Formula 1 is one of the very few sports worldwide capable of bringing together hundreds of thousands of passionate fans every weekend from every corner of the globe. It truly is a “golden circus,” reserved for a select few. From a young age, many dream of driving one of the twenty fastest single-seaters in the world, but reaching such elite levels requires extraordinary competitiveness and comes with staggering costs.
While it has long been understood that Formula 1 is a sport primarily for the wealthy, in recent years even attending a Grand Prix in person has become a luxury accessible to only a privileged few. Despite the sold-out crowd at Spa-Francorchamps last weekend, and the consequent opening of ticket sales for the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix, the expenses involved in attending what is often regarded as the “university of motorsport” frequently appear excessive.
The Outrageous Costs of Spa-Francorchamps
Beyond the essential ticket price, which grants access to the race facility for all three days and also includes entry to support series and various other events, fans must also consider the expenses for food and merchandise—already a subject of criticism from drivers like Franco Colapinto last season.
It is important to note that Belgium, particularly the Brussels region (approximately two hours’ drive from Spa-Francorchamps), is already known as a relatively expensive area. However, with the arrival of Formula 1, prices tend to inflate even further. Paying €3 for a simple bottle of water seems objectively excessive. Continuing our tour among the food stalls, one vendor offers a spicy “pizza diavola” for €18.60, or, just a few meters away, an advertised hamburger costs €16.50.
If you want to enjoy a traditional Belgian waffle for breakfast or as a snack, be prepared to spend an additional €6.30. Doing some quick math, over the course of three days, a couple can easily spend between €150 and €200 solely on food and refreshments. Moreover, at almost every corner of the circuit, beer mugs were sold for €8 each. The fan zone even featured a mini-game to test your sobriety level.
Regarding merchandise, prices inside the circuit match the official retail rates, identical to those found online on the Formula 1 official store or on individual team websites.
This article is not meant to criticize the Spa-Francorchamps event, which, from an organizational standpoint, despite some difficulties—particularly with parking, transportation, and the management of Friday afternoon sessions complicated by the postponement of the Formula 3 session due to fog—was overall well managed, especially considering the large crowds throughout the weekend. Instead, we aim to shed light on an often overlooked topic: the steadily increasing costs. Hoping that this trend, which has become almost a norm, will slow down in the coming years, we eagerly look forward to returning to the circuit to cheer on our twenty favorite drivers.
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