How to attend an F1 RACE for ONLY $115! (Ticket + Hotel)

Quick answer: cheapest F1 race in 2026

If you want the shortest, most wallet-friendly F1 getaway for 2026, the cheapest combination of a three-day general admission ticket and four nights of hotel comes in at $115 USD. That winner is the Shanghai Grand Prix. China’s bargain price is driven by very low general admission ticket costs and surprising budget hotel options.

How the prices were compared

To make fair comparisons across 24 races, the cheapest available three-day general admission ticket was recorded for every event. Grandstand and pit straight seat prices were checked separately to show where a one-upgrade will hit your wallet. Accommodation was priced as the lowest hotel option for four nights (check in on media day, check out the day after the race) on Hotels.com.

Data for ticket pricing came from GP Destinations and last-year prices were used when current tickets were not yet on sale for 2026, so expect some upward movement for those events.

General admission: price highlights

General admission gives you the full race atmosphere without a reserved seat. Here are notable numbers:

• Cheapest: China — $68 USD for zones C, F and J.
• Runner-up: Japan — $122 USD.
• Median events: Belgium (Spa) — $240, Australia — $258 (Australia is four days of on-track action).
• Most expensive general admission: British Grand Prix at Silverstone — $431 USD.

A few events used last year’s pricing (Abu Dhabi, Austin, Las Vegas, Miami), so those figures may creep up slightly once 2026 tickets go live.

Grandstand seats: where the value hides

A reserved grandstand seat changes the experience and the price. Some surprises:

• Most expensive of the cheapest grandstand options: Monaco — $1,080 USD.
• Most affordable grandstand seat overall: Japan — $140 USD.
• Other reasonable grandstand prices include China ($226) and Bahrain ($186).

If you want guaranteed views, Japan and several Middle East rounds give excellent grandstand value compared with the likes of Monaco and Las Vegas.

Pit straight grandstands: the premium tier

Pit straight seats are premium for a reason: pit lane action, garage views and the pre-race build-up. Expect a big jump from general admission.

• Cheapest pit straight: China — $367 USD for a three-day pass.
• Most expensive pit straight: Las Vegas — $1,750 USD, followed by Mexico City — $1,678 USD.
• Some notable mid-range pits include Austria (~$796), Italy (~$800) and Britain (~$959 for Hamilton Straight B).

Several pit straight prices were based on last year for events not yet on sale. Budget travelers can still enjoy stand-out sightlines by choosing smaller grandstands or general admission near the pit complex.

Average cost ranking and year-on-year changes

Averaging general admission, cheapest grandstand and pit straight seat prices gives a sense of overall ticket expense. On that basis the cheapest events include:

• China (average ~$220)
• Bahrain
• Japan
• Qatar
• Sao Paulo

The four most expensive average events are Singapore, Mexico City, Monaco and Las Vegas (Las Vegas averages about $1,008).

Year-on-year ticket averages rose roughly 10% (from $488 to $536). The Netherlands saw the biggest increase (~22%) while Japan actually ticked down slightly, possibly due to currency effects.

Accommodation: the other half of the equation

Hotel costs vary dramatically. Searching Hotels.com for the cheapest available four-night stay (media day to day after race) produced surprising outcomes:

• Cheapest four nights: China — about $73 AUD (roughly $47 USD), which works out to under $12 USD per night in some listings.
• Other very cheap options: Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, Mexico City and Sao Paulo all showed low entry-level hotel rates.
• Most expensive median accommodation: Austria and a few European races pushed the average hotel price near $1,500 USD for four nights in the dataset used.

Note that camping, private rentals farther from the track and last-minute deals can alter these numbers. The Hotels.com baseline provides a consistent way to compare but is not exhaustive.

Cheapest combined ticket + hotel ranking

Combining the cheapest general admission ticket with the cheapest four-night hotel yields the most realistic budget estimate for an F1 weekend:

1. China — $115 USD total
2. Azerbaijan — $190 USD
3. Sao Paulo — $246 USD
4. Saudi Arabia, Mexico City, Qatar — all remain very competitive

These totals exclude travel to the host country, meals and local transport. For many nationalities, China offers visa-free entry for up to 30 days until the end of 2026, which reduces friction and cost for a short trip.

Which race should you pick if you want value and atmosphere?

If budget and experience both matter, Japan stands out as a top pick. It ticks the boxes for:

• Strong culture and accessibility — great food, excellent crowd atmosphere and a classic circuit.
• Good value: cheap general admission and affordable hotel options in the market sampled.
• Track and spectacle: the track is highly regarded and the event experience is rewarding beyond just low cost.

China is the absolute bargain for raw cost, but international buyers may pay up to 30% more via third-party agents if they do not navigate local ticket systems and payment apps.

Practical tips for planning a budget F1 trip

• Book early — cheap tickets and hotels sell out fast, especially near popular races.
• Consider general admission — it’s often the best value way to soak in the atmosphere and see multiple corners.
• Look beyond hotels — apartments, hostels and camping can reduce costs further.
• Watch currency and visa rules — exchange rates change totals and some countries offer visa-free entry windows that cut costs and hassle.
• Budget for travel: cheap on-the-ground costs do not eliminate airfare or cruise expenses to reach some venues.

FAQ

Which is the absolute cheapest F1 race to attend in 2026?

China is the cheapest when combining a three-day general admission ticket and four nights of the cheapest hotel, at about $115 USD. This figure excludes travel to China, food and local transport.

Is it difficult for foreigners to buy the cheapest tickets in China?

Yes. Low-priced tickets are often sold through Chinese language sites and local payment apps. International agents can help but may charge roughly 30% more. Weigh convenience against savings when deciding how to buy.

Should I buy a grandstand or general admission ticket?

General admission is best for budget travellers who still want race atmosphere and multiple viewing spots. Grandstands give guaranteed views and comfort for a moderate premium. Pit straight seats are premium and significantly more expensive.

Can I find cheaper accommodation than Hotels.com listings?

Often yes. Camping, private rentals, hostels or hotels further from the track can be cheaper. The Hotels.com search was used for consistent comparison but is not exhaustive.

How much have ticket prices changed year-on-year?

Average ticket prices increased by about 10% compared with last year. The Netherlands saw the largest rise (~22%). Currency shifts can influence apparent drops such as the slight reduction for Japan.