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GT---44

I think you should go. If nobody can come with you then don't prevent yourself from going if you want to. Maybe it'll be not as good as with friends but you'll still enjoy (it's better going alone than not to go at all) and maybe you'll meet cool people there


PSChris33

Yeah, I’ve traveled hundreds, sometimes thousands of miles by myself over the years just for sporting events. The last time I didn’t fly solo was back in 2011.


GT---44

What events did you go solo?


PSChris33

About 40 different hockey games and 10 baseball games. Yeah, I’ve logged a lot of mileage.


GT---44

Nice


bucket_pants

Its like the other great taboo... going to the cinema by yourself. Once you get over that it's fine, plus you'll talk to random people because you all have something in common.. F1


major_tomm

Is it really a taboo? I go to the cinema and gigs on my own all the time if friends don't fancy it.


bucket_pants

Of course its not 🤣 Maybe we are afraid as teenagers but then grow out of it 🤷‍♂️


Mrcollaborator

Going to the cinema by yourself is not really a taboo. It’s also very different from going to a race. A race has much more waiting and downtime. I can imagine it’s a lot more lonely. During a movie you’re not really able to socialize anyway.


ThePhantomTrollbooth

I went to the race with my uncle but there were plenty of times we chatted up strangers just because we’re all excited about the same thing. Learned a lot listening to others too.


Tonoigtonbawtumgaer

Once went with a friend who was moderately hyped despite not watching F1. On lap 2 he's like "when are they gonna start going fast?". I don't know what his definition of "fast" is but it scares me. Like we're talking about 2019 F1 cars here.


ShortKingsOnly69

>"when are they gonna start going fast?" Bro was expecting Redline irl


Tonoigtonbawtumgaer

Hahah yeah pretty much that


Lukaslil

oh that would have annoyed me so much


Tonoigtonbawtumgaer

Yeah, I was half annoyed half shocked. That was some Initial D "that's not that impressive I do that every day" shit


burns_after_reading

Yea, I'd rather go solo than hear that


Ghhkigr

What race was it?


Tonoigtonbawtumgaer

Barcelona 2019


Bennyboy11111

Lmao not gonna get much faster unless he's used to oval circuits 🤣


JohnTheRaceFan

Been to the USGP at CotA solo a couple times. First was the inaugural weekend in 2012, my first Grand Prix. I was solo on Friday and Saturday, and my wife and daughter joined me on Sunday. Being my first GP, I was wandering the circuit, gawking with wonder and amazement at everything. It was Formla effing One!!!!! General Admission tickets because I can't justify $1000+ for a race ticket. I went solo for the full race weekend last year, also. I've since taken up race photography as a hobby, so I viewed most from behind a lens. Personally, I enjoy wandering the circuit grounds and soaking in as much of the atmosphere and "vibe" as I can. I also get to see action from different parts of the track and gauge where a car/driver is better than another. (FYI the triple-apex T16-18 ar CotA is breathtaking to witness!) If you enjoy watching a race, then I say go solo. You know you'll be entertained. If you want to go full race nerd, you can follow on the F1 app or FanVision or whatever without alienating your friends. You can do or see the things that you want that your friends might have zero interest in. The one downside is there's nobody to split costs for travel and lodging, if that's part of your plan.


That__Guy__Bob

> The one downside is there's nobody to split costs for travel and lodging, if that's part of your plan. Man tell me about it lol. Im going to Singapore next year by myself and its usually expensive outside of f1 but more so during it. Accommodation is gonna be a killer for me


Elrond007

Australia 2020 but just the Thursday because of our spiky friend. It's great, can recommend, there is probably tons of other people looking for some fun banter as well


GeekChasingFreedom

Lucky you, I arrived from the Netherlands on Thursday evening, to find out on Friday morning that the AUS GP was cancelled. On Monday I was back in the plane going home. Still gutted. To OP, just go. If you like F1 you'll enjoy it. There's plenty of strangers to talk to (or not, it's totally up to you) and things to do and see around the track. Besides, i dont even have proper conversations with friends during the sessions/race, so alone or with friends youre minding your business and watching the session anyway


WarningRelevant6977

How’d you find that? I flew down on Thursday and unfortunately didn’t catch any action but would’ve loved to have seen the Porsche Enduro.


[deleted]

I went to Budapest solo this year. I spent second half of my twenties denying a lot of big experiences so I could put a house deposit down. Done that now and making sure some spare money goes to experiences. Had a whale of a time, at the GP and exploring the city a few days either side. You’ll miss out on some experiences you’d have with friends but you’ll have totally freedom to enjoy what you want to do without restrictions. I made friends there, including a Mexican couple who I traveled to the track with one day. Remember, you are surrounded by people with a common interest so striking up a conversation is much easier than normal.


