Where to do a Formula 1 internship in France?

An F1 internship is the ultimate experience for any fan of the sport. It allows you to step into the shoes of your favorite driver and understand what he feels aboard his single-seater. Between the breathtaking accelerations, powerful braking, and high-speed driving, it is a moment that will forever be etched in memories.

To ensure an unforgettable experience, you have several options and various routes at your disposal.

Where to drive a Formula 1 car in France?

LRS Formula in Magny-Cours (58)

LRS Formula is considered one of the world leaders in Formula 1 driving experiences. Their mission: to offer a breathtaking experience during driving sessions and passenger rides.

With LRS Formula, you will have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a Formula Renault, but also a real Formula 1 car on the legendary Nevers Magny-Cours Circuit. Note that you will have the choice between three models, including a 2011 Williams FW33, driven by a certain Valtteri Bottas.

To live this extraordinary experience, you don’t need to be an experienced pilot, the only requirement is to have a driver’s license.

The Nevers Magny-Cours circuit was the venue for the Formula 1 Grand Prix from 1991 to 2008. It offers a lot of thrills and has two tracks, the Club and the Grand Prix.

The Club track, with its 2.5 km of straight lines, curves, chicanes, and hairpins, is perfect for enthusiasts looking for total immersion in the world of speed. Its high-quality surface and secure environment without obstacles offer a smooth and reassuring driving experience.

As for the Grand Prix track, which measures 4.4 km and hosts the Bol d’Or, it promises extreme sensations. With speeds reaching up to 320 km/h, it is the playground of professionals and ensures an unparalleled adrenaline rush.

Link to their website: LRS Formula

AGS Formula 1 at Circuit du Luc (83)

With over 25 years of expertise in organizing Formula 1 driving experiences and 7 years of participation in the F1 World Championship between 1986 and 1992, AGS has established itself as a reference in the field of driving experiences.

With several different packages to choose from, you will first take the wheel of a Formula 4 before diving into the deep end and driving one of the three available Formula 1 cars.

Regarding the circuit of Le Luc (or circuit du Var), in the 1980s, it was the training track for the AGS team when they were racing in the Formula 1 World Championship.

Long of 2.2 km or 2.4 km depending on the configuration, this circuit is both technical and fast. Between its tight corners, fast curves, and straight lines, thrills are guaranteed.

Link to their website: AGS Formule 1

Winfield at Le Castellet (83)

In partnership with the BWT Alpine F1 Team, Winfield is the only racing school in the world to offer a driving experience within a team competing in the World Championship. The Winfield Racing School has trained numerous talented drivers, including legends such as Alain Prost and Damon Hill. It is a popular choice for aspiring drivers and those who aspire to fulfill their racing dream.

The Circuit Paul Ricard, located in Le Castellet, is an iconic Formula 1 venue known for its layout that combines spectacular straight lines and technical corners. Ideal for racing enthusiasts, it offers modern facilities and hosts prestigious events throughout the year.

For your driving experience, the circuit will be configured with a length of 3.8 km.

Link to their website: Winfield Racing School

What budget is required to drive a F1 car?

Old F1 cars: From 1,900 € to 7,000 €

Modern F1 cars: From €6,000 to €20,000

If prices fluctuate so much, it is due to several factors:

The number of laps and the size of the track: the higher the number of laps and the larger the track, the more expensive the driving initiation is.

The selected single-seater for the driving experience: depending on the car you choose, prices may vary. For example, it will be cheaper to drive a Prost AP04 from 2001 than a Williams FW33 from 2011.

Additional options: Photographer – On-board cameras – Video coverage – Hotel – Meals.

If the cost of a driving course is too high for you, don’t worry, there are other options, such as a ride in a three-seater F1 car.

A three-seater F1

As a Formula 1 is not a vehicle to be put in everyone’s hands, there are baptisms that can be done as a passenger, alongside a professional driver whose only mission is to impress you.

Specially designed for baptisms, this 700-horsepower F1 car puts you behind the driver while providing full visibility of the track. You will be able to experience the unique sensations of a single-seater, all in complete safety.

Equipped with a 6-speed sequential magnesium gearbox and carbon brakes, this three-seater reaches 310 km/h in the blink of an eye! Sitting close to the ground, you will feel every detail of the track, with a sensation of gliding at full speed. As a little bonus, this F1 can accommodate three people, including the driver, allowing you to share the experience with a friend.

You can perform this type of baptism on the Nevers Magny-Cours circuit, the Dijon-Prenois circuit, or on the circuit of the West of Paris in Dreux.

This baptism represents a cost ranging from 300 to 700 € depending on the chosen formula. This amounts to a cost significantly lower than that of a Formula 1 driving experience where you drive yourself.

Physical constraints to getting into an F1 car

• Minimum age 16 years
• Maximum height 1m89
• Maximum weight 100 kg
• Maximum shoe size 45
• Access prohibited for children under 10 years old
• Included driving kit: t-shirt, balaclava, gloves, earplugs
• People with reduced mobility can do the baptism
• Accompanying persons allowed on the circuit

For the tightest budgets, another type of activity is worth considering: a training session / baptism aboard a Formula Renault, a Formula 4, or a Formula 3.

The alternatives: Baptism / single-seater F3, F4 or Formula Renault internship.

In the same spirit as Formula 1, you can also experience a passenger baptism on board one of these two vehicles. Less powerful, but just as exciting, these 200-horsepower cars weighing only 550 kilos will guarantee you thrills, with a top speed of around 220 km/h!

You can also take the wheel of these little cars by participating in a driving course. This will allow you to learn the same driving techniques used by professional drivers, which will enable you to showcase your skills to your friends.

For these different formats, plan a budget of 120 to 350 €. For this category, many more companies in France allow to experience this because the budgets and operating costs of this type of single-seater are more affordable.

You can notably go to the Laquais circuit near Lyon (Isère, 38) or to the Montlhéry circuit in Essonne, the Croix en Ternois circuit in Pas-de-Calais (62) or to the Pau Arnos circuit in Pyrénées Atlantique (64).

Formula 1 simulators

We are coming to our last gift idea for a Formula 1 fan: a session in a F1 simulator.

F1 simulators provide an immersive experience, allowing participants to feel the adrenaline and excitement of a real Formula 1 driver, all in a safe and cost-effective environment.

One of the leaders in the field is the company I-Way, which has two simulator centers, in Paris and Lyon.

Advantageous rates are offered for 14-25 year olds, with prices ranging from 50 to 100 € depending on the length of the session.

For those over 25, prices range from 100 to 180 euros.

Link to their website: I-Way

With all these recommendations, you now have everything you need to prepare the most beautiful surprise for a Formula 1 fan!