Image: janine_earl, indiagbrown, Scott Pye
Heading to the Australian Grand Prix? Before you go read this guide with my tips on what to wear to the Melbourne F1 to make sure you’re both on trend and comfortable.
The Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne is the third race of the season and will be held on 21st – 24 March 2024. See the full Australian GP schedule for details and timings of events each day.
Is there a dress code at the Australian Grand Prix?
General admission and grandstand ticket holders don’t have to follow any kind of dress code, you’re free to wear whatever you like.
People with VIP hospitality or Paddock Club tickets do have to follow a dress code, as specified by the Aus GP themselves:
“The minimum and the acceptable standard is smart casual. “
More information and examples of smart-casual clothing lower down this page.
What to wear - F1 general admission / grandstands
Think about the weather
Melbourne’s average temperature in March is 24°C / 75° F. It’s not the hottest part of the year for the weather, but being in the sun all day with temperatures always able to reach the 30s means you can get pretty hot. Especially as most grandstand and general admission areas are un-shaded.
However, as the days draw on it can also get a little more chilly in the late afternoon / early evenings. Bear that in mind if you’re heading to the Australian F1 concerts after the racing has finished.
Whilst you might want to look as fashionable as possible, it’s always super important to dress comfortably as watching F1 at the track can involve very long days.
Here are some of my tips for how best to dress to stay comfortable:
- Go for shorts and t-shirts for the day time, but trousers might be better if you’re planning on being there in to the evenng when it cools down
- Bring extra lightweight layers to put on later in the day to keep warm
- Loose clothing that hangs off your body is better to allow air to flow. Avoid anything too clingy, unless…
- … it’s technical sports clothing that’s ‘quick-dry’ or ‘moisture-management’ is good to help move the sweat away from your skin. It also hides the sweat well.
- Lightweight and loose linen material is the coolest
- Women’s long / loose dresses are good to keep cool. As are tops with cut outs / ventilation in them.
- Bring a hat to keep the sun off your head
- Pack sunglasses or other UV eye protection
- Apply sunscreen
Footwear
There’s always a lot of walking to be done at a Formula 1 track (my record so far is just over 30km in one day at the Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgium Grand Prix).
The Albert Park track isn’t quite as big as Spa, but if you’ve got General Admission tickets then you’ll inevitably get a lot of steps in.
So make sure you wear some comfortable shoes that you can comfortably walk and stand around in all day.
Australian GP outfit examples
Here are some examples of what to wear to the Aus GP.
As the examples show, you’re always encouraged to wear merch from your favourite F1 team, whether it be a Ferrari red top or a McLaren papaya hat.
Melbourne Formula 1 hospitality - smart casual
Hospitality and VIP ticket holders should follow a smart casual dress code at the Melbourne Grand Prix. This is most important in the Paddock Club and Champions Club, two of the most exclusive hospitality areas.
Here’s some tips on appropriate attire:
- Smart dress pants (chinos or very smart jeans) or smart tailored shorts are ok. Avoid jean shorts.
- Men should wear a collared shirt (polo shirt is ok) or a dress shirt. No singlets!
- All shoes should be clean
- Smart trainers are ok
- Avoid casual sandals, thongs or slides. Women can wear smarter sandals like Birkenstocks.
- Women can wear dresses, trousers, skirts or shorts
- No tracksuits, gymwear, swimwear or beachwear
- You’re always welcome to dress as smart as possible
- F1 team clothing is ok in the hospitality areas
Below are some smart/casual outfit examples from the Melbourne F1 race.