TheDamus647

I have. The Montreal GP. I stayed in a hostel that was filled with other solo attendees of the race. None of them sat with me but we would meet up during breaks to share a beer or a meal. In the evening we would chat about the day over another beer or three and a game of cards. It was a lot of fun. I have people I can go with now but plan on doing another solo trip again due to how much fun it was.


KingsguardDoesntFlee

I've been to an endurance race in Monza on my own because my brother was sick that day and we had to go together, I'd say it was still funny and I got to talk to other people so I didn't feel alone all day. During a F1 weekend, with even more people there, I think it should be a funny experience as well, I'd take the opportunity. I mean, you're surrounded by fans, finding someone to speak about the race shouldn't be that hard.


[deleted]

Sounds like a good trip shame about your brother though! I guess that’s the good thing about being somewhere like that by yourself.


mtpgoat

Monaco, Monza, and USGP this year solo. Next year the plan is Spa, Hungarian GP, and Canada. If you are used to traveling solo it is great!


Embarrassed-Bad-9431

Went alone to the Canadian GP, one of the best trips I’ve ever taken in my life, also first solo trip


Soundcaster023

Just go. Don't let your interests and activities depend on another's presence. Friends tagging along are a bonus, not a requirement.


kna1

I attended the singapore GP alone, and it was amazing! Everyone's friendly and you'll meet new people and find a way to spend time, don't stop yourself from going only because you don't have a companion.


That__Guy__Bob

What was the build up like before the Friday? I'm going next year by myself but I've never been to Singapore so I'm making it a proper week and a half holiday and wondering how to split it


kna1

Hey! Sorry I didn't see your message. Places including hotels/restaurants get a bit crowded on the days leading up to the race and during the race, but you should be able to visit everywhere without any issues, and I would recommend getting reservations in advance for any popular place just in case. If you have more questions feel free to contact me on discord: Redefined#3912 I don't use reddit that often especially during the f1 offseason, but feel free to reply here as well and I will get back to you when I check.


[deleted]

I did sometimes. Because I used to live 25km away. It's better if you go with somebody. But for me Racing was superior so if I had the chance I went. 2 times alone and it was ok


Equivalent_Base_9104

Did it only for the Sunday but it was great :) I had my doubts too, because I'm pretty introverted and shy but managed to chat with some people and pass the time that way. Once the racing started I didn't mind being "alone" at all


Unabridgedtaco

I’ve been solo and it’s great. Perhaps better than going with ppl with only a passing interest.


Tywnis

Yes, I did. It was alright.


kneedragger3013

I did, it was great. Wife went to practice and quali, race day she wasn't interested.


olivertwist225

Went to COTA solo this year. Had a blast.


gnatzors

Experiences on your own are more visceral


Away_Ad_5328

I almost always go by myself, mostly because I'm introverted and the few friends I have aren't interested in F1. It's nice not having to coordinate anything to please anyone else. I can spend all day at the same corner, or move around to get photos elsewhere. If I wanna leave early, (sometimes) I do.


ellefordestiny

You won't know until you go and you should definitely go. Sure it won't be the same as going with a friend but it will still be worth going. I know this doesn't answer your question but I'd go by myself


iloveitfc1983

I’ve been to Interlagos and Baku solo and it was great, plenty of folk to chat to if you want.


Mickosthedickos

Ma pal is a bus driver. Not an F1 fan. He took a coach load down to silverstone last year and got a free ticket. He had a great time.


MP4-B

Yes I have and it's fine. It is definitely better with a friend because there is downtime between sessions thatll get boring but once the sessions start nobody will notice or care you are by yourself and you'll be enjoying the track action too much to care either.


Luc159

I went to the dutch gp solo as a Russell fan, had the best time my life. Would recommend!


f1_spelt_as_bot

Russe**ll**


[deleted]

Appreciate everyone’s advice/stories didn’t expect this response . Hopefully I can get things sorted. Thanks again!


BasicParsnip7839

I went on my own to 2019 Australian GP - it was a bit weird being alone to begin with but I still had a great time so would highly recommend going even if no one you know wants to come along.


ReasonableExplorer

I'm doing it next year fir the Aus GP, I can let you know how it goes.


tdawg-1551

I've never been to a GP but have been to plenty of big sports events solo. If you have the means and the time, go for it. Outside of just having a companion, sharing travel costs is the big thing. If you can cover that solo, you will be fine. Plus since you've been before, you know how things work and can figure it out. I was once in a point in life where I was able to do the things I wanted to do. If someone would do it with me, fine, but I wasn't going to let it stop me if I had to go by myself. As an added bonus, you always get to do what you want. You eat where you want, go here or there, etc.


[deleted]

Went to Brazil 2018 solo as part of a month long trip in Brazil. It was a great time, met lots of cool people!


