Where it all began: Silverstone
The British Grand Prix holds a special place in the sport’s history as it hosted Formula 1’s first official race in 1950. Built on the runways of a former World War II airbase, Silverstone Circuit continues to represent both Britain’s spirit and the DNA of Formula 1. High-speed corners like Copse, Maggotts, and Becketts are filled with moments that test drivers’ bravery and keep fans on the edge of their seats.
2026 Race dates: July 3–5
Sprint weekend
In 2026, Silverstone hosts a Sprint race for the first time, meaning three full days of track action. In early July, one of the most pleasant times in England, temperatures range between 18 and 24°C, perfectly aligning with the picnic season. For getting to the circuit, dedicated race shuttles departing from Milton Keynes Central or Northampton stations are the most practical options.
A 2-day race and city route
Day 1
Start your day in London with a morning walk around Covent Garden; the street performers and historic market atmosphere provide a lively introduction to the city. Before noon, visit the nearby British Museum; from the Elgin Marbles to the Rosetta Stone, the world-famous collection is completely free and quite impressive. Have lunch at Borough Market; as one of London’s oldest food markets, you can choose from a variety of options, including British cheeses, smoked salmon, and cold cut sandwiches.
Day 2
Take an early morning train to Silverstone. Since it’s a Sprint weekend, both the sprint race and Grand Prix qualifying take place on Saturday, making for a busy and exciting day at the circuit. If you plan to stay in the area after the race, it’s worth stopping by nearby Brackley, home to the Mercedes F1 factory. If you’re also attending the Sunday Grand Prix, you can spend the evening in the region by choosing accommodation in the Northamptonshire countryside.
To plan your Silverstone trip, you can book a flight to London. To learn more about the UK’s capital, check out our article One city, three days: London.
The temple of speed: Monza
Autodromo Nazionale Monza, opened in 1922, is one of the most historic circuits on the Formula 1 schedule. Located in northern Italy within a forest, this track experiences some of the highest average speeds in the world; its long straightaways and tight chicanes create an intense and unique thrill for both drivers and fans. The Italian Grand Prix, set against a backdrop of yellow grandstands and “Forza Ferrari” chants, also attracts one of the most passionate crowds in Formula 1.
2026 Race dates: September 4-6
In early September, the weather in northern Italy is ideal, with temperatures between 22 and 27°C, sunny skies, and perfect for travel. Monza is just 25 miles from Milan; you can take a train from the city center to Monza station in about 30 minutes, then catch shuttle services to the circuit.
A 2-day race and city route
Day 1
Start your day in central Milan. In the morning, visit the breathtaking rooftop terrace of the Duomo di Milano; the intricate Gothic architecture rising above the city and the distant Alps are truly awe-inspiring. Before noon, walk over to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II; opened in 1865, this covered arcade is a living masterpiece of architecture and shopping. Enjoy lunch at an osteria in the Brera district; risotto alla milanese and ossobuco are among the local specialties that stand out. In the evening, go to the Santa Maria delle Grazie church, which houses Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper fresco; it’s highly recommended to reserve your tickets several weeks in advance.
Day 2
Take the train to Monza in the morning and explore the circuit. On race days, the circuit gates and grandstand areas turn into a huge festival zone. Here, you can get close to the energy of the Tifosi. After the race, when you head back to Milan, spend the evening at the venues along the Navigli canals.
To plan your trip to Milan and Monza, check flight prices to Milan. For more inspiration on the fascinating cities of northern Italy, visit our Italy travel guide page.
The orange sea: Zandvoort
When Circuit Zandvoort returned the Netherlands to the Formula 1 calendar in 2021, few expected the level of excitement that followed. The nationwide passion for F1, fueled by Max Verstappen, turns Zandvoort into a sea of colors on race days, with Dutch flags and orange outfits everywhere. Nestled among the dunes of the North Sea, this track has a unique character, featuring the steeply banked Tarzan corner and a windy atmosphere. In 2026, the Dutch Grand Prix will be held at Zandvoort for the last time, making this race even more special.
