THE FORMULA 1 WORLD TOUR
Brad Pitt won’t be there, but visit these Formula 1 locations anyway
Yes, F1 is Apple TV’s highest grossing movie, ever. And perhaps it is because Brad Pitt is the star, but also because Formula 1 is having a moment. The sport is experiencing a surge in popularity, particularly in the United States.
Formula 1 was formed as a World Championship competition back in 1950, with the first-ever race held at the Silverstone Circuit – a former Royal Air Force station – in the UK. But today the calendar is robust and truly international (and they still race at Silverstone).
So here is the calendar for the rest of the year, the locations and something else to do besides just attend the race. GP stands for Grand Prix, by the way, which winning the race gets you, and some of the drivers are.
The race July 25-27 Moët & Chandon Belgian GP
The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, informally referred to as Spa, is a 7.004 km motor-racing circuit located in Francorchamps, Stavelot, Wallonia, Belgium. Plus the weather on this one is always unpredictable, so get ready for nail bites.
What else is there to do?
The Abbey of the Prince-Bishops of Stavelot was founded in 651 by Saint Remacle –- here you can find racing cars and motorbikes under embowed ceilings, plus some of the best surviving works of Mosan art.
The race Aug 1-3 Lenovo Hungarian GP
Held at the Hungaroring in Budapest, and the track is known for its challenging, twisty layout and offers attendees great panoramic views.
What else is there to do?
A waterpark of course, right next door. The Aquarena Water Theme Park has 23 slides, plus a lazy river. They also have a jacuzzi. Flesh-eating bacteria anyone?
The race Aug 29-31 Heineken Dutch GP
Circuit Park Zandvoort is known in F1-landia as a true “Old School” circuit, with fast and challenging curves formed by natural dunes.
What else is there to do?
This cute coastal town west of Amsterdam has this great long, sandy beach on the North Sea — plus there is a section just for nudists (between pole 68 and 71). You are in for uncircumcised penises, plenty of sunshine and perhaps a few sandcastles.
Best summer yet.
The race Sept 5-7 Pirelli Italian GP
The Monza circuit is the oldest one in mainland Europe (built in 1922). It is known as the “Temple of Speed” for its long straights and high-speed corners.
What else is there to do?
You can pretend you are European nobility, and visit the Royal Villa of Monza. Swan around as if you own this historic residence that dates back to the late 18th century. They even have an orangerie, to expand on your fantasy.
The race Sept 19-21 Qatar Airways Azerbaijan GP
The unique Baku City Circuit’s layout means the races here are just thrilling — and in fact, unpredictable.
What else is there to do?
Explore the Museum of Miniature Books, of course! The museum actually houses a collection of thousands of tiny teensy books, including some so small they require a magnifying glass to read. It’s very Alice in Wonderland, so I guess you should eat a little mushroom?
The race Oct 3-5 Singapore Airlines Singapore GP
It is the only street race in Asia, but it takes place at night. Ready for drama and turns.
What else is there to do? Spend a few hours at the Haw Par Villa theme park on Pasir Panjang Road. The park contains over 1,000 statues and 150 giant dioramas depicting scenes from Chinese Literature, folklore, legends, history. And statuary of key Chinese religions — Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. And it gets pretty dark, very quickly. My personal favorite is the “10 Courts of Hell” – a maze of chambers depicting how souls are punished and tortured for different types of sins.
On a gentler note, check out the bird singing club of Singapore.
The race Oct 17-19 MSC Cruises United States GP
This is held at the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. And you won’t be bored because Kygo, Garth Brooks, and Turnpike Troubadours will all be performing (luckily not all together).
What else is there to do?
Even though it does have a lot of Elon bros, there are still some very interesting things to do here in the OG “Weird” town. So start your time in Austin by having a cocktail with edible glitter and squid ink at Lucky Robot, because it just sets the mood right.
The race Oct 24-26 Mexico City GP
This is the highest-altitude circuit in Formula 1, presenting unique challenges for drivers.
What else is there to do?
Mexico City is leafy, and filled with bookish adventure. One of the oldest historic streets in the city center is Donceles Street. And it is here where you will find old bookstores, and antiquarian finds tucked into back alleys.
And here’s a guide to Frida Kahlo’s Mexico City. You could do worse, right…?
The race Nov 7-9 MSC Cruises São Paulo GP
The Autódromo José Carlos Pace (Interlagos) circuit is one of the few major international circuits in Formula 1 to run in a counter-clockwise direction, just in case you think it should be more challenging.
What else is there to do?
Spend time at perhaps the actual best hotel on the planet. French entrepreneur Alexandre Allard transformed a historic building (that once housed the city’s Odessa Filomena Matarazzo Maternity hospital) into the Rosewood São Paulo. So yes you can stay, or dine at one of their incredible establishments, or hit their Asaya spa. But really it is a contemporary art museum, so book their art tour of Brazilian artists.
The race Nov 20-22 Heineken Las Vegas GP
I mean come on, late night on the Vegas Strip? That is pretty cool. A 3.8 mile high-speed track racing by landmarks like Caesars Palace, the Bellagio, and the Venetian.
What else is there to do?
Want to blow your fucking mind? Make sure you take some mushrooms and head over to AREA 51. They have various immersive entertainment options. My favorite is Omega Mart by Meow Wolf, which is an interactive, mind-bending art experience. You enter a “supermarket” and then the surrealism begins.
The race Nov 28-30 Qatar Airways Qatar GP
The Lusail circuit, as it is known in Qatar, is known for its high-speed corners and a very challenging layout.
What else is there to do?
Get out to the desert and book a few nights at Our Habitas Ras Abrouq. Here you can hang at your villa and stare out at the golden west coast on the Arabian Gulf. Or you can book a desert safari to see rare Arabian oryx and Richard Serra’s arresting “East-West/West-East” sculpture of four, 45 foot high metal plates spaced across a kilometer of the natural corridor of gypsum plateaus in the Brouq Nature Reserve.
The race Dec 5-7 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi GP
This is the only twilight race on the calendar, starting during the day and heading into the evening.
What else is there to do?
Falconry is one thing the UAE is known for. There is a deep history of falcons in Emirati heritage. Thus head over to the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital. This is the largest falcon hospital in the world, caring for over 6,000 of these guys.
And all the food is flipping great.
