If this is your first time attending a Formula 1 race, you’re in luck because there are so many exciting experiences ahead of you. Does it mean you need a stylish dress? Of course, you do. So you may ask, what do you wear to a Formula 1 race? If you pack evening attire and homemade pajamas altogether into your suitcase, you repeat my mistake. Don’t do that since you don’t need that extra weight. Then, what is the best Formula 1 outfit? Here are some ideas to simplify your preparations, whether going to the Saudi Arabian or Miami Grands Prix.

My First Formula 1 Race Or The Outfit That Was A Complete Failure

If I knew that performance on the track was just as crucial to F1 fans as to the drivers, I would never wear such uncomfortable layering clothes. My skinny jeans, knit cardigan, and trench coat are perfect for everyday use. However, they were unsuitable for the long walks around the F1 track.

I dreamed of swapping my high-heeled boots, which made walking over 5 kilometers long track a nightmare, for nice sneakers I had left home. So I went to the store that day and bought a new pair of sneakers, which made me happier than ever.

However, the failed outfit led me to come up with three main rules that I’ve used over the years:

1 Performance Is the Key

In short, you can wear whatever you want to a Formula 1 race. However, it has to be something you feel comfortable in, whether walking over 20000 steps or sitting for hours.

2 Opt for Comfort instead of Fashion

High fashion doesn’t work for the same reason. Unless you’re a Formula 1 Paddock Club member or the guest in the F1 team’s box, opt for comfort when you go to an F1 race.

3 Different Weather and Locations Make Sense

Weather changes during the day are no less essential than the overall forecast for the race weekend.

You have to bear in mind the cultural differences. The Miami Grand Prix might be too glamorous for the Japanese GP.

So, the ideal clothing for a Formula 1 event combines performance and comfort multiplied by the weather and location.  

What is that? That is the smart casual dress code.

The Best Formula 1 Dress Code Or Smart Casual Ideas

A smart casual dress code ensures you look your best while cheering for your favorite drivers, like Max Verstappen, or teams like Red Bull, Ferrari, Mercedes, and Aston Martin.

This style is comfortable and sophisticated. It allows you to blend in with the crowd and the adrenaline-pumping atmosphere of race day.

Women’s problem is that their outfits must be a mix of comfort and style, with style often sacrificed for comfort. Let’s try to find a happy medium.

Smart Casual Ideas: What To Wear To A Formula 1 Race For Women?

If you’re a female F1 fan, opt for breathable fabrics of polo shirts or shirts in your favorite team colors, such as those of Oracle Red Bull Racing or Williams Racing.

A well-fitting jeans paired with a stylish t-shirt or a sleek bomber jacket adds a casual yet cool vibe.

Choose a midi or maxi dress that’s easy to move in. Look for styles with a sporty twist and racing themes, but ones veiled by the cut. The dress can have bold prints and geometric patterns, while the racing stripes will be bland.

If the weather’s warm during the Formula 1 weekend, tailored shorts can be an option, while lightweight trousers are a sensible choice for cooler days.

You can also bring a lightweight jacket or hoodie representing your favorite F1 team. For example, a skirt and sneakers paired with a lightweight blazer over a team-colored top make for a stylish outfit.

Choose a jumpsuit that is perfect for a day of excitement. It can be any color you want, but it must also be made of breathable and natural fabrics.

Comfortable footwear will pay you off with time and composure. Therefore, high heels may not be practical. So, consider stylish yet comfortable shoes, such as sneakers or flats, to keep you on your feet all day without sacrificing style.

Skip the extravagant looks and stick to biker chic styles. Add accessories, such as a cap with your favorite F1 team logo, sunglasses, and a statement necklace or earrings.

What To Wear To A Formula 1 Race For Men?

The smart casual dress code offers plenty of ideas for what to wear to the F1 race for men.

Wearing an official F1 merchandise polo or button-up shirt with jeans is a classic male F1 outfit.

Choose something breathable with a fashionable yet relaxed fit. A stylish T-shirt or cool graphic tee paired with tailored shorts or solid-colored chinos will keep you comfortable throughout the event, while well-cut footwear such as canvas shoes will get you through long hours on the track.

For colder weather, switch to your favorite team’s bomber jacket with the classic jeans or leather jacket combo for a timeless look.

Accessories for All Day Comfort

Aside from the essentials like sunscreen, a water bottle, and tickets, every F1 fan must carry another stylish attribute that will make the F1 experience more enjoyable.

A backpack or cross-body bag is necessary to keep your hands free for the more important things, like carrying your favorite team’s flag or taking a picture of your favorite driver.

Protip: Don’t buy F1 merchandise at the track, as it can be twice as expensive as what you can order from the official website.

What To Wear At Different Grands Prix: Race-specific Style Tips

The Formula 1 calendar covers over 20 countries, but the cultural differences of some can affect your decision on what to wear, even though the Grand Prix is an international event.

However, you can add creativity to your look to respect cultural differences at the Miami, Saudi Arabia, Suzuka, Las Vegas, Austin, and Qatar Grands Prix.  

