2024 saw me visit new places and experience the magic of new countries! After a three-week trip to Europe on my first excursion in June-July, a fortnight later, I packed my bags again, this time to travel to Belgium from where my friends and I would drive to the Black Forest for a holiday. A few days later, I would fly to Norway for a short trip to Oslo followed by my friend accompanying me to the Belgian GP, his first-ever F1 race!

This was my 7th visit to the Belgian GP.

My outbound trip was on the 18th of July and my return was on the 5th of August. 

The experience is shot with the Samsung S24 Ultra and the rest with the Sony RX10 IV.

Mumbai - Brussels ( Emirates First ) ( 18th July 2024 ) :

Bags are packed and ready :

The oh-so-beautiful Mercedes Benz E LWB, courtesy of Emirates Chauffeur Service :

Walking through Mumbai Duty-Free:

The menu in the Lounge, time to binge :

Shots from the Lounge :

The spread at the buffet :

Settling into my A380 First Class Suite, its been a long time!

Looking forward to experience the upgraded A380 First Class Suite :

The minibar, goodies basket, Arabic Coffee and Dates :

The pushback begins :

Taking off from Mumbai ( Video Link ) :

The breakfast menu :

Fruit Platter, Croissants :

Exploring the Shower Suite onboard the newly upgraded A380 :

Walking to the back of the aeroplane for stills from the Sky Lounge :

Nearing touchdown at Dubai International Airport :

Touchdown in Dubai ( Video Link ) :

Stills from the First Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport :

Getting escorted to the Aircraft for boarding. A 15-minute bus ride as the plane was stationed away from the terminal building :

Settling into the Game Changer Suite, such a refreshing welcome :

The pushback and taxi commences :

Off we go to Brussels :

Takeoff Video ( Video Link ) :

The Voyager App is a visual delight when it comes to showcasing flight tracking :

Movie time :

Scurrying through the menu!

Lunch is served along with some lovely chocolates from Valrhona :

Flying over Europe, some beautiful views :

Time for a nap before we reach Brussels :

Touchdown in Brussels :

Touchdown Video Link :

At the De-boarding Gate :

Welcome to Brussels, the heart of Europe! 

Being driven to Etterbeek :

Brussels - Mumbai ( Emirates First ) ( 5th August 2024 ) :

From Etterbeek to the Airport :

A beautiful evening in Brussels :

Enjoying the services of the Business Class Lounge :

Walking towards the Boarding gate :

The First Class Gamechanger Suite, is truly a masterpiece in Luxury Air Travel :

Arabic Coffee and Dates make it a warm welcome!

The pushback commences :

The Voyager app, giving accurate flight info!

Saying Goodbye to Brussels ( Video Link ) :

Watching Mondo Duplantis set a new world record in the Paris Olympics :

Movie time snacks - Sliders and popcorn!

A memento ( Baggage Tags ) from the body of the first Airbus A380! It is a beautiful piece of memorabilia!

Dinner is served!

Time to get some sleep :

Nearing touchdown in Dubai :

The plane got parked a fair distance from the terminal building. It was a 20-minute ride by the Shuttle bus :

Landing Video Link :

Spending a few hours in the lounge :

A picture with Ronaldinho, a Football Legend!

Time to relax in the Suite :

The Pushback begins :

The menu for today :

Arabic Coffee and Dates to kickstart the return journey :

Taking off from Dubai International Airport :

Goodbye Dubai, until next time :

Chocolates and Detox juice, are not the best combination!

Circling above the city before the final touchdown :

Back to Mumbai :

Landing Video Link :

It's time to go home and what better way than to do it with Emirates Chauffeur service?

Airline Travel has become expensive post-COVID. After two lengthy European holidays in 2023, I drew up similar plans for 2024. 

The first trip was scheduled from 14th June to 3rd July, where I got the chance to spend a few days in Eindhoven, followed by a trip to Austria for the Austrian GP!

The trip after my first was only a fortnight later, where I would have the opportunity to holiday in Black Forest followed by a quick trip to Oslo and then further on to the Belgian GP!

This post is my trip down memory lane, as I relive the amazing journey from Mumbai to Brussels and back!

My outbound flight was on 14th June and my return flight was on 3rd July. Thankfully, with my miles upgrade, I had the luxury of flying in First Class on both my journeys!

A part of the experience is shot with the Samsung S24 Ultra and the rest with the Sony RX10 IV.

