F1 travel plans disrupted? Here’s where UK fans could go instead

Last Updated: 23 April 2026
Read time: 4 min

Expert: Greg Wilson
Founder, CEO & Insurance Expert

Author: Stephen Gamble
Insurance PR Writer

Fact-checked by: QuoteZone Editorial Team

Written in line with our Editorial Guidelines

With the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, travel experts are highlighting the most pocket-friendly alternative races for Brits seeking some Formula 1 action in 2026.

The removal of two races from the calendar due to the conflict in the Middle East has left some supporters scrambling for options.* With that in mind, UK fans could choose an alternative closer to home for their next F1 fix, where they can experience some of the sport’s most iconic circuits.

Europe is the historic heart of F1 and classic tracks like Monza and Spa-Francorchamps are easily accessible choices that will appeal to fans seeking a more traditional racing experience.

The travel insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk have crunched the numbers to name the most affordable F1 races in Europe for motorsport fans on a budget.

The venues were ranked on several factors, including cheapest available ticket prices, flights and the cost of a 3-star hotel room. Prices are based on two people travelling together from London airports.

Taking pole position as the most budget-friendly F1 venue in Europe is the Belgian Grand Prix. Comfortably the longest circuit at 7km, this fan-favourite event takes place at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, which has been a regular fixture on the calendar since the championship began in 1950.

A trip to this venerated circuit, using the Belgian capital of Brussels as a base, will cost an average of £1,534 for race weekend tickets, flights and accommodation. However, it is worth noting the daily commute to Spa-Francorchamps, tucked away in the stunning Ardennes region, will take at least two hours each way.

Crossing the line in second place is the Barcelona Grand Prix, with a handy location just 17 miles outside of the Spanish city, meaning fans can stay close to the action. While the cheapest three-day ticket is reasonably priced at £263, hotel accommodation in Barcelona on race weekend is the costliest, taking the overall average cost to £1,721.

Snatching third place in the rankings is the Austrian Grand Prix, held at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg. Racetracks don’t come much more picturesque than this, set against the breathtaking background of the Austrian Alps. While the ticket prices for the Austrian GP are more than double that of the Belgian and Barcelona races, the cost of flights to Vienna and hotel accommodation in the city are the cheapest on average, helping to keep the total costs down. Overall, this trip will set fans back £2,028.

Just missing out on a podium spot is the Dutch Grand Prix. While it may not be the most affordable race at an average cost of £2,176, this is the last opportunity to attend, as it will be the final grand prix at Circuit Zandvoort before the race is removed from the F1 calendar.** The venue is just a short 30-minute train ride from Amsterdam, making this one of the easiest and most convenient F1 races to access.

Up next is the legendary circuit of Monza. Often dubbed ‘The Temple of Speed’, this prestigious venue is the fastest track on the F1 calendar and is cited as a must-visit race for die-hard fans of the sport. While accommodation in the nearby fashion-capital of the world, Milan, is the second lowest at £595, the cheapest available race weekend ticket option is currently sitting at an eye-watering £741. The average overall cost to attend this Italian classic is £2,521.

Ultimately, it should come as no surprise to learn that the Monaco Grand Prix comes in as easily the most expensive F1 race in Europe to attend, costing a whopping £4,448 on average. Tickets alone for this famous circuit will set fans back a minimum of £1,498 each, while staying in Monte Carlo on race weekend is typically reserved for the rich and famous. The nearby city of Nice is the most popular place to stay for most F1 enthusiasts attending the Monaco GP, where they will find a range of three-star hotels costing an average of £642.

Greg Wilson, CEO and travel insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “While the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races is disappointing for those fans who planned to attend, it opens the door for UK supporters to rediscover the European heart of Formula One.

“From the festival-like atmosphere of the Red Bull Ring in the Austrian Alps to the high-speed thrills of the legendary Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium – UK fans have several alternatives that can be reached by short-haul, direct flights.

“Many of these European races also allow visitors to combine adrenaline-filled motorsport with a sightseeing city break, turning the trip into a memorable long weekend.

“Unsurprisingly, weekend tickets for some races are sold out, so fans are urged to act quickly as demand and prices for remaining events are expected to rise sharply following the calendar changes.

“Whichever of these races fans choose to attend, it is wise to purchase travel insurance as soon as the trip is booked. This can help make sure travellers are financially protected should the unexpected happen, such as sudden illness, delays or other disruptions.”

Quotezone.co.uk can help holidaymakers compare travel insurance and find savings on all sorts of travel products, such as European, backpacker or multi-trip insurance. 

References:

*https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/bahrain-and-saudi-arabian-grands-prix-will-not-take-place-in-april.1hnqllVG85RSt8pbFc5Ivx

**https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/formula-1-to-celebrate-final-dutch-grand-prix-in-2026-after-one-year.7EYLHSMGIJyqefI5tMjLrZ

F1’s European Race Index – Most affordable fan trips:

Methodology

• Latest ticket prices for races were obtained on the F1 Tickets site, correct as of 24.3.26 – https://tickets.formula1.com/en
• Average hotel prices were calculated using Booking.com. Prices are based on two people sharing a 3* hotel, costing no more than £200 per night.
• Flight prices were obtained using Skyscanner – https://www.skyscanner.net/
• All flights depart from and return to London airports.