2026 Race dates: August 21–23
Sprint weekend
In 2026, Zandvoort will also introduce the Sprint format for the first time. By late summer, in August, temperatures in the Netherlands generally range from 18 to 22°C; the ocean breeze from the north creates a crisp and refreshing coastal atmosphere. You can take a direct train from Amsterdam Centraal or Haarlem to Zandvoort aan Zee station in about 30 minutes, and from there, it’s possible to walk to the circuit gates.
A 2-day race and city route
Day 1
Start in Amsterdam. In the morning, visit the Rijksmuseum; here, you can see masterpieces by Vermeer, Rembrandt, and other Dutch Golden Age artists. Don’t miss the Van Gogh Museum right next door. In the afternoon, stroll along the narrow canals of the Jordaan district, exploring independent galleries and enjoying the local café scene. Take a bike canal tour; exploring Amsterdam on two wheels is the best way to truly experience the city.
Day 2
Head to Zandvoort by train. With the excitement of a Sprint weekend, both the sprint race and the Grand Prix qualifying take place on the same day. The town of Zandvoort hosts outdoor events and live music throughout the race weekend. Fans heading to the North Sea coast can even hear the sounds of the track from the sandy beach. After the race, take time to explore the town; Dutch stroopwafel and bitterballen are some of the region’s favorite snacks.
To plan your trip, check flight prices to Amsterdam. For more details about the Netherlands, visit our Netherlands travel guide page.
The legend of the Ardennes: Spa
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps has long been one of the most beloved and technically challenging circuits worldwide. Located deep within Belgium’s Ardennes forests, the track features some of the most famous sections in Formula 1 history, including the flat-out Eau Rouge corner and the steep Raidillon climb. At Spa, the weather can change unexpectedly; a sunny lap can quickly become rainy. This unpredictability is one of the main reasons the race is so legendary.
2026 Race Dates: July 17–19
In mid-July, temperatures in the Ardennes typically range from 15 to 22°C; there is always a possibility of rain, so wearing layered clothing and bringing a rain jacket is recommended. The most convenient access is via Liège or Cologne; once you arrive in the town of Spa Francorchamps, shuttle services and traffic management to the circuit are coordinated by the race organizers.
A 2-day race and city route
Day 1
Start in Brussels. In the morning, visit the Grand Place; with its Gothic Town Hall and gold-adorned guild houses, this UNESCO World Heritage square features one of the most impressive cityscapes in Europe. Brussels is one of the world’s top cities for chocolate culture; you can spend your afternoon at a praline chocolate workshop. In the evening, explore the Art Nouveau architecture in the Saint-Gilles or Ixelles neighborhoods; the works of Victor Horta are tucked away like hidden treasures throughout these areas.
Day 2
Take a train from Liège to the Spa region, then head to the circuit. Watching the race in this unique forest setting feels completely different from flat tracks. Position yourself at the Eau Rouge corner or the Raidillon exit to see the cars battling gravity. After the race, relax in the famous thermal baths of the town of Spa; a perfect way to end the day after track fatigue and unpredictable weather.
To plan your trip, check the flight prices to Brussels. For more details about Belgium, visit our Belgium travel guide page.
The buzz of Foro Sol: Mexico City
Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is situated in the southeast of Mexico City, with its most iconic part of the circuit, Foro Sol, offering a unique experience by combining a covered concert venue with the race track, something found nowhere else in the world. The city’s altitude, over 2,200 meters, impacts engine performance and presents an extra challenge for drivers. Mexico City’s fans, with their energy, outfits, and team spirit, bring the full passion of Latin America to the race.
2026 Race dates: October 30-November 1
The race in early November coincides with Día de los Muertos celebrations. This traditional Mexican festival fills the entire city with large floral decorations, colorful altars, and a festive atmosphere, placing the race within an extraordinary cultural setting. Temperatures range from 18 to 24°C. The most practical way to reach the circuit is by Metro Line 9, using the Ciudad Deportiva station.