Mumbai - Brussels ( Emirates First ) ( 14th June 2024 ) :

Bags packed and ready :

Emirates Chauffeur arriving for pickup :

A breeze through Mumbai International Airport and it was time to relax in the Lounge!

Enjoying the luxury of the Adani Lounge in Terminal 2 :

A rainy but beautiful morning in Mumbai :

Meeting Shriya Saran, a movie star and capturing the moment ( again ) :

Krushna Abhishek and Sudesh Lehri, popular comedians :

Welcome to Seat 1A :

The Menu for the Mumbai - Dubai leg :

The pushback and taxiing begins :

Off we go to Dubai :

Take off from Mumbai ( Video Link ) :

Time for an early lunch!

Touchdown Dubai :

Landing in Dubai ( Video Link ) :

A picture with South Indian Superstar Mahesh Babu!

Dubai Airport is relatively quiet after the early morning rush hour :

After a two-hour layover, it was time to board and experience the Game Changer Suites in 2024!

Settling into my Game Changer Suite :

The menu for the journey features some movie-time snacks too!

Goodies galore, the Bvlgari Amenity Kit is popular among travellers :

Taxiing to the runway for takeoff :

The journey to Brussels begins :

Takeoff from Dubai ( Video Link ) :

Vitality Boost, Nuts, Crisps and Popcorn to kickstart the binging :

Time for the lunch service :

Time for some slumber before we land in Brussels :

On the final approach to Brussels Airport :

Landing at Brussels ( Video Link ) :

Emirates Chauffeur Service ready to ferry me to my friend's home :

Brussels - Mumbai ( Emirates First ) ( 3rd July 2024 ) :

From Etterbeek to the Airport :

Some stills from the Terminal Building of Brussels International Airport, the First Class Lounge included :

Welcome to Seat 1A, again!

Some more stills :

Apple Juice, Dates and some Arabic Coffee while we wait for pushback :

What's for dinner?

Taxiing to the runway :

Off we go :

Taking off from Brussels International Airport ( Video Link ) :

Enjoying some tennis from the Wimbledon Open, thanks to Emirates Live TV :

Unfortunately, right after this, my Samsung S24 Ultra bricked and I was scurrying for options to revive the phone. All efforts failed and I would have to wait until I reached Mumbai to revive my phone again.

The photo shoot duties got switched over to Sony RX10 IV.

Enjoying some Indian fare. The Dessert was surreal, truly special!

Good night :

Circling above Dubai in the early hours of the morning :

The Final Approach to Dubai :

Touchdown :

Touchdown in Dubai ( Video Link ) :

After being escorted through the Transit terminal, it was time to relax in the lounge. 

Shots of the First Class Lounge in Dubai :

Settling into my seat :

Pushback begins :

Goodbye Dubai, see you in a fortnight :

Taking off from Dubai ( Video Link ) :

The menu for the final leg :

Approaching Mumbai, delays are a reality into Mumbai :

Finally, home!

Landing into Mumbai ( Video Link ) :

It was yet another flawless experience on Emirates. Although my return leg got marred by issues with my phone, the Airline Crew did their utmost best to make me feel comfortable. The Flying Diaries returns shortly with my 2nd trip of 2024.

Sundays are the most exciting and tense days of any race weekend. The show-stopper, or the main event, the Grand Prix , takes place on Sunday. Everything else that unfolded over the previous two days suddenly becomes irrelevant! Points are awarded on Sunday, and the day begins early for fans and team personnel.

The Sunday Experience at the 2024 F1 Belgian GP was captured with the Sony RX10 IV, DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

It was an early morning start for us on Sunday. We had to check out of our hotel in Hasselt since we intended to return to Brussels on Sunday night. 

Driving to the circuit :

The traffic en route, even during the early hours was humungous, and after navigating through it, I barely made it in time for the Carlos Sainz Jr interview in the Paddock Club. As I rushed to the Ferrari F1 Club, the Spaniard had already arrived and our MC James Towers was interviewing him.

Carlos Sainz Jr in the Ferrari F1 Club :

After Sainz's departure, I settled into my seat and wanted to indulge in some savouries & sweets.

Croissants for Breakfast :

A glorious Sunday morning at the races!

The final legends parade of the weekend, featuring some classic F1 cars!

