FORMULA FOR SUCCESS
Getting up close to some of the world’s most incredible cars is an exhilirating experience
AFTER 20-plus years of watching it at home, the thrill of attending a grand prix in person is a real bucket-list treat. The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, home of the Belgian Grand Prix, played host as Max Verstappen cruised with ease around his final lap to take the inevitable win ahead of Sergio Perez.
Being team Red Bull all the way, it felt surreal to see a victory in person.
The track itself is one of the most iconic and recognisable circuits in the world thanks to its scenic forest setting and the number of tough corners it presents, making it a tricky circuit for drivers to manoeuvre.
Notably, at 7km it’s the longest track on the grand prix calendar, which means not only is it challenging for drivers but for spectators there’s a lot of incline walking involved too.
We had tickets at the Speed Corner grandstand, which was the opposite side from where the fan zone was located, so we made sure we were well equipped for the 20,000-step count we took in each day. I can’t stress enough how important it is to wear comfortable footwear and clothing.
The atmosphere in the fan zone was buzzing, it was almost like a mini festival, and had people of all ages in attendance. Located at the foot of the Raidillon, the zone is the epicentre of the circuit and had a killer view of one of Formula 1’s deadliest corners, Eau Rouge. With DJs on decks, this really is where the party’s at with live concerts, tyre-changing competitions and lessons taking place as well as multiple merchandise megastores.
Even though there were no surprises when it came to Verstappen, pictured right, winning the practice run on the Friday and knocking it out of the park for qualifying too on the Saturday, his rivals did have a small glimmer of hope going into the final race as he started in 14th position due to engine-related penalty points. But he quickly made his way up the pecking order and found himself leading pretty fast, resulting in an effortless win for him.
It would have been thrilling to see him battle it out with another driver such as Lewis Hamilton. However, that wasn’t possible after Hamilton dropped out after the first lap after a collision between him and Fernando Alonso. When the race concluded and the spectators were allowed to walk the track, we saw Hamilton’s car being towed in front of us. Cassidy Travel, who I attended the grand prix with, specialises in a number of sports packages including Formula 1. The package itself included flights, accommodation and tickets but you can book different types of packages depending on budget and preference. The package we opted for was the threeday Speed Corner, which was a spectacular spot to take in the race. There are big screens everywhere, so you’ll miss nothing no matter where you’re sitting.
The weekend isn’t just about the Formula 1 race though. There’s also F2 and F3 racing, which is a good way to check out the future F1 racers. There’s also a Paddock Club track tour, the Porsche Supercup, drivers’ parade and the Red Devils aerobatic display.
If I was going again, I would opt for the elevated grandstand, which is located near the iconic Eau Rouge corner. This gives you the best view of this iconic section of the track, while also showcasing panoramic views from La Source through to Raidillon.
You can go for a general admission package and choose your spot at the sidelines — some fans had the most incredible viewing points of the track. But you have to be there bright and early and if you do go this route, be sure to bring a popup chair and umbrella.
In general, much of the food sold on site was fast food and the queues weren’t the speediest. As you’d probably expect, it doesn’t come cheap either. You have to buy tokens but you’ll go through them very quickly. A few times there were issues with the cards when scanning too, so patience is key.
You can bring in your own food and drink with the exception of alcohol — of which there is only Heineken available — so after the first day we bought sandwiches and snacks in town and brought plenty of water in our backpacks.
We stayed in Brussels itself but not by the track in the Wallonia region. Accommodation here is scarce, so the majority of the packages with Cassidy Travel are based on staying in Aachen, Germany, approximately a 50-minute drive from the track.
You could also look at Liege which is a little closer, but hotel prices there are extremely high. We decided to go a day earlier and stay in Brussels to explore the capital. We were able to do this with Cassidy Travel and stayed at the Le Louise Hotel Brussels which was stunning and very central.
It’s just across from the likes of Louis Vuitton, Dior and Tiffany & Co. The hotel itself had a lot of personality and was very cool. The staff were so friendly and helpful and each morning they had a takeaway breakfast ready for us, which came in handy.
The rooms were spacious and immaculately clean with a lovely street view. The Mister Blue bar extended on to a spacious garden terrace, a tropical oasis with a selection of green plants and trees. We enjoyed dinner and a sparkling wine there when we returned from a long day at the circuit.
Brussels itself has so much character. The juxtaposition between the old and new is ubiquitous. Even though it’s the administrative centre of the European Union, it doesn’t feel very business-like as a city. Instead it’s very laidback and at ease, with a real sense of the fun factor.
It’s home to quirky restaurants, cafes and bars, and you can also enjoy strolling through the Grand-Place, seeing the stunning Royal Palace and admiring the stained glass of Notre Dame du Sablon.