Photo credit: www.motorsport.com
Off to the Races: Female Fans Take Center Stage in Formula 1
“This isn’t Formula 1 Fyre Fest,” Alexandra Zigrang laughs, dispelling any notions of impractical expectations from her fledgling travel company, Off to the Races.
Founded just a year ago in Barcelona, Off to the Races isn’t just surviving; it’s redefining the experience of attending Formula 1 events. Zigrang’s company focuses on creating a vacation that appeals to female fans, stepping away from the stereotypical racing experience that has often excluded women from the fold. By offering a well-curated combination of racing excitement, premium hospitality, and luxurious accommodations, they aim to provide a sophisticated and enjoyable atmosphere for women in the motorsport world.
Off to the Races has successfully brought female fans together from five different countries, with a strong representation from the United States. The customer demographic closely mirrors the typical modern F1 fan: primarily American women in their 30s, like Sara Lett. The 38-year-old tech marketer from Atlanta first got hooked on Formula 1 by watching “Drive to Survive” in 2023. Despite her Indiana upbringing, where she witnessed the Indianapolis 500, she had never been drawn to the sport until the Netflix series piqued her interest.
“I was like, ‘sold!’” Lett recalls, excitedly recounting the moment she became intrigued. With whispers of uncertainty surrounding driver Daniel Ricciardo’s future and Lewis Hamilton’s potential move to Ferrari, Lett became eager to experience the action firsthand as the drivers raced past her at exhilarating speeds.
Initially overwhelmed by the logistics and costs associated with attending a race weekend, Lett discovered Off to the Races via Instagram, where it connects with female fans who share a passion for motorsport.
Curating Memorable Experiences
When deciding on race destinations, Zigrang considers factors such as budget, logistics, cultural experiences, and, importantly, gastronomy. Notably, she avoids tracks that present logistical challenges, such as Spa in Belgium or Monaco, which she humorously notes will only be on the itinerary when she can secure a yacht.
Zigrang’s extensive background in VIP management within the international art scene gave her insight into an underrepresented market in Formula 1 travel planning, predominantly dominated by male-run, UK-based companies. She recognized a gap in the market when it came to providing a fresh perspective geared toward women, who often seek a more enriching travel experience.
To illustrate the stark difference, traditional ticket packages, like those offered by F1 Experiences, cater to a more general audience with options ranging from basic tickets to luxury suites, often with steep prices. For instance, a grandstand pass for the upcoming Mexican Grand Prix can command over €4,000 per person, but the overall experience varies significantly from what Off to the Races provides.
This season, the Mexican Grand Prix served as the finale for Off to the Races, following earlier trips to both the Spanish and Dutch Grands Prix. The weekend included upscale accommodations, access to hospitality suites, and memorable dining experiences at renowned restaurants like Aúna and Contramar. Morning routines featured calming yoga sessions and cultural tours before the excitement of race day commenced, complete with transportation arranged in stylish Mercedes vans.
Looking ahead to 2025, Zigrang has already laid out an ambitious travel itinerary that includes key races in Miami, Barcelona, and Zandvoort. There are plans to expand further into Australia, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore, with innovative itineraries, including a “sprint series” to offer short trips between select double-header races.
Participants in these trips not only share accommodations but also partake in once-in-a-lifetime experiences, from exclusive VIP access at the track to culinary delights. For Lett, the thrill of being at the racetrack far outweighed any minor inconveniences like sharing a room. “We’re in hospitality, we have transportation, a little sightseeing, and then exquisite dining and influencer engagement. On that special night, we just happened to celebrate on the same rooftop as Red Bull Racing,” she shared enthusiastically.
Despite interacting with notable figures and sponsors, it was the exhilarating roar of the engines that truly captivated Lett’s senses. “You literally get goosebumps,” she expressed, excitedly reflecting on the moment the cars took to the track, solidifying her presence in the world of Formula 1 beyond the confines of her living room.
A Changing Landscape for Female Fans
Data shows that between 2017 and 2022, female viewership in F1 grew by 8 percent, now representing over 40 percent of the sport’s overall audience. Women have united online, sharing edits and merchandise, and challenging the often male-dominated narrative in motorsport. However, this surge in online participation has not fully translated into attendance at live events.
Zigrang noted that many women who do attend races often arrive accompanied by male partners or family members, demonstrating a disconnect between the online community and live fan base. Exclusionary dynamics, compounded by safety issues in grandstands, have also limited female attendance. Complaints from female fans about harassment at races have led the FIA to address the need for improved security and inclusivity measures.
The challenges don’t stop there; many women feel pressured to prove their knowledge when engaging with other fans, often facing condescending questions about terminology and driver stats. Zigrang’s observation reveals how this dynamic stifles enthusiasm and participation, making Off to the Races a vital space for women to feel welcomed.
“A lot of these women don’t, day-to-day, have people to talk to about this fandom with,” said Zigrang, highlighting the value of community. Even as race weekends come to an end, friendships formed during these excursions endure, manifesting in ongoing discussions through social media platforms. “We have an Instagram chat that’s abuzz almost daily with F1 conversations,” Lett remarked.
“People are just excited to be able to go enjoy the sport that they love and have a group to do it with,” Zigrang concluded, underscoring that for many women, stepping into the world of Formula 1 has never felt more possible. “For a lot of women, they’re like, ‘I would have never done this on my own.’”
Source
www.motorsport.com