Formula 1 is drawing record crowds and attracting more women and younger fans. For Hong Kong residents, Singapore, Shanghai and Japan offer three very different racing experiences.
Formula 1 attracted a record 6.7 million spectators across 24 race weekends in 2025. Nineteen events sold out, while 11 set attendance records. The first 11 races of 2026 also sold out. The sport's audience has changed considerably, partly thanks to Netflix's Drive to Survive and social media introducing drivers to new fans. Women now account for an estimated 42% of F1's global audience, up from 37% in 2018, while 43% of fans are under 35. Grand Prix weekends have also become major entertainment events, with concerts, celebrity appearances and merchandise shops attracting visitors beyond traditional racing fans.
For Hong Kong residents considering a trip in 2027, three nearby races stand out. With tickets already going on sale, it's worth planning ahead.
Singapore might be the best place to start Singapore is one of the most appealing options for Hong Kong F1 fans planning a weekend getaway. Cars race through Marina Bay at night against the city's skyline, while concerts make the Grand Prix feel like a music festival. The 2026 event featured Lana Del Rey, Janet Jackson and Goo Goo Dolls, with the previous year's lineup including Elton John, Foo Fighters and Crowded House. There's plenty happening between races, too, from racing simulators and acrobats to street performers and merchandise stalls. The souvenirs aren't cheap, but shopping has become part of the experience. The biggest downside is the heat. Singapore's humidity can be exhausting after hours outdoors, particularly without access to expensive air-conditioned hospitality lounges. Still, it's an easy trip from Hong Kong, with direct flights taking around four hours.
The circuit is also conveniently located downtown, with several MRT stations within walking distance. The race takes place October 8–10, 2027, with regular tickets going on sale November 11, 2026. Three-day Zone 4 Walkabout tickets start at S$598 while Premier Walkabout tickets start at S$768. Neither includes an assigned grandstand seat. The 2026 Singapore Grand Prix recorded 301,294 attendees over three days, making early hotel reservations particularly important.
Shanghai offers something different. For Hong Kong fans more interested in racing than concerts, Shanghai could be the better fit. The Chinese Grand Prix takes place April 16–18, 2027, at Shanghai International Circuit, roughly 30 kilometres northwest of the city centre. It's a purpose-built track with long straights and sweeping corners. Grandstands offer views of several sections of the circuit, something harder to find at Singapore's street race.
Direct flights from Hong Kong take around two and a half hours, while Shanghai Metro Line 11 takes visitors to the circuit. In 2026, three-day general admission cost RMB480, with grandstand seats starting at RMB1,580. Official 2027 prices have yet to be confirmed. April weather can be chilly, especially when sitting outdoors for hours. There's also limited indoor shelter at the circuit, so bringing an extra layer is sensible.
Japan is the one for serious racing fans Ask longtime F1 followers which circuits they'd most like to visit, and Suzuka will usually come up. The Japanese Grand Prix takes place April 9–11, 2027, one week before Shanghai. The event will also feature a sprint race, giving fans another competitive session to watch. Suzuka is famous for its figure-eight layout, fast corners and enthusiastic spectators.
The circuit is roughly 50 kilometres from Nagoya, making it less convenient to reach than Singapore or Shanghai. Many visitors stay in Nagoya before travelling by train toward Suzuka, followed by a shuttle or local transport to the circuit. Tickets for the 2026 event started at ¥18,000 for a three-day West Area pass, while grandstand seats generally ranged from around ¥22,000 to well over ¥90,000. Like Shanghai, Suzuka can be cool in April, and spectators should prepare to spend much of the day outdoors.
And there's always Macao. Hong Kong residents don't necessarily need to board a plane to see international motorsport. The 73rd Macau Grand Prix takes place November 19–22, 2026, on the Guia Circuit, a narrow street track where drivers have little room for error. It's not Formula 1, but the event features Formula Regional and Formula 4 single-seaters, GT sports cars, touring cars and motorcycle racing.
Tickets start at MOP100 for Thursday and Friday, while weekend admission ranges from MOP400 to MOP1,200, depending on the grandstand. It's a considerably cheaper introduction to motorsport than travelling overseas. It isn't too early to decide which race to attend. Singapore offers the most entertainment, Shanghai is convenient for fans focused on racing and Suzuka provides the chance to visit one of F1's most celebrated circuits. But with record crowds attending races around the world, planning ahead matters. Popular grandstands can sell out months in advance, while nearby hotels become harder to find and flights more expensive as race weekends approach. Singapore's November 11 ticket sale makes that especially relevant now. For Hong Kong fans hoping to attend a Grand Prix in 2027, securing tickets and accommodation early could make all the difference.
