The price of F1 tickets has more than doubled in 5 years at Silverstone
Since 2019, ticket prices have increased by 123%. A worrying situation for a Grand Prix that is certainly historical but is on the hot seat and struggles to fully fill the stands of the circuit.
This weekend will mark the 75th Silverstone Grand Prix in history. Birthplace of the 1st Formula 1 Grand Prix, this 5.891 km circuit, very popular with the public, nevertheless raises a lot of concern today due to the exorbitant price of Grand Prix tickets.
Indeed, according to a study conducted by Safe Betting Sites, the average cost of general admission tickets has increased by 123% since 2019. By comparing the starting prices of tickets for Friday, Saturday, Sunday, as well as for the entire race weekend over a five-year period, up to 2024, the figures obtained are worrying for F1 fans.
A constant evolution of prices
The biggest price increase concerns the tickets for Friday’s free practice sessions, which have risen from £50 (€59) in 2019 to £139 (€164) in 2024. Note that they were at £169 (€211) last year, which represents a 178% price increase.
As for Saturday, the rates did not increase as sharply, but still remain significantly higher with a price increase of 99%, rising from £189 (€223) this year to £95 (€112) in 2019.
For Sunday, race day tickets increased by 121%, with a price of £309 (€364) this year compared to £140 (€165) five years ago. The smallest increase concerns the price of tickets for the full weekend, from Friday to Sunday, which saw a 94% surge in its price, rising from £180 to £349 (€212 to €411).
This sudden and exponential increase is due to several factors, particularly dynamic pricing that introduces dynamic prices based on demand and therefore updated every 90 seconds, which means that most fans will end up paying much more than the price indicated on their tickets. An unbearable situation for the fans, but supported by the managing director of the British Grand Prix, Stuart Pringle.
Why are prices increasing so quickly?
(e) If there is a strong likelihood of seeing the same winner, and chance is eliminated from sports, it takes away its appeal. Last year was very repetitive in terms of one team’s dominance and they have started this season in the same vein. The BRDC has always chosen to operate as a non-profit organization. Except for a small percentage that goes towards the club’s operating expenses, 95% of the money is reinvested,” he recently explained in The Guardian.
According to him, it is the lack of excitement due to the prospect of seeing the same winner, in this case Max Verstappen, that is preventing the circuit from filling all the seats. Thus, a price increase would be inevitable to maintain the British Grand Prix and reinvest in Silverstone. This situation has sparked a lot of reactions, especially from Lewis Hamilton, an 8-time winner on this circuit, who laments extremely expensive tickets for fans.
Prices too high for the public according to the local hero
« The only thing I would say is that ticket prices need to be monitored. I think they keep rising. I feel that the cost of living is too high nowadays. Of course, I might be wrong in saying that, but I’m just considering it from a fan’s perspective. It’s extremely expensive. Therefore, I believe we should look for ways to improve accessibility for people. »
Shocking remarks made by the seven-time world champion, but true for a Grand Prix that is currently leading in price rankings. In comparison, China offered average tickets at £155 or €182, which was the lowest price on the calendar. Out of the 24 races, the British Grand Prix has the fifth highest average price for a weekend ticket, notably behind Las Vegas.
A very complicated situation for a historic circuit that could end up losing its place on the Formula 1 calendar. Let’s hope that Sunday’s race gives us a great show to force Stuart Pringle to review the prices for Silverstone in order to allow fans to fully enjoy this special weekend.
