers and the teams in a new way. Another catalyst propelling the sport is Netflix’s documentary series Formula 1: Drive to Survive, with the eighth season released this year. Together, these forces have allowed fans to delve deeper into the world of elite racing, learning about icons such as Lewis Hamilton, who holds the record for the most wins, as well as Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the youngest driver to lead the World Championship standings, and Charles Leclerc, the racer who holds the fastest overall lap time this pre-season. 

Another change this year is the number of teams. After a decade of ten teams (20 racers on the grid), 2026 brings the addition of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, expanding the field to 11 teams and 22 drivers. This is also only the second squad based in the United States, which is sure to inflate the sport even further stateside. Additionally, this season sees a major milestone in sustainability with 100% drop-in fuels and hybrid power units part of its push toward reaching carbon neutrality by 2030. 

F1 is truly in the midst of reinvention. “That’s the thing about Formula 1,” Cherry says. “They’re always striving to be the best.”