What age is too young for an F1 race?

January 5, 2010 at 7:49 am by Keith Collantine

At what age are children ready to enjoy F1?

Enko asked an interesting question on the 2010 British Grand Prix discussion page.

Do you think a five- and six-year-old would enjoy the race? Do you normally see children that young at F1 races?

Is it worth taking children to F1 races? And what is the right age to start taking them?

During an F1 practice session at Silverstone last year I saw a woman comforting a little boy who was clearly not very impressed with his first experience of F1. His screams were almost as loud as the cars.

Taking babies to an F1 race is obviously not a good idea – they’re just going to hate the noise. And older children who aren’t bothered by the din of the engines might still be too young to sit down and follow a race for two hours.

So when do children reach the age when taking them to a Grand Prix is a good idea?

I don’t have children of my own so I’m not really qualified to say – but I’m sure there are plenty of people in the F1 Fanatic community who can help out.

What I would say is that with children it’s especially important to take steps to make sure their hearing is protected – make sure they wear ear protectors or earplugs.

And for the sake of the rest of us, please don’t give them an air-horn…

Have you taken children to a Grand Prix? What tips would you offer to any parents thinking of going to an F1 race? Leave a comment below.

Swap notes and tips with other fans going to 2010 F1 races here:

Image courtesy of Pierre J. on Flickr

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94 comments on What age is too young for an F1 race?

Hammad said on 12th April 2010, 20:32

I’m hoping to go to the Monaco grand prix in May 2010 for my 30th birthday, but it would involve my wife and I taking our 20 month old son with us.

From the comments above, it looks like this is not going to work out :(

Any signs of encouragement from anybody, or should I just forget this little daydream?

Alannah said on 16th May 2010, 19:24

I must add to this, dont take anyone under the age of 15 as they just do not appreciate it! its a waste of money!

- Enigma said on 16th May 2010, 21:59
  
  That’s different from person to person. I really liked f1 and wanted to go to a race a long time before 15.
  
James Mettam said on 19th September 2010, 9:51

Does anyone know if kids under the age of 5 receive any discounts on entry to the Monaco Grand Prix, Also do grandstand tickets include admission to the race and finally would a young child aged 4 be allowed to sit on a parents knee in a grandstand or would they be required to have their own ticket ? any help would be much appreciated.

- F1 mum said on 27th October 2010, 9:45
  
  James, we are looking to go to Monaco in 2011 and have the same questions. Can’t wait to hear the responses from other keen f1 fans out there?