A Grand Prix weekend is an unforgettable experience. The electrifying atmosphere, thrilling qualifying sessions, legendary parties, and the race itself make for an epic long weekend. And the best way to soak it all in? Hiring a campervan or motorhome. With flights and hotels near the circuits often expensive and fully booked, camping is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the action, without breaking the bank.
The F1 season is always packed with drama, rivalries, and unforgettable moments. Whether it’s the glamour of Monaco, the speed of Spa, or the passion of Zandvoort, each race offers something unique. With a campervan or motorhome, you can turn your F1 adventure into a road trip to remember.
Here are our top 5 F1 Grand Prix weekends to experience by campervan or motorhome.
1. Monaco Grand Prix – Circuit de Monaco
Often called “the jewel in the crown” of the F1 calendar, the Monaco Grand Prix has been held on the streets around the harbour since 1922. This tight street circuit is one of the slowest on the calendar, but it’s renowned as the ultimate test of a driver’s skill.
The race is a whirlwind of glamour and history. From the start, drivers navigate the iconic Sainte Devote, climb toward Casino Square, and dive downhill to the Mirabeau and the famous Grand Hotel hairpin, the slowest corner in F1. They then blast through the tunnel at full throttle, emerging into blinding sunlight along the harbour, before tackling the Nouvelle Chicane, Tabac, and the swimming pool section. The final tight right at La Rascasse brings them back up the hill to the finish line.
How to Get There
Motorhomes aren’t permitted to stay overnight in Monaco, so base yourself in the south of France. Nice is just a 30-minute train ride away. After crossing the Channel by Eurotunnel or ferry, drive from Calais down through France to Nice (around 760 miles). Take the A5 to Dijon, then the A6 to Lyon, and finally the A7 south to Marseilles before following the coast to Nice.
Where to Stay
Antibes and Biot are ideal locations, both close to the train line to Nice and Monaco. Antibes sits right on the Mediterranean, while Biot offers a quieter retreat just north of the coast.
2. Spanish Grand Prix – Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
Built for the 1992 Olympics, this circuit hosted its first F1 race a year earlier. It’s famous for its mix of high and low-speed corners, and the removal of the final chicane has added a thrilling fast right-hand curve to the finish.
Barcelona itself is a fantastic city to explore, with its beaches, vibrant café culture, and stunning architecture—perfect for extending your Grand Prix weekend.
How to Get There
Drive down through France and into Spain (around 925 miles from London), or take a ferry to Santander and enjoy a scenic 435-mile trip across northern Spain via Bilbao and Zaragoza.
Where to Stay
The F1 camping site in Montmeló is just a 5-minute walk from the circuit, making it a convenient and lively base.
3. British Grand Prix – Silverstone, Northamptonshire
Silverstone is the historic heart of British motor racing. Dating back to 1948, this former airfield hosted the first-ever Formula 1 World Championship race in 1950. The track is a blend of fast straights and iconic corners, like Copse, Maggots, and Stowe, each with its own legendary status.
How to Get There
From London, it’s a straightforward 70-mile drive. Take the M25 toward Watford, then the M40(W) to Oxford, and exit at Junction 10 onto the A43, following signs for Silverstone.
Where to Stay
Silverstone offers plenty of nearby campsites. Litchlake Farm is a popular choice, with a footbridge directly to the circuit.
4. Belgian Grand Prix – Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot
Spa is one of the most beloved circuits in F1, set in the stunning Ardennes forests. The track is a rollercoaster of fast straights and challenging corners, including the legendary Eau Rouge and Raidillon combination, where drivers take the left-right-left sequence flat out.
How to Get There
From Calais, follow the E40 through Belgium, with stops in Bruges, Ghent, or Brussels before heading toward Liège, near the Dutch/German border (around 325 miles from London).
Where to Stay
Spa-Francorchamps has three trackside camping zones. The yellow and green zones welcome motorhomes and campervans.
5. Dutch Grand Prix – Circuit Zandvoort
The Dutch Grand Prix made a triumphant return to Zandvoort after a 35-year absence. The circuit, set among the dunes by the North Sea, features banked corners and a festival-like atmosphere, especially with the sea of orange supporting Max Verstappen.
How to Get There
Take the ferry from Felixstowe to Rotterdam for a 260-mile drive, or opt for the Calais crossing and drive up through Belgium (adding about 100 miles but similar travel time). Zandvoort is just 18 miles west of Amsterdam.
Where to Stay
Camping de Duinrand is a great option, located close to both the beach and the circuit, with pitches for campervans offering water and electricity.
Why a Campervan or Motorhome?
A campervan or motorhome gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace, stay close to the action, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow F1 fans. Whether you’re exploring the French Riviera, soaking up Barcelona’s culture, or experiencing the passion of the Dutch fans, your road trip will be as memorable as the race itself.
These five Grand Prix weekends are just the beginning: Italy, Austria, and other iconic races are also within reach. Pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for the F1 adventure of a lifetime!
