The Austrian Grand Prix is less than half the price of a Silverstone weekend and could be an even more fun day out.
Austria often gets overlooked as a European F1 destination, with people usually choosing places like Hungary, Spain, Monaco, or Belgium instead. Sure, those races are exciting and historic—especially Monaco—but it’s a shame that the Austrian Grand Prix doesn’t get more attention. It’s actually one of the best European races to experience, and truly underrated.
One big reason is the location. Spielberg sits right in the heart of the Alps, with the Red Bull Ring winding through the hills. This means you get stunning views of rolling hills and mountain peaks, making it one of the most beautiful tracks around.
The Red Bull Ring is special because it’s owned by the company behind the Red Bull F1 team, so it feels like a home race. Fans travel from all over to cheer on their team at their own track. Red Bull always throws a big party with DJs, music, events, fan zones, and thrilling on-track action to capture their energetic spirit. The sea of orange from Max Verstappen’s fans—called the “Orange Army”—really brings the place to life.
This mix of fun and loud, lively fans creates a unique atmosphere. Plus, since Austria’s race is the closest to Germany and popular with Dutch fans, you’ll find a lively blend of European supporters there.
If Monaco or the British Grand Prix is too expensive, Austria is a surprisingly budget-friendly choice—just be sure to book early as tickets sell out fast.
The track itself is one of the shortest and simplest on the calendar, with just 10 corners (and one is barely a corner). It’s made up mostly of three long straights with a few corners in between, perfect for slipstream battles and dramatic braking zones.
Because the circuit is built into the hillside with a 65-meter elevation change, it looks like a natural amphitheater. The highest spot is Turn 3, and the lowest is the start/finish straight, so many viewing spots offer fantastic panoramic views.
The General Admission area between Turn 3 and Turn 4 is great for both sight and sound. Turn 3 is the slowest corner, leading onto a long straight where cars shift gears multiple times. This year, with new engines, you’ll hear the cars roar as they brake hard into Turn 3 and accelerate out.
The 2026 Austrian Grand Prix runs from June 26th to 28th, and even with the short track, many ticket options are available.
– Tickets.formula1.com is a third-party site linked to F1, but prices can be higher than buying directly.
– Circuit websites often have the cheapest tickets but aren’t always well-known.
– Third-party resellers are great for packages but make sure to buy through verified sellers to avoid scams.
A full weekend General Admission ticket costs just £239—much cheaper than the British GP, which is over £400. Plus, the Austrian GA spot offers better views from its hilltop location than many other circuits.
Keep in mind, though, you’ll have a decent walk uphill from the entrance to the GA area—about a mile and 65 meters higher—so wear comfy shoes and pack light.
Also, GA tickets only get you into the dedicated General Admission zones, unlike tracks like Silverstone where you can roam freely. Some areas, including ones with the famous Red Bull bull statue, require grandstand tickets.
If you’re a Max Verstappen fan, the Mitte Grandstand is perfect. It’s mostly orange and located between Turns 6 and 7, offering great views of exciting corners and the long straight. Plus, the bull statue is right behind it—ideal for photos and soaking up the Verstappen fan vibe.
Nearby, the Turn 8 Grandstand overlooks a short straight and is good for watching overtaking opportunities and track action. The Turn 10 Grandstand, near the final corner, gives views of sharp bends and the pit lane but doesn’t have a full circuit view.
The Red Bull Grandstand at Turn 2 gives nice views of the start and parts of the track, and some seats are easier to access for those with mobility needs.
The Schönberg and Turn 3 grandstands high up on the hill offer stunning views of most of the circuit, with the best spots filling up quickly.
The Start/Finish grandstand is covered and overlooks the pits and podium, making it a good choice if you want shelter and easy access.
The Steiermark stand on the outside of Turn 1 is pricier but offers panoramic track views and pit lane action.
For a VIP experience, the Paddock Club is the place to be. It’s pricey—over £4,000 per person—but you get special perks like pit lane walks, driver talks, and great food. It’s less about watching the race and more about the full luxury experience.
Camping at the Red Bull Ring is a popular, fun, and budget-friendly option. The fan zone buzzes with music, DJs, parades, and a festival-like vibe, especially thanks to the camping experience nearby. Campsites are close to the track and have basic facilities like showers, toilets, and electricity. Prices start around £290 for two people for four nights, including parking.
If camping isn’t your thing, Spielberg town is just a five-minute drive away, but accommodations there can be pricey during race weekend. Graz is about an hour away, with shuttle buses to the track, and Vienna is a bit further (roughly 2.5 hours’ drive) but also offers buses.
Getting to the track takes some planning. Graz is the closest airport (an hour away), but flights from the UK are limited. Vienna is easier to reach with more flights and shuttles to the circuit, though it’s farther. Salzburg and Munich are other airport options if you want to explore more nearby.
If you drive, pre-book parking since it fills up quickly. Driving through the Alps is part of the adventure, and the roads are great. If not, Cityshuttle buses help transport fans smoothly.
Overall, the Austrian Grand Prix can fit your budget, whether you want a lively, affordable weekend or a luxury experience. For example, a simple trip might cost around £1,000 including tickets, camping, flights, and shuttle, while grandstand seats and hotels can push that to about £1,200 or more. The Paddock Club experience is in a league of its own.
Tickets for the 2027 race usually go on sale about nine to 12 months ahead, so keep an eye out. With the Dutch GP off the calendar next year, Austria will be the closest race for many fans from the Netherlands and Germany, making tickets even more in demand.
Positioned between the Barcelona and British Grands Prix, the Austrian GP is perfect if you want to make a European trip out of it.
The Austrian GP might not get all the hype, but once you go, you’ll see why it deserves more attention. The racing is exciting, the views are breathtaking, and the atmosphere is something special. With the new cars and more drivers on the grid, there’s never been a better time to check out this fantastic race.