F1 consider offering free or discounted tickets

Tom Rawcliffe
Silverstone grandstand PA

Silverstone grandstand PA

Formula 1 are hoping to make race tickets cheaper, or even free of charge, for people from local communities and underprivileged backgrounds.

Supporters missed the vast majority of races last season due to the coronavirus outbreak, but as vaccinations are rolled out worldwide and rates of infection continue to fall, it is looking hopeful for fans to return to the stands at races in 2021.

Attending a race can be expensive, though, and that is something that the sport’s bosses are well aware of and they are working on making it more accessible for people of all backgrounds.

As quoted by Autosport, Yath Gangakumaran, the F1 director of strategy and business, said: “We know that attending an F1 event can be expensive.

“It’s slightly different, obviously in that you’re paying for three days and several hours worth of content across a weekend versus say a football match which is just 90 minutes on one day. That being said, it’s still a significant outlay.

“As part of our second pillar about sustainable events by 2025, a key component is working with each of the promoters to see where we can ensure that people from the local community, particularly from underprivileged backgrounds are able to access the events at either a heavily discounted rate or free of charge.

“That is something that is being worked through with the different promoters. It will take time, and obviously everyone is coming out of a coronavirus situation which has really hit hard event operates.

“But that is something we are working on with the promoters as we work on meeting our goals for 2025.”

Silverstone Lewis Hamilton with fans
Silverstone chief thinks fans would accept "vaccine passports" to return to stadiums.

F1 TV is offering 25% off their annual subscriptions! Click here and use the code F1TV25 at the checkout

Another goal Formula 1 has for 2025 is to become fully sustainable, while they hope the series will be carbon neutral by 2030.

That seems a long way away for now, but the sport is starting to take action as soon as possible.

“This year one of the big things we’re executing on is a dramatic reduction in single-use plastics within the pit and paddock,” added Gangakumaran.

“We control the pit and paddock, so we’ve got more of an opportunity to impact that short term, and we’ve got all 10 teams, the FIA and Pirelli to agree to this as well.

“From Bahrain testing, you’re going to see different operations in place from the vast majority of us, and actually come Spain, all of the members that I’ve just mentioned will have plans in place to ensure there is dramatic reduction in single-use plastic bottles, but also cutlery and crockery when you go to canteens etc.”

Bahrain are also investing in recycling infrastructure not only for the race, but year-round.

Gangakumaran said: “It is a nice small example of how we as a sport can have a positive impact on a location, not just when we’re there for the week or so, but actually beyond our time in that country.”

Follow us on Twitter @Planet_F1, like our Facebook page and join us on Instagram!