How to Get F1 GRID Access? (LEGALLY!)

Getting access to the F1 grid is the holy grail when it comes to Formula 1. Is it possible? Of course! Just look at all these people. But how do they get that coveted sticker? Let me explain.

The Hectic Hour Before a Race

The hour prior to a Formula 1 race start is incredibly hectic out on the grid. The grid opens at 14:00, and that’s when all the mechanics head out with their essential equipment like dry ice, generators, cooling units, safety barriers, and everything needed to set a car up for the start. However, there are plenty of people out there who aren’t working in Formula 1, but they’ve managed to get one of those prized stickers that sit on their lanyard indicating grid access. These stickers are highly coveted, and so few get distributed that it’s not easy to get invited onto the grid.

Most of these non-working individuals are invited guests. Before these guests are allowed onto the grid, a whole host of preparations happen. The crew sets up their grid boxes, which are indicated by signs along the track. Each team has upwards of ten mechanics ready for their car to arrive at the grid box. These mechanics have special passes, so they don’t need the fluoro sticker that working media require.

Behind the Lens

Some of my best pictures come from the grid due to the fantastic access we get. Many of these photos wind up in my F1 photo books, which you can find at Kym Illman’s Store. There’s one book for every driver and every race I’ve shot over the last four years.

Crossing Pit Lane

If it’s a 15:00 race start, at 14:17, pit lane becomes closed for crossing unless you’re a crew member. Before that, all TV crews are busy in the pit lane. If they haven’t crossed to get onto the grid by 14:17, they have to wait until 14:30 when the pit lane opens for all F1 cars to leave their garages, do a lap, and return to the pit lane.

While the cars are going down pit lane, only mechanics can cross. They then drive around to the back of the grid, which allows for some sensational photo opportunities. This is the only time we can realistically stand in front of a moving car while the driver is still in it, being wheeled down the grid by mechanics.

Who Gets Invited?

Now, you might be wondering if you can be one of those invited people on the grid. The answer is yes! Typically, they are celebrities, influencers, friends of teams, or VIPs. Sometimes VIPs can bring an assistant or friend along. The stickers can be distributed by the FIA or F1, and teams are allotted a certain number of grid stickers to give out as they choose.

What if you’re under 18? Yes, there are often youngsters out there, like Mariah Carey’s son, who was once on the grid. If you are fortunate enough to be an influencer or a friend of one, be mindful that you need to wear closed-toed shoes. I’ve seen many people turned away for wearing unsuitable footwear.

Can You Buy a Ticket for Grid Access?

You might think there’s a ticket you can buy for grid access, but I’ve never heard of one. You can buy tickets for pit lane access, and F1 garages are prime spots for those with plenty of money enjoying a remarkable view of the race.

So, what’s in it for Formula 1 to allow VIPs and influencers onto the grid? The exposure they get from influencers posting about their experience is massive. A single post from someone like Cristiano Ronaldo could be worth millions of dollars. However, there are limited passes available, so if you’re going to get one, consider yourself lucky.

Finding Celebrities

As a photographer, it can be tricky to identify who’s who. For instance, I once saw Pedro, one of the PR guys at Ferrari, escorting a woman with dark hair. I asked if that was Peggy Gou, and it turned out to be her! Sometimes, we just look for selfie hunters or masses of media clamoring for attention.

When looking for celebrities, I often follow Martin Brundle, who has a producer in his ear guiding him to various stars. At 14:00, when the grid opens, Katie and her team lay out the red carpet, setting up names for drivers and celebrities, trophies, and entertainers.

Best and Worst Tracks for Grid Access

Some of you might ask which tracks are the best and worst for grid access. Monaco is the tightest, with drivers often walking back past their cars into pit lane. However, tracks like Bahrain and China are much wider, making navigation easier. Those celebrities start coming onto the track just after 14:30 for a 15:00 race start, and they all need to leave shortly after the national anthem.

Realistically, there’s only a 17-minute window to spend time on the grid, and it can be absolute chaos. You’ve got F1 head Stefano Domenicali and FIA head Mohammed Ben Sulayem bringing their guests, often with a large entourage.

Other Ways to Get Grid Access

Another way to get a grid pass is to be a team sponsor. The larger the sponsor, the better chance of getting a grid sticker.

There’s a countdown provided over the PA to ensure drivers are back in time for the national anthem. Recently, Carlos Sainz was fined €20,000 for being late, with €10,000 suspended. This highlights the importance of being on time for photo opportunities and TV coverage.

Leaving the Grid

Once the national anthem finishes, drivers head back to their grid boxes, and that’s the cue for every invited guest, including media, to leave the track. As a photographer, I typically head to the outside to shoot from the turn one tower or sometimes go down pit lane, especially at Imola and Abu Dhabi.

I’ve been fortunate to have grid access throughout most of my F1 career, except for my first season, when access was on a race-by-race basis. Sneaking onto the track isn’t an option; you’d have to get into the paddock first, which is nearly impossible, and then cross pit lane past several security personnel who are trained to identify those with grid stickers.

Conclusion

If you ever get the chance to be on the grid, it’s an experience you won’t forget. Being that close to the drivers and cars, with fans in the grandstand wishing they could be where you are, is something special. If you’re not a celebrity, influencer, sponsor, or a friend of those who are, you might find watching the podium from below is a more attainable goal.

There are tickets in Paddock Club allowing access to pit lane and the podium, where you could even end up showered in champagne! Sometimes, I just kick myself for how lucky I am to be on the grid. If you see me out there, please say hi, and I’ll take your photo!