![](https://f1destinations.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023_Austrian_GP_F1Destinations_AdamR_Crowd_Flags-1024x683.jpg)
Adam Rosales tells us about his journey to the 2023 Austrian Grand Prix and why the Crimson Bull Ring affords among the best trackside experiences on the present F1 calendar.
The Crimson Bull Ring is a shorter model of a historic circuit referred to as the Österreichring which F1 stopped racing at within the mid Nineteen Eighties on account of security issues. It was often known as the A1 Ring earlier than being bought and redeveloped by Crimson Bull proprietor Dietrich Mateschitz, who named it after his firm. The Crimson Bull Ring returned to the F1 calendar in 2014 and can also be the host of MotoGP, DTM and a number of other different racing collection. It’s positioned in a really picturesque space within the Styrian Mountains, a few 3-hour drive (or practice journey) from Vienna and about an hour from Austria’s second largest metropolis, Graz, which is the place I opted to remain.
Trackside Expertise on the Crimson Bull Ring
The circuit is positioned subsequent to the small city of Spielberg and feels fairly distant. Nonetheless, it’s proper off the motorway. Strolling across the circuit could be very simple however entry is proscribed by your ticket kind. For instance, Common Admission and Flip 3 have a separate entrance up on the hill close to Flip 3. Tickets to these sections don’t permit you to enter the Crimson Bull grandstands behind the Fanzone or the Max Verstappen Grandstand by Flip 6. You may enter the Fanzone however received’t be allowed previous the secondary ticket checks.
The Fanzone is positioned behind the primary nook and has a variety of tables and chairs. It was simple to discover a spot to eat however I used to be on my own so I might type of squeeze into tables with open seats. It could be more durable to discover a full desk for a bunch of 4, for instance. The Fanzone has an actual social gathering vibe with virtually nonstop music and dancers on stage all through the day. There’s bungee leaping from a crane and loads of beer to drink together with your schnitzel. The realm grew to become fairly congested at peak occasions, with lengthy snaking traces for the loos. However it was nowhere close to as unhealthy as Montreal, for instance, the place the traces block the pathways, and you may get actually caught.
![](https://f1destinations.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023_Austrian_GP_F1Destinations_AdamR_Track_Invasion_T1-1024x683.jpg)
The Steiermark village is a secondary Fanzone behind the Important (Begin-Ziel) grandstand. This had some extra meals choices with beer corridor type tents that additionally had dwell music, though it was extra conventional in comparison with the EDM on the fundamental Fanzone.
Bogs had been cell indoor sorts. There have been attendants maintaining them clear with cleaning soap and bathroom roll. The loos had been at all times clear every time I used them. There have been some everlasting loos close to the Welcome Heart that had been additionally very clear and good to make use of, which seem to be they might have been reserved for VIP forms of tickets however had been open for anyone close to the general public areas outdoors the Important grandstand.
The group on the Austrian Grand Prix was enjoyable and pleasant. It doesn’t matter what workforce gear you’re sporting. I didn’t see any animosity in the direction of folks not supporting Max or Crimson Bull Racing. I spoke to my seat neighbors rather a lot between help races. Everybody was good and keen to speak about F1 or issues to do whereas in Austria. It appeared like about two thirds of the group was Dutch and the remainder Austrian or German, so these had been the distinguished languages spoken.
The observe commentary was audible in the course of the races. It switched each jiffy between German and English. Cell service was additionally working 90% of the time. I used to be capable of have the F1TV stream working in the course of the dash race and hearken to that commentary on Saturday. It was the primary time at a race the place I might hear the commentary on the audio system and have nice mobile phone service, which was very stunning.
