The 2025 F1 season kicked off on a high in Melbourne in March with a thrilling Australian Grand Prix that saw plenty of action on and off the track. If you missed seeing McLaren’s Lando Norris put in a convincing victory, there’s always next year – and the rest of this season. Here’s how to do a Grand Prix weekend at some of our favourite destinations.
Melbourne: Australian Grand Prix
Back as the season opener this year, palm-tree-lined Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne is famous for its medium- and high-speed runs backdropped by the city skyline. Fans also love seeing the drivers each morning on Melbourne Walk and catching the nightly concerts. Away from the circuit, stock up on merch at Pit Stop Melbourne, enjoy the annual Grand Prix Street Party at Middle Park Hotel, grab rooftop drinks at Mirror Mirror and indulge in supper at Gimlet.
Shanghai: Chinese Grand Prix
The purpose-built Shanghai International Circuit features tight turns, high g-forces and one of the longest straights in F1. After the on-track action, catch a train to downtown Shanghai to enjoy the city’s vibrant offerings. Admire the skyline views from Flair at The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong or sample agave-infused cocktails at Coa Shanghai. Enjoy a culinary odyssey at chain restaurants Din Tai Fung (for noodles and dim sum) and Haidilao (for hotpot). Don’t forget to try Nanxiang Mantou Dian, arguably the city’s best xiaolongbao dumplings, and HuangMen Lao Zao for Chongqing-style hotpot.
Nagoya: Japanese Grand Prix (Suzuka)
Created in 1962 by Dutch track designer John Hugenholtz, Suzuka International Circuit is a favourite among drivers thanks to a challenging layout combining high speeds, 18 corners and an iconic “crossover”. While here, ride the Ferris wheel for a bird’s-eye view of the track or hit the Motopia amusement park and get behind the wheel yourself. Visitors usually stay in Nagoya so take some time to wander the Osu district for street snacks like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, take in the tunes at the Jazz Spot Swing and celebrate with a beer at the Kirin Brewery.
Milan: Italian Grand Prix (Monza)
Drive 30 minutes from Milan to the spiritual home of Ferrari – the Autodromo Nazionale Monza. The “Temple of Speed” was created in 1992 and features long straights, tight chicanes and high speeds – and is where Juan Pablo Montoya set a top speed record of 372.6km/h in 2004. After a day trackside in Monza, treat yourself to a lavish Mediterranean meal at Derby Grill or Il Moro. In Milan, enjoy an opulent Risotto alla Milanese at Savani or authentic Italian cuisine at Penelope a Casa – owned by former Red Bull driver Vitantonio Liuzzi – then drink among the Tifosi (the term for hardcore Ferrari fans) in the Navigli district and slip into the wonderland that is the Ferrari store.
Barcelona: Spanish Grand Prix (Montmelo)
Spain’s Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Montmeló, will be an F1 circuit for one more year before the race moves to Madrid in 2026 – so enjoy the spectacle of cars flying down long straights, high- and low-speed corners and elevation changes.
Each evening after the race, fans gather at the pop-up bars lining Montmeló’s main street over the weekend – those in the know book dinner at El Tapeo or El Trabuc in nearby Granollers. In the city, settle in at a tapas bar – try La Cova Fumada, Bar Alegría or Bodega La Puntual – or feast at an internationally inspired chef’s counter at Direkte, then quench your thirst at the La Dolce Vitae rooftop.
Singapore: Singapore Grand Prix
Each year, Singapore hosts F1’s original night race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in the heart of the city, a challenging track of 19 tight corners, four DRS zones and intense humidity; after the on-track action, fans party into the night with huge concerts. By day, sip Singapore Slings at the Raffles Hotel’s Long Bar, head to the top of Marina Bay Sands for sundowners at Lavo or Spago and dine in historic surrounds at Chijmes, where you can try classic Singaporean dishes at New Ubin Seafood. Continue the F1 experience at Torno Subito – by acclaimed Italian chef Massimo Bottura – where you’ll enjoy casual Italian fare while gawking at real Ferrari F1 cars and testing your skills on the gamified electric go-kart circuit at HyperDrive.
Brussels: Belgian Grand Prix (Francorchamps)
Historic Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps was built in 1921 in Belgium’s picturesque Ardennes region. It was redeveloped in 1979 but remains the longest track on the F1 calendar; the combination of long straights, uphill climbs and fast corners pushes cars to the edge. Spend a few days exploring Brussels while you’re here – enjoy local brasseries like Maison Vincent, Les Brassins and Le Cirio, and sample hard-hitting Belgian beers at cafés like Delirium, À La Mort Subite and La Fleur en Papier Doré.
Amsterdam: Dutch Grand Prix (Zandvoort)
Reigning champ Max Verstappen will have two more chances to enjoy a Grand Prix at home – Circuit Zandvoort, 45 minutes from Amsterdam, will disappear from the F1 calendar after 2026. For now, this beachfront track offers harsh gravel beds that penalise drivers for the smallest mistakes and 14 corners that swoop through sand dunes. In Zandvoort, fans can race sims at Racesquare or try Dutch pancakes at Dune aan de duinrand. Spend a few days soaking up picturesque Amsterdam too, while feasting on French-Flemish plates at Rijsel, brasserie classics at Cradam or Dutch comfort food at Hap-Hmm. Cap off your trip with a “brown bar” experience – a classic, casual Dutch bar without pretence – at Café ‘t Smalle or Café de Sluyswacht.
For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to these destinations, visit singaporeair.com.