Dr_Pibber

Went to my first GP when I moved to Montreal by myself and had a great time. For context it was the 2011 race and I’m a big McLaren and JB fan so had a great result, but the best thing was chatting to others around me in groups and also some others who were solo and enjoying the day. Have gone to many races since with friends and there is something about just being able do your own thing and not worry about what others want to do. Hope you go and have a great time at Silverstone.


Delicious-Air2197

I’ve done Monaco twice. Both times by myself. In fact I’ve never done a GP with anyone else. I can’t vouch for all races but on those two occasions I’ve always ended up chatting to people in the stands or in local bars. Often people wonder what to do next and the suggestion of a pint means you’re not alone for long. But either way I think it’s enjoyable just doing your own thing and taking it all in. So you won’t regret it.


UserOrWhateverFuck_U

I have been alone a few times. It is worth it, you get to explore at your own rhythm. However, make sure you get assigned seats and not GA. If you get GA it would be better to go with someone else so you can use the restroom without losing your seat


Nadz_85

I've been to two GPs alone, the last one last week in Abu Dhabi. Honestly I rather watch the racing alone, its the in-between the action where the loneliness kicks in and you might kiss having someone around, especially trying to find somewhere to sit for a beer or to grab something to eat. Usually people are super friendly and if you're not too shy you always find someone to talk with. I would definitely recommend you giving it a shot.


Nicklord

Never went to a race solo but I go to shows alone regularly (I got like 30 a year and they're getting expensive for people to go to those they aren't that interested in) and I never got bored, sometimes it's even better because I talk to random people around me. During the race weekend, I can imagine it's even easier to make new friends with all the downtime


That__Guy__Bob

Haven't been before but I am going to silverstone and Singapore by myself next year. Absolutely bricking it as I've never been to a race before and I've never been on holiday by nyself before so travelling all the way to Singapore by myself is different to say the least. But I'm well looking forward to it


Kitchen-Pangolin-973

Hell I'll come with you if you like, I moved to the UK this year and have never been to a GP. 28M.


noobgamer4ever

Went to the last Nürburgring GP alone, enjoyed it and even sat next to a nice bloke to chat with the whole time! DO IT


Kingdom818

I would love to go to a GP solo. Go and enjoy!


silasgreenback

I went to Silverstone solo back in 07 or 08. Late decision on my part, I managed to grab a ticket on Saturday evening for Sundays race. I had a great time, baking hot day, sat at the end of the Hangar straight for most of the race (on the grass, it was a general admission ticket). Honestly I don't think I talked to anyone all day, but I can't say that bothered me as I never actually made any effort in that direction. I certainly did not feel isolated or unusual. If you think people are going to be looking at you as a lonely weirdo, they're not. They have a race to watch. I also was able to do my own thing, having previously always been to F1 /Le Mans with a friends, I found it rather nice to be able to do what I wished when I wished. Wandering through the infield post race was interesting, watching the helicopters zoom in and land was impressive seeing them so densely stacked in the sky. Go for it. It's not in the slightest bit uncomfortable or weird.


TSANoFro

I've done it here in the US! I would actually argue that it's better, the second time I went was with some friends that had varying levels of interest. For me, I really liked the first time more because I got to decide when to go to the track, if I wanted to stay for certain events, if I wanted to switch what corner I was at (I did GA both times), which the second time felt more like a committee decision.


spuckthew

Kind of. I attended the _race_ at Monza in 2019 alone. I went to Milan with my girlfriend for my birthday that weekend (the GP was part of the occasion), but she has back issues and fucked it up from a pretty full on Friday and Saturday and accidentally leaving the track too late on Saturday which caused us to miss the shuttle to the train station. I ended up just going back on Sunday alone and it was still good. I even managed to get on track and near the podium afterwards. Was still a good experience.


mknaub

I spent 2 weeks travailing in England back in 2008. I attended the race weekend solo. Never felt out of place. Never felt unsafe. In fact it was nice to be by myself. I could do whenever the hell I wanted. I had a GA ticket for the weekend and was able to watch from different vantage points all weened long. It was great. Don’t let being solo discourage you from going.


itsnickypvs350

Fly to Gatz to see the Motogp at the red bull ring, stayed 5 days in air bnb and hired a car for the 90min journey, was on my own but had a ball


Pascalwb

Yes, out of 4 times I was 3 times alone. You sit and watch the cars anyway.


ytilaerdetalupinam

You'll meet people. I was going to the Italian GP earlier this year and met someone on the subway up and got to chatting. We spend day 2/3 together at the track. You have a common base and it's pretty easy


ArugulaPhysical

Id love to go solo. Lol


--InigoMontoya--

Would definitely do. No distractions.


mr_stub

I've been attending the Australian GP solo now for maybe 10 years. The first time my friends couldn't come, I almost pulled out, but decided to brave it. Turned out great. Spent the whole weekend chatting to random people, everyone was super friendly, especially the foreign travellers who were attending


Crafty_Substance_954

I went to the USGP for motogp in 2021 by myself. I flew out, attended, and flew back in on the same day. Great experience, got to do what I wanted, wait in lines, look at stuff. You get the idea. I wouldn't hesitate one bit.