Sunday is when the Paddock Club gets visited by several drivers, sometimes at overlapping time slots. I had to be picky about who to meet and since Red Bull Hospitality was next to us, decision-making was easy.

A moment with Daniel Ricciardo, Visa Cash App RB F1 Team.. unfortunately, the Honey Badger got forced out of the sport. This might be my last memory with him :(

There was a lull before the final pit lane walk and I had a 90-minute gap to Fred Vasseur's visit to the Ferrari F1 Club. I used it to visit the Fan Zone with my friend.

Getting out of the Paddock Club to go to the Fan Zone :

After a long walk, I finally reached the Fan Zone.

Stills from the Fan Zone :

Beautiful views of Raidillon :

Unfortunately, I got delayed at the Fan Zone and missed meeting Mr. Fredric Vasseur. Also, due to the non-availability of a shuttle, I had to walk back to the Paddock Club. More cardio!

A stricken Porsche being taken back to the support race paddock :

As I came through one of the tunnels to the support race paddock, I met Victor Martins, who had completed his Formula 2 race and was headed home from the track.

Victor Martins, Alpine Academy F2 Racer :

It was time for the final pit lane walk of the day and as I entered the Pit lane, I met another Alpine Academy Driver.

Sophia Floersch, Alpine Academy and F3 Racer :

Stills from the final Pit Lane Walk of the weekend :

The Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team practising pit stops :

Video Link of the Pit Stop Practice :

Carlos Sainz Jr's Car undergoing system checks before the race ( Video Link ) :

Post the pit lane walk, I rushed back upstairs.

Time for a quick lunch before getting a vantage point for the race :

The buildup to the race begins. Drivers getting wheeled to their respective grid slots :

Stills from the grid :

The Red Bull top brass and drivers getting ready for the GP :

The Doohans! Father-son duo on the grid :

Drivers getting suited up for the race start :

Carlos Sainz, Game face on!

Counting down to the formation lap as the grid is cleared of all non-essential personnel :

Formation Lap ( Video Links ) :

With Sony RX10 IV :

With DJI Osmo Pocket 3 :

Race Start ( Video Links ) :

With Sony RX10 IV :

With DJI Osmo Pocket 3 :

Shots from the race :

Towards the end, I walked to the Viewing Terrace which was above the Parc Ferme & the Finish Line. It also offered views of the Bus Stop Chicane.

Shots of the Bus Stop Chicane :

Chequered Flag after the race ( Video Links ) :

With Sony RX10 IV :

With DJI Osmo Pocket 3 :

Right above Parc Ferme, great to see the drivers lining up at the weighbridge :

Interviews of the Podium finishers :

Right after the interviews, the team offered me the opportunity to attend the Podium Ceremony from Pit Lane. I rushed down and after a mega sprint, I was just in time to witness the celebrations!

Shots from the Podium Ceremony :

Video Link of the Podium Celebrations :

George Russell produced a masterclass to snatch victory from Lewis Hamilton with a one-stop strategy. Lewis Hamilton and Oscar Piastri completed the podium. Although Russell won the race, he got disqualified after failing to reach the minimum weight requirements mandated by the FIA! We didn't receive this news until a lot later.

As a result, Lewis Hamilton inherited the win. Oscar Piastri got promoted to P2 while Charles Leclerc bagged P3. Carlos Sainz Jr finished P6 in the other Ferrari.

The pit lane after the race and the ceremonies are done :

Met Esteban Ocon, Alpine Racing F1 Team as I walked back to the Paddock Club :

Fans being escorted from the Pit Straight after the post-race track invasion :

It was time to say goodbye to the Paddock Club and the hosts who have become amazing friends!

The hosts of the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :

We still had time before heading back to Brussels and thanks to my friend Greg, we got the opportunity to spend some time in the Paddock!

Welcome to the F1 Paddock, again!

Getting to meet some motorsport fraternity as they headed back home!

Lando Norris, McLaren F1 Team :

Mr John Elkann, Chairman of Ferrari and Fiat :

Valtteri Bottas, Stake F1 Kick Sauber :

Yuki Tsunoda, Visa Cash App RB F1 Team :

Carlos Sainz Jr, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :

After 45 minutes, the guests got ushered out of the paddock as the team personnel commenced tearing down the motorhomes to ship them back to their respective bases for the summer break!

Taking in the sights of Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, one last time :

Time to head back.. to Brussels!

My Vlog about the Sunday Experience is also live on my YouTube Channel!

