The 5 Most Beautiful Formula 1 Circuits in Europe – and How to Drive There by Car

Formula 1 is much more than a motorsport competition. It is a story of heritage, speed, glamour, and above all, locations that fans never forget. The European circuits in particular hold a special place in the hearts of drivers and spectators. They combine history with beauty, and every racetrack has its own unique atmosphere. For travelers who enjoy both cars and Formula 1, there is perhaps no better way to reach these legendary venues than by car. Driving there turns the race weekend into a full adventure, transforming the journey into part of the experience.

In this longread, we take a detailed look at five of the most beautiful Formula 1 circuits in Europe: Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, Monza in Italy, Monaco, Silverstone in the United Kingdom, and the Red Bull Ring in Austria. We explore what makes each track so special, why fans consider them must-see destinations, and how you can plan the perfect road trip to get there.

1. Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps – Belgium’s Ardennes Jewel

There is no place quite like Spa-Francorchamps. Situated in the heart of the Ardennes forest in Belgium, Spa has always been known as a drivers’ circuit. Corners like Eau Rouge and Raidillon, combined with long straights and sudden changes in elevation, make it a thrilling challenge.

What makes Spa beautiful is not just the circuit itself but also its setting. The Ardennes provide rolling green hills, misty valleys, and dense forests that surround the track. Fans often wake up to fog that clears just in time for the roar of engines, a reminder that Spa is as unpredictable as it is stunning. Rain can fall on one part of the track while the sun shines on another, creating legendary race conditions.

For a road tripper, Spa is a joy to reach. From Amsterdam it is about three hours by car, passing through Eindhoven and Liège. From Cologne it is less than two hours, and from Paris it takes around four hours. The highways are smooth, but the real beauty comes once you leave them and head into the Ardennes. Winding rural roads, small villages, and thick forests prepare you for the drama of the circuit itself. Many fans bring tents and camping gear, and the car makes it easy to set up camp right next to fellow enthusiasts.

2. Monza – Italy’s Temple of Speed

If Spa is about nature, Monza is about passion. Known as the “Temple of Speed,” the Autodromo Nazionale Monza is one of the oldest circuits still on the calendar and remains one of the fastest. For Ferrari fans, Monza is sacred ground. During the Italian Grand Prix the Tifosi arrive in their tens of thousands, turning the stands into a sea of red flags and deafening cheers.

The beauty of Monza lies in its setting. The circuit is located in Parco di Monza, a royal park just north of Milan. Ancient trees and historic villas create a backdrop that feels both elegant and timeless. The contrast between screaming modern F1 cars and the park’s peaceful greenery makes Monza unforgettable.

Driving to Monza adds another layer of adventure. From Milan the trip is just half an hour north, which makes it easy for international travelers who fly into the city and rent a car. From Zurich the drive is around three and a half hours, crossing the Alps through tunnels and mountain passes. From Munich it takes about five hours, cutting through Austria and northern Italy. For fans who love scenic driving, this route is a dream: sweeping mountain roads, views of snow-capped peaks, and finally the descent into Italy.

Parking near the circuit can be tricky, so many fans choose to park in Monza town and walk or take shuttle buses. Having your car also makes it easy to explore nearby Lake Como or continue the trip deeper into Italy after the race.

3. Monaco – The Glamour of Monte Carlo

When people think of Formula 1 glamour, they think of Monaco. The streets of Monte Carlo transform into one of the most famous racing circuits in the world each May. Unlike other venues, Monaco is not a permanent track but a set of public roads closed off for the race. The Casino, the harbor with its luxury yachts, the tunnel, and the tight hairpins all form part of the circuit.

The beauty of Monaco lies in its impossible setting. Cars race inches from barriers, past palaces and hotels, with the Mediterranean Sea glittering in the background. It is not just a race; it is a spectacle, a symbol of luxury and history. For fans, seeing Formula 1 in Monaco is like watching theatre in the most glamorous stage imaginable.