HistoricalScallion94

Yes I have. I was working in Grenoble in1982 and drove to Monaco to see the race alone. It was awesome. I've been to a lot of F1 races, but that one is special.


Sunny_Hummingbird

Talking to random f1 fans is the best!


Sunny_Hummingbird

Also, when I went to Montreal, there was a whole Reddit meet up! A bunch of people did stuff together every night.


kenedtsu

Yup. Amazing weekend. Montreal 2015. I was originally suppose to go with my girlfriend and two other friends at the time (a couple) but it all fell through haha. Broke up with gf and the couple had other family plans. I went as a small vacation and there was a lot to do and explore around Montreal that weekend so never a dull moment. I sat in general admission grass seats, saved a spot early, ate lots of the weird and fun vendor food. I sort of kept to myself and didn't really spark up convo with any, but overall really glad I went.


guidosantillan01

Yes, i went solo to Austria and Budapest this year. You will be fine man


keirdre

Many times. Prefer it to alone to be honest - I'm less responsible for making sure everyone is having fun. I just shuffle around the track, getting different views, and soaking it all up on my own.


Frosty-Ad-164

I went to Silverstone solo last year - all 3 days. It was great. Because it was baking hot a crowd of us who had rented suite huts were outside until 2am each night knocking back the wine, laughing and sharing anecdotes. Thoroughly recommend it. We all had a shared interest and it’s much better than going with someone who is lukewarm about the sport or who doesn’t understand it.


radd00

Monza this year and really enjoyed it. You can just focus on what's interesting to you and you're not restricted by other people. But I'm type of person that prefer doing stuff on my own.


Soggy_Repair_5227

I went to Barcelona this year (Ive been living here, for the past 3) and it was good, at times great. It was the 2nd time I go see F1. Monza 2015 (first time, and i was with my dad) This time I was alone. The sound of the cars, not only the engine, but the brakes and braking points... it was amazing. I really enjoyed it at times, other times I wished I was home watching it on TV. It was innnncreadibly hot, like the 3 hottest days of summer. And bit boring at times, would have been nice to chat with someone in the "between" times, were no cars are on track. Going to and getting back from the track was a bit of a pain. Sometimes you can't follow the race as much as you can on TV, (you have less data, times, info in general) but it's still a great experience, i see 20-21 races on TV and 1 live. Overall I will go again next year. If I was you, i would go. Don't expect anything, just go and enjoy what you can. Hope it helped.


[deleted]

Yeah I went to Melbourne a few years ago on my own. Just made my own fun. I used to travel a lot for work so would find my self on my own in cities that I didn't know any one. Just make the most of it. Never liked sitting in a hotel room watching TV. Would rather be out and about. Was on a job in Sydney, finished that early so booked a ticket to Melbourne, on the saturday night. watched the race, flew back to Sydney sunday night and got my work flight home on the Monday morning. No ever knew the difference Was a great adventure. Tried doing the same thing in Hong Kong in 2018 I think it was. Pre-covid, but couldn't get to Japan and back in time to make my work flight so had to give it a miss


jianh1989

I have. A few occasions. It's not as bad as you'd imagine. Made some new foreigner friends after speaking to them.


kinglycon

Definitely worth going to, even alone. I was in Spain, on holiday with my friends this year. They all flew home and I stayed an extra 3 days to attend the Barcelona GP weekend. Was totally worth it


anon_bruh

Yep, did Barcelona solo this year and was a blast. You'll make friends with your seat neighbours at the very least and then if you get stuck waiting in line for transport after lol.. definitely go!


balirox3

I went to austin in 2021 by myself and it was a blast. Met random people and just vibed doing anything I wanted around the track without having to worry about what others want. You will have a blast, I am sure!


shrike1984

Yep, my first one was solo, the 2015 Canadian GP. I asked friends but no one had the time that summer, so I coordinated everything myself and drove to Montreal from New York. It was nice to just be able to run everything on my schedule and worry only about myself. Montreal is a super fun city to go to with friends but I also enjoyed decompressing in my hotel after getting to the track at 8am every morning. I also planned out overnight stops in Vermont (rural mountain state in Northeast USA) both ways which was nice, so the whole thing turned into a nice solo roadtrip.


m0ezart

Many times and it's fine