Crimson Bull Grandstand
The circuit is located in a gorgeous mountain aspect panorama. The pure elevation offers some implausible grandstand areas. The circuit solely has ten corners, so it’s pretty small in comparison with Spa or COTA, for instance. For those who have a look at the Crimson Bull Ring Map you’ll see the circuit separated into just a few distinct areas. I purchased tickets to Part N of the Crimson Bull Grandstand. My seat was assigned mechanically, which ended up being Row 21 (one row from the highest), Seats 12 and 13. The numbering for the seats at this circuit continues via every part, throughout the steps. I believe there have been about 19 seats in every row. I didn’t see any precise row numbers in my part, I simply requested just a few folks once I acquired there and went again to the identical row. The leg spacing at this part is cheap for fastened again seats. I had sufficient house for my backpack between my legs and solely wanted to execute a small flip of my knees to let folks go by.
From my seat, I used to be capable of view the exit of Flip 1 via to the apex of Flip 3. The automobiles then reappeared from Turns 5 via 7, then disappeared away in the direction of Flip 9. I might additionally get a fast glimpse of Flip 10 between some bushes, and was capable of see reflections of the automobiles driving alongside the Important Straight through the glass above the Important grandstand.
With the attractive backdrop of the tress and mountains, it felt a bit like being in a home windows wallpaper! Throughout the changeable climate on Saturday, the clouds rolled over the mountains by the Flip 3 grandstand. The Crimson Bull Ring is definitely essentially the most lovely and picturesque circuit I’ve visited. The circuit just isn’t not like Spa-Francorchamps, however the wide-open mountain views permit you to see extra of the observe.
![](https://f1destinations.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023_Austrian_GP_F1Destinations_AdamR_Max_Fan_Club_no_smoke-1024x683.jpg)
![](https://f1destinations.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023_Austrian_GP_F1Destinations_AdamR_Max_fan_club-1024x683.jpg)
Meals & Drink on the Crimson Bull Ring
There was a stunning quantity of various meals distributors on the Crimson Bull Ring. The same old stuff like burgers and scorching canines had been out there, together with native staples like schnitzels. I additionally noticed loads of vegetarian and vegan choices like falafel, salads, and rice bowls. Beer was available for €6.50, with some wine and radler choices additionally on provide.
The Crimson Bull Ring FAQ states the occasion is cashless and that distributors solely settle for card funds. They provide their very own cashless card which paradoxically requires money to purchase and prime up, which was very annoying. Some distributors solely accepted the cashless card regardless that the signage on the sales space stated they accepted bank cards. Particularly annoying in case you wait in line and don’t discover out till you try to pay!
For instance, all of the signage stated they accepted American Specific, nevertheless it was by no means out there once I tried to make use of it. Solely about half the distributors accepted bank cards in any respect. I began simply strolling up and asking earlier than getting in line. This was the one vital factor that appeared mismanaged and miscommunicated.
![](https://f1destinations.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023_Austrian_GP_F1Destinations_AdamR_Train_Views-1024x683.jpg)
![](https://f1destinations.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023_Austrian_GP_F1Destinations_AdamR_Circuit_Sign-1024x683.jpg)
Transportation to the Crimson Bull Ring
Attending to the circuit was fairly simple, with a number of choices out there. I opted to remain at an Airbnb in Graz, which is about an hour drive from the circuit with out visitors. The circuit organizes bus shuttles from a variety of cities in Austria. It was quite simple and simple to make use of.
A number of completely different choices had been out there for Graz. As soon as I knew the world I might be staying in, I used to be capable of finding the closest shuttle bus cease. It was solely a 5-minute stroll from my condominium close to the Important sq. of Graz. A number of days earlier than the occasion, I used to be despatched an electronic mail confirming the departure occasions and choose up areas. The buses left on time every day and had a set return time from the identical drop-off level on the circuit.
After parking on the circuit within the morning, the bus stays in the identical place and also you board the identical bus for the return within the night. Some folks saved private objects within the baggage maintain, akin to coolers and chairs. On Friday, our departure was at 9am and the return was at 7pm. It took about 2.5hrs to return to Graz on account of rain and visitors points. Saturday’s departure was at 8am and we returned at 7pm, with a extra affordable 1.5hr return journey. Sunday was a 7am departure and a 6:30pm return. It took about 2.5hrs to get again after the race.