Vlog Link about the Sunday Experience on my YouTube Channel :

It was an amazing experience at the 2024 F1 Belgian GP. My college friend Gautam accompanied me, making this race more special! A big thank you to the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team and their hosts for their kindness and hospitality over the weekend!

The Paddock Club Diaries series will return in 2025 ( God willing ). Thank you for your support and love!

Day 2 of the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix began with rain clouds greeting us over the skies of Hasselt. As we walked to the car park, a downpour started and that set the tone for the day ahead.

On-track activity didn't commence until later, however, we left from Hasselt at 8 in the morning to avoid traffic snarls into the circuit. 

Thankfully, en route to the circuit, the rains stayed away.

Driving to Spa-Francorchamps :

Once into the Paddock Club, I was craving a bite having eaten nothing since morning.

Binging on some Croissants and Pain au Chocolat paired with a Cappuccino :

The weather over the circuit was very cloudy and the heavens opened for a downpour.

A rainy start to Saturday. The weather played spoilsport all day!

The Ferrari F1 Club filling up slowly with guests :

The F3 Sprint Race was the first event of the day and it turned out to be a contest in wet conditions.

Chequered Flag is waved at F3 Sprint Race ( Video Link ) :

After the F3 Race, multiple drivers visited the Paddock Club for interviews and meet & greets with their respective team guests!

Yuki Tsunoda giving an interview in the Red Bull Hospitality :

Charles Leclerc visits the Ferrari F1 Club for a Q&A :

Charles Leclerc interview in Ferrari F1 Club ( Video Link ) :

After the visits, the meal service commenced & it was time to enjoy the latest culinary offers by DO & CO!

Enjoying lunch :

Love the desserts in the Paddock Club, but these chocolates top the charts!

Unlike Austria, the Belgian GP was a traditional race weekend and it was time for Free Practice 3.

FP3 underway :

Max Verstappen was the quickest in FP3 from Oscar Piastri and Pierre Gasly. Charles Leclerc was P6 while Carlos Sainz Jr didn't set a time for Ferrari. The weather and the constant rain restricted running for a lot of teams.

After FP3, I had the opportunity to visit the paddock. The weather remained gloomy with a slight drizzle.

Going for a quick walk through the paddock :

The weather forced several Paddock Club guests to stay indoors and not participate in what would be the only Pit Lane walk of the day. 

Stills from the pit lane walk :

As I walked back to the Paddock Club, I met Michael who was a guest of Accenture in the Paddock Club. He had visited my videos on YouTube to learn more about the Paddock Club Experience. It always encouraging to meet people who follow and appreciate content!

Getting ready for a mixed-weather Qualifying session :

Some Stills from Q1 :

Nico Hulkenberg, Kevin Magnussen, Yuki Tsunoda, Logan Sargeant and Zhou Guanyu were eliminated in Q1.

Stills from Q2 :

Alexander Albon, Pierre Gasly, Daniel Ricciardo, Valtteri Bottas and Lance Stroll got eliminated in Q2.

Shots from Q3 :

Max Verstappen went the quickest in Q3 but due to an Engine change, he incurred a ten-place grid penalty. As a result, Charles Leclerc inherited the pole position from Sergio Perez and Lewis Hamilton. Carlos Sainz Jr qualified P7 in the other Ferrari.

The top 3 Qualifiers in Parc Ferme :

After Qualifying, it was time for the Formula 2 Sprint Race and the weather threatened to jeopardize running. After a delay, the FIA issued a green light for the race.

The build-up to the F2 Sprint Race begins!

F2 Sprint Race Formation Lap ( Video Link ) :

The F2 Sprint Race is a go!

F2 Sprint Race Start ( Video Link ) :

Unfortunately, the rain worsened and the race got red-flagged due to conditions. Eventually, the FIA decided to call off the F2 Sprint and half points were awarded to the top 5 finishers.

A premature end to the F2 race was the end of on-track activities for Saturday and it was time to say goodbye to the Paddock Club. I walked to the Paddock Parking area hoping to meet some more motorsport fraternity.

Yuki Tsunoda, Visa Cash App RB F1 Team :

Sergio Perez, Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 Team :

Team Trackhouse Racing Team Manager Mr Davide Brivio!

The rains intensified again and I had to rush to the Paddock Club parking and eventually drive back to Hasselt :

My Vlog on the Saturday Experience is live