EXPLAINED - What is Guided Paddock Access?

Go behind the scenes to experience the ‘backstage’ area of Formula 1 with Guided Paddock Access from F1 Experiences.

What is the F1 Paddock?

Located behind the pits, the Paddock is the working area of Formula 1. Access is strictly limited to the teams, sponsors, media, and employees of F1 and the FIA. As the official experience, hospitality and travel programme of Formula 1, a limited number of access passes are also issued to F1 Experiences at every race.
 
Although the layout of the F1 Paddock is different at every circuit, it always comprises an area adjacent to the garage for each team where engineering staff can work and new tyres can be stored, as well as a hospitality area for staff, sponsors and invited guests..

As the team transport their equipment via road during the European leg of the season, the F1 Paddock is often full of large truck trailers that get converted into engineering bases, tyre storage facilities and hospitality suites.

Many teams also invest heavily in large multi-level hospitality suites that need to be seen to be believed, especially considering they’re dismantled as soon as the race finishes and transported to the next race! The F1 Paddock looks very different at the so-called ‘flyaway’ races in the Middle East, Asia and the Americas where equipment travels by air and sea to each race.
 
Other common features of the F1 Paddock around the world include a ‘media pen’ where the drivers and team principals speak to TV and print media at various times across the race weekend, as well as an area where used tyres are removed and replaced for the teams by F1’s official supplier, Pirelli.

What is Guided Paddock Access?

Guided Paddock Access is a half-hour tour of the F1 Paddock. Led by an experienced Expert Host from the F1 Paddock Club™, you will be taken as part of a small group (maximum 10-12 guests) on a tour of the F1 Paddock. During the tour, your guide will show you some of the key features of the Paddock and explain how everything works.
 
Although access to the team garages and hospitality suites is off limits, you will be able to watch the teams, drivers and media at work. It’s also an excellent opportunity to meet your favourite driver, team boss, media personality or celebrity and get a selfie or autograph. Exactly who you will see and interact with in the F1 Paddock is down to luck and timing, but it’s very rare for our guests not to bump into anyone noteworthy in the Paddock during their tour.

Why is it worth experiencing Guided Paddock Access?

Guided Paddock Access is likely to be your best opportunity to meet and interact with the stars of Formula 1 during the race weekend, as well as experience and observe up close how the sport works from the inside. Based on overwhelmingly positive guest feedback, Guided Paddock Access may well be F1 Experiences most popular inclusion!

When does Guided Paddock Access take place?

Guided tours of the F1 Paddock are scheduled on Friday, Saturday and Sunday during Formula 1 race weekends. The tours do not take place during Formula 1 track sessions. You will be notified in advance of the race weekend about when your Guided Paddock Access will be taking place and where you should meet.

Which Official Ticket Packages include Guided Paddock Access?

Guided Paddock Access is included at selected races with Premier Ticket Packages, Champions Club Ticket Packages and Paddock Club Ticket Packages. (Legend Ticket Packages include a full day of access to the F1 Paddock.)

OFFICIAL TICKET PACKAGES