A 2-day race and city route
Day 1
Start at the historic center’s Zócalo square. Visit the ruins of the Great Temple (Templo Mayor), built on the remains of the Aztec civilization, and the nearby National Palace; Diego Rivera’s monumental murals depicting Mexican history cover the inner courtyard of the palace. Have lunch at Mercado de San Juan; considered Mexico City’s gourmet market, it offers unique flavors such as quesillo cheese, huitlacoche, and chapulines. In the afternoon, head to the Roma Norte or Condesa neighborhoods; with their cafes, bookstores, and Art Deco architecture, these districts offer some of the most enjoyable walking routes in the city.
Day 2
Take the metro to Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Settle into the grandstands at the Foro Sol section; inside this covered concert venue, the sound of F1 cars takes on an entirely different dimension. If there is still daylight after the race, consider a boat ride through the colorful canals of Xochimilco. This protected canal system, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Mexico City’s most distinctive areas. In the evening, a walk around the Frida Kahlo Museum area in the Coyoacán district is ideal; the neighborhood’s cafes offer a perfect way to end the day.
To plan your Mexico City trip, you can check flight prices to Mexico City. For more information about Mexico, you can visit our Mexico travel guide page.
Senna’s home: Interlagos
Autódromo José Carlos Pace, widely known among Brazilians as Interlagos, is located in the southern part of São Paulo between two lakes. The circuit where Ayrton Senna achieved his greatest victories remains one of the most emotionally charged venues in Formula 1. Brazilian Grand Prix fans mix passion with deep knowledge of the sport; the atmosphere in the grandstands becomes truly extraordinary, especially on the final lap when fans spill onto the track. Held toward the end of the season, this race is often where championship battles are decided.
2026 Race dates: November 6–8
In São Paulo, November marks the start of summer; temperatures range from 22 to 28°C, humidity is high, and short afternoon showers are common. The most common way to reach the circuit is to take Metro Line 5, Lilás, to Capão Redondo station and transfer to race shuttles, or use the Interlagos stop directly.
A 2-day race and city route
Day 1
Start in downtown São Paulo. In the morning, visit the Pinacoteca do Estado, one of Brazil’s oldest art museums; this Neo-Gothic building is very impressive for both its Brazilian modernist paintings and its permanent collection. For lunch, visit the Liberdade district; São Paulo has one of the largest Japanese communities outside Japan, and the Japanese-Brazilian fusion cuisine here offers a unique culinary experience. Be sure to try feijoada and coxinha. In the evening, explore independent galleries in Vila Madalena, then enjoy dancing to samba or pagode music at local venues.
Day 2
Take the metro to Interlagos. The atmosphere at the Brazilian Grand Prix is truly unique; samba groups in the grandstands, Senna tribute signs, and the end-of-season tension elevate the experience. Throughout the day, immerse yourself in the lively energy of Brazilian fans. After the race, once you’re back in the city, go for an evening walk in Ibirapuera Park; one of the largest urban parks in Latin America, it is the green heart where São Paulo breathes.
To plan your trip to São Paulo, check flight prices to the city. For more details about Brazil, visit our Brazil travel guide page.
Next stop: F1’s street circuits
When planning your F1 trips, you can utilize Turkish Airlines’ extensive flight network to comfortably reach these iconic cities in line with the race schedule. The 2026 season presents an exciting lineup along with one of the biggest technical transformations in the sport’s history.
In the third and final part of our series, we focus on destinations where the race extends beyond the track and turns the entire city into a stage; from tropical Miami to Madrid, F1’s newest stop, from Baku on the Caspian Sea to Las Vegas beneath neon lights. Besides these four iconic street circuits, we also dedicate a special section to a surprise destination, which is expected to return to the F1 calendar in 2027 after a long hiatus.