Saudi Arabia And Qatar-specific Style Tips For F1 Fans

It is still better to keep the dress code at the Saudi Arabia and Qatar races even though officials withdrew it.

While the race exudes a contemporary atmosphere, it remains crucial to approach the event with cultural sensitivity and respect for the region’s rich heritage.

Therefore, dressing modestly at the F1 race is a cherished value for individuals.

What To Wear To The Saudi Grand Prix?

Individuals must wear light fabrics and neutral colors, but they can be creative with the F1 merchandise.

For men, look for loose-fitting clothing, a collared shirt or T-shirt, and pants in a neutral palette. They can wear black jeans with their favorite F1 team T-shirts or pair them with classic slacks.

I think the best men’s outfit for the Saudi Arabia or Qatar Grand Prix is designed in ‘old money’ and ‘office’ styles, although the sporty style is sometimes appropriate.

For the Saudi Arabia and Qatar Grands Prix, office and old money styles are appropriate for women. They can wear long, flowing, modest dresses, skirts or trousers, and blouses that cover the shoulders or scarves to hide them.

Females can wear palazzo pants with sneakers and baggy blouses. However, I think it is better to conjure something gender-neutral or with trendy oversized clothes like shirts.

What To Avoid In Wearing On The Formula 1 In The Middle East?

In short, it is better to avoid streetwear, while extravagance is not acceptable.

Men should avoid jeans, brightly colored shorts, swimwear, and open shoes. Women should refuse open clothing such as tank tops without jackets, miniskirts, shorts, neon colors, and open shoes.

The secret of the Saudi F1 outfit style is to wear natural fabrics because the more original it is – the more stylish you will be.

In addition, F1 races in the Middle East are places where you can wear jewelry. They must also be made of indigenous materials such as silver, gold, or tree and stones for costume jewelry.

Las Vegas And Austin Grand Prix-specific Style Tips For F1 Fans

Unlike Qatar and Saudi Arabia, there is no dress code at the Austin and Las Vegas Grand Prix. So feel free to use the suggested ideas and add light touches to make your look more stylish.

For example, women can wear comfortable sundresses or denim with a fun top, while a wide-brimmed hat can provide some sun protection. Another female’s outfit for the race in Austin is a denim romper paired with a motorcore jacket and white sneakers or boots for a comfortable all-day look.

Men can also wear a leather jacket with a colorful sweater and casual shorts or jeans with a T-shirt or casual button-down.

However, because Austin has a laid-back attitude, you can opt for streetwear and express personal style while keeping comfort in mind.

The Las Vegas Grand Prix is more glamorous, and you can spice up the smart casual style with stylish details. For example, women can wear sequined dresses, fashion tops with jeans, or jumpsuits with motorcore accessories. Shoes can be walkable but also look chic, like ankle boots.

Men at the Las Vegas Grand Prix can go with old-money style but complement it with streetwear or other brightly colored clothing, from fitted jeans to colorful shirts or graphic tees. Stylish sneakers or loafers can complete the look.

What To Wear To A Formula 1 Race Miami?

The race style in Miami is a blend of glamour, beach culture, and sports enthusiasm. Therefore, F1 fans can wear colorful outfits with bright pastel pink or aqua-green patterns of Miami’s vibe. Overall, they are free to experiment with trendy or summery styles.

Women can wear summer dresses or colorful rompers with comfortable sandals or sneakers, while trendy sunglasses and accessories embrace the Miami flair.

Men can opt for casual shorts or light pants with a stylish T-shirt or short-sleeved shirt, complemented with sunglasses and slip-on shoes or sneakers.

Japanese Grand Prix-specific Style Tips For F1 Fans

The Japanese GP is the only place where F1 fans can wear any extravagant outfit they want. No one will mind because there is a good tradition of expressing passion for F1 through style. Any clothing: shoes, T-shirts, you can wear anything to the Japanese Grand Prix.

The only rule is to keep it neat, considering layers due to the weather.

For the Japanese Grand Prix, women can wear fitted dresses or tailored trousers with a stylish streetwear top. They can pair them with comfortable walking shoes such as sneakers or boots in case of rain.

Chinos or dark jeans with a polo or button-up shirt, complemented by dress shoes, are part of the smart casual look for men.

Summing up

Comfort is paramount when going to Formula 1 for the first time. Your outfit should allow you to enjoy all the F1 experience, including the heat, noise, and long hours on your feet.

Since you’ll be on your feet, choose clothing that allows movement and breathability. Avoid heavy fabrics or garments that are too restrictive, so prioritize performance and flexibility in your fabric choices.

The smart casual dress code works best for all Formula 1 attendees. It is simple and comfortable for people of all genders.

Although some specific races, such as the Saudi Arabia and Qatar Grands Prix, require additional changes to your style, which is a great way to be more creative.

However, the suggested style suits the Formula 1 entertainment program because the more casual you look, the more ready you are for it.

The F1 merchandise and your race-specific, colorful accessories make a statement. So how you combine them is up to you.

Check out some F1 drivers’ outfit ideas if you still have a problem.