Formula 1 is drawing record crowds and attracting more women and younger fans. For Hong Kong residents, Singapore, Shanghai and Japan offer three very different racing experiences.
Formula 1 attracted a record 6.7 million spectators across 24 race weekends in 2025. Nineteen events sold out, while 11 set attendance records. The first 11 races of 2026 also sold out. The sport's audience has changed considerably, partly thanks to Netflix's Drive to Survive and social media introducing drivers to new fans. Women now account for an estimated 42% of F1's global audience, up from 37% in 2018, while 43% of fans are under 35. Grand Prix weekends have also become major entertainment events, with concerts, celebrity appearances and merchandise shops attracting visitors beyond traditional racing fans.
For Hong Kong residents considering a trip in 2027, three nearby races stand out. With tickets already going on sale, it's worth planning ahead.
Singapore might be the best place to start Singapore is one of the most appealing options for Hong Kong F1 fans planning a weekend getaway. Cars race through Marina Bay at night against the city's skyline, while concerts make the Grand Prix feel like a music festival. The 2026 event featured Lana Del Rey, Janet Jackson and Goo Goo Dolls, with the previous year's lineup including Elton John, Foo Fighters and Crowded House. There's plenty happening between races, too, from racing simulators and acrobats to street performers and merchandise stalls. The souvenirs aren't cheap, but shopping has become part of the experience. The biggest downside is the heat. Singapore's humidity can be exhausting after hours outdoors, particularly without access to expensive air-conditioned hospitality lounges. Still, it's an easy trip from Hong Kong, with direct flights taking around four hours.
The circuit is also conveniently located downtown, with several MRT stations within walking distance. The race takes place October 8–10, 2027, with regular tickets going on sale November 11, 2026. Three-day Zone 4 Walkabout tickets start at S$598 while Premier Walkabout tickets start at S$768. Neither includes an assigned grandstand seat. The 2026 Singapore Grand Prix recorded 301,294 attendees over three days, making early hotel reservations particularly important.
Shanghai offers something different. For Hong Kong fans more interested in racing than concerts, Shanghai could be the better fit. The Chinese Grand Prix takes place April 16–18, 2027, at Shanghai International Circuit, roughly 30 kilometres northwest of the city centre. It's a purpose-built track with long straights and sweeping corners. Grandstands offer views of several sections of the circuit, something harder to find at Singapore's street race.
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Direct flights from Hong Kong take around two and a half hours, while Shanghai Metro Line 11 takes visitors to the circuit. In 2026, three-day general admission cost RMB480, with grandstand seats starting at RMB1,580. Official 2027 prices have yet to be confirmed. April weather can be chilly, especially when sitting outdoors for hours. There's also limited indoor shelter at the circuit, so bringing an extra layer is sensible.
Japan is the one for serious racing fans Ask longtime F1 followers which circuits they'd most like to visit, and Suzuka will usually come up. The Japanese Grand Prix takes place April 9–11, 2027, one week before Shanghai. The event will also feature a sprint race, giving fans another competitive session to watch. Suzuka is famous for its figure-eight layout, fast corners and enthusiastic spectators.
The circuit is roughly 50 kilometres from Nagoya, making it less convenient to reach than Singapore or Shanghai. Many visitors stay in Nagoya before travelling by train toward Suzuka, followed by a shuttle or local transport to the circuit. Tickets for the 2026 event started at ¥18,000 for a three-day West Area pass, while grandstand seats generally ranged from around ¥22,000 to well over ¥90,000. Like Shanghai, Suzuka can be cool in April, and spectators should prepare to spend much of the day outdoors.
And there's always Macao. Hong Kong residents don't necessarily need to board a plane to see international motorsport. The 73rd Macau Grand Prix takes place November 19–22, 2026, on the Guia Circuit, a narrow street track where drivers have little room for error. It's not Formula 1, but the event features Formula Regional and Formula 4 single-seaters, GT sports cars, touring cars and motorcycle racing.
Tickets start at MOP100 for Thursday and Friday, while weekend admission ranges from MOP400 to MOP1,200, depending on the grandstand. It's a considerably cheaper introduction to motorsport than travelling overseas. It isn't too early to decide which race to attend. Singapore offers the most entertainment, Shanghai is convenient for fans focused on racing and Suzuka provides the chance to visit one of F1's most celebrated circuits. But with record crowds attending races around the world, planning ahead matters. Popular grandstands can sell out months in advance, while nearby hotels become harder to find and flights more expensive as race weekends approach. Singapore's November 11 ticket sale makes that especially relevant now. For Hong Kong fans hoping to attend a Grand Prix in 2027, securing tickets and accommodation early could make all the difference.