Driving to Monaco is an experience in itself. From Nice it is only half an hour along the coastal highway, a drive with sweeping sea views. From Milan it takes about four hours, following the Ligurian coast. From Barcelona it is a longer trip of around seven hours, but the journey along the French Riviera makes it worthwhile. The Côte d’Azur is one of the world’s most celebrated road trip routes, and reaching Monaco by car allows you to soak in the Riviera lifestyle before stepping into the heart of Formula 1’s crown jewel.

Parking in Monaco is limited, but underground garages make it possible to leave your car and walk to the circuit. Even outside the Grand Prix weekend, driving these streets is a thrill, as you can follow the same route the drivers take, imagining yourself in a Formula 1 car.

4. Silverstone – Britain’s Motorsport Festival

If Monaco is about glamour and Monza about passion, Silverstone is about tradition. This is where the very first Formula 1 World Championship race took place in 1950. Over the decades, it has grown into the spiritual home of British motorsport.

Silverstone is set in open countryside between London and Birmingham. It may not have forests or mountains, but its beauty comes from its vastness and its festival atmosphere. During a race weekend, the flat fields around the track are filled with campsites, fan zones, and celebrations. Corners like Copse, Maggotts, and Becketts are among the most famous in racing, demanding precision at high speed.

Driving to Silverstone is straightforward. From London the trip takes about 90 minutes via the M40, and from Birmingham it is just an hour. For European fans, the journey from Dover after crossing the Channel takes around three and a half hours. Driving your own car makes it easy to camp, carry supplies, and fully enjoy the social side of Silverstone, which is unlike any other race on the calendar.

The charm of Silverstone lies not in natural scenery but in people. The sense of community, of tens of thousands of fans gathering in one place, makes it feel like a festival of speed. Driving there means you can fully immerse yourself in the culture, staying on site, meeting fellow fans, and becoming part of the atmosphere.

5. Red Bull Ring – Austria’s Alpine Circuit

Hidden in the Styrian mountains, the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg is one of the most scenic circuits on earth. Unlike sprawling modern tracks, it is short and compact, but what it lacks in length it makes up for in setting. The surrounding landscape of green hills, mountains, and meadows creates a breathtaking backdrop.

Watching Formula 1 cars climb uphill on the main straight, surrounded by Alpine beauty, is a sight no fan forgets. The track’s design also creates plenty of overtaking opportunities, which makes for thrilling races.

Reaching Spielberg by car is a highlight for fans who love driving. From Vienna it is about two and a half hours, from Munich around four and a half hours, and from Venice roughly five hours. The approach takes you through picturesque Austrian countryside, smooth highways, and winding mountain roads. It is the perfect opportunity to combine motorsport with a holiday in nature.

Camping around the Red Bull Ring is very popular, and driving makes it easy to bring your gear. After the race, you can continue the trip into the Alps, explore Graz, or head south toward Slovenia or Italy.

Road Trip Tips for Formula 1 Fans

Visiting Formula 1 circuits by car gives you freedom, flexibility, and the thrill of turning a race into a road trip. Here are some tips to make the journey smooth and memorable:

• Book early: Campsites, hotels, and parking fill up quickly.

• Prepare for all weather: Spa and Silverstone can be wet, Monza and Monaco can be hot.

• Mix destinations: With a car you can combine circuits – Spa and Monza are close enough for a one-week trip, or you can combine Spielberg and Monza in a two-week Alpine adventure.

• Bring camping gear: At Spa, Silverstone, and Spielberg, camping is part of the fan culture.

• Explore the area: Don’t rush home after the race – enjoy the surrounding regions, whether that’s Italian lakes, French beaches, or Austrian mountains.

Conclusion

The five circuits we’ve explored – Spa-Francorchamps, Monza, Monaco, Silverstone, and the Red Bull Ring – are not only among the most beautiful in Formula 1 but also some of the most rewarding to visit by car. Driving to them transforms the experience, turning a race into a full adventure that combines motorsport, travel, and discovery.

Each has its own personality: Spa’s forest drama, Monza’s passion, Monaco’s glamour, Silverstone’s tradition, and Spielberg’s scenery. Together they form the essence of Formula 1 in Europe. For fans, the race itself may last a few hours, but the road trip lasts a lifetime.