There have been two completely different bus parking areas. On Friday and Sunday, we parked on a piece of the outdated circuit behind the Crimson Bull Grandstand. I believe this impacted the time it took to go away as we’re mainly having to drive throughout the circuit to go away. On Saturday we parked in the identical lot the place the shuttles to Knittelfeld practice station go away from. This aspect is closest to the freeway however is a 20-minute stroll from the Fanzone.
You may also arrive by practice to Knittelfeld station the place the circuit has a relentless circulation of shuttles to the circuit. The traces to board the shuttles on Saturday weren’t too unhealthy; it regarded like you could possibly mainly simply stroll straight onto one with out greater than a few minutes ready.
Arrival by automotive is an choice however be ready for some visitors on the best way out. The folks I spoke to over the weekend that had pushed, stated it had taken a few hours simply to get out of the parking tons. Parking tons are free with some premium tons the place you’ll be able to pay to be nearer to the circuit and the exit factors.
Staying in Graz
The town of Graz is about an hour drive from the circuit. Graz was a really welcoming metropolis and nice base for the race weekend. Everyone I interacted with was very pleasant and spoke or understood English. I used Google Translate ordering meals for many menus however a number of eating places I dined at did have English menus out there. Graz could be very welcoming to vacationers visiting for the race. The one draw back is that I didn’t have time to do very a lot in Graz.
My journey was pretty quick, however I’d advocate taking an additional day or two to discover town. The early begins and late returns of the circuit shuttle restricted the time out there for additional actions in Graz. Loads of restaurant kitchens closed round 10pm, limiting out there choices for late evening meals, however I at all times managed to search out one thing open ultimately. It felt very secure strolling round Graz alone, there gave the impression to be folks out always.
Fast Vienna Go to
On arrival at Vienna airport, I took a practice from the airport station straight to Graz. I didn’t get to actually go to Vienna till my return on Monday after the race. The principle practice station is fairly massive and generally is a bit overwhelming in case you’re arriving with none analysis. Google Maps is useful, however it’s essential to determine which tickets you want for both the bus, practice or tram to get the place it’s essential to go.
I used to be staying at a Hilton for one evening earlier than I needed to catch an early flight again dwelling. I did have a day to discover the Innere Stadt and eat some meals akin to Sacher-Torte at Cafe Sacher. It feels very secure strolling round in Vienna, and it’s very clear for a significant metropolis. I want I had extra time to discover, however sadly my journey was pretty quick. The tram is fairly simple to make use of and might get you to and from the airport very simply.
I had a 7am flight, so I acquired a taxi to the airport at round 5am. Upon arrival, it was extraordinarily busy. The road would have been fairly unhealthy if I didn’t have sky precedence with my Delta medallion standing, which helped me skip baggage verify and safety traces.
![](https://f1destinations.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023_Austrian_GP_F1Destinations_AdamR_View_to_Grid-1024x683.jpg)
Last Ideas
I had an unbelievable weekend on the Crimson Bull Ring. The individuals are very welcoming and it was fairly simple to make use of the shuttles, which had been booked via the redbullring.com web site. Tickets, lodging and meals had been all fairly priced with out the ‘surge pricing’ that some circuits appear to impose on followers. I might undoubtedly return to this race and keep in Graz, however subsequent time I’d prolong my journey to spend a few days being a vacationer in each Graz and Vienna It’s such a gorgeous a part of the world to go to, not to mention watch a bunch of automobiles race. I hope the Austrian Grand Prix contract will get renewed for a really very long time, because it’s among the best circuits on the calendar
Attending the 2023 Austrian Grand Prix – Adam’s Value Breakdown
Airbnb in Graz = $701 USD for 4 nights
Race Ticket = €215 (3 Days, Part N of Crimson Bull Grandstand)
Prepare Tickets from Vienna to Graz = €60 (enterprise class every manner)
Shuttle to Crimson Bull Ring = €96 (€32 per day)
Flight: Austin to London a technique = 20k Factors + $230 (Virgin)
Flight: London to Vienna a technique = $200 (British Airways)
Flight: Vienna to Austin a technique = €670 (Delta)
The final tickets at the moment are on sale for the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix (June 28-30)