Bucket List / Experience Goals
Drive A Formula 1 Car
Still to do
Lie back in a carbon tub inches off the tarmac, with an engine screaming behind your head and no roof above it.
The adventure
Climbing into a single-seater feels like pulling on a tight boot. You lower yourself into a narrow cockpit, legs stretched out flat in front of you, the steering wheel clicked into place and the harness pulled so tight you can barely breathe. The engine fires up just behind your back and the whole car vibrates.
Out on track, everything happens faster than your brain is used to. The acceleration pushes you back into the seat, the steering is heavy and direct, and every bump in the tarmac comes straight through your spine. The braking point arrives in a blur; stamp on the pedal and your helmet strains forward against the straps. By the end of the session your neck aches, your arms are tired, and you finally understand why F1 drivers train so hard.
Why it’s epic
- Real F1 drivers experience cornering and braking forces of around 5g, and some single-seaters give you a taste of that.
- Single-seater experiences usually use Formula Renault or Formula 3-style cars, which are much lighter and quicker than road cars.
- Days usually include a briefing, sighting laps and instruction from racing drivers.
- A handful of specialist companies abroad offer drives in genuine older F1 cars.
What it is
Several companies offer driving experiences in single-seater racing cars.
How to do it
Book an experience day that includes training.
Top tip
Check the car's specification; true F1 cars are rarely available.
Need to know
- You need a full driving licence, and height and weight limits apply because the cockpits are tiny.
- Most experiences give a set number of laps after training, so read what is included before booking.
- Driving a genuine F1 car is rare and very expensive, and usually requires previous racing experience.
Make it happen
Why it’s on my list
My love for Formula One extends further than just watching it, I want to get involved. Apart from following Formula 1 around the world, I am going to try and drive of a Formula 1 car. The ultimate dream would be to be an F1 driver, however I don’t have the funding, let alone the talent!
The closest I am likely to get is a driving experience in a Formula One car, I am sure it will be a totally thrilling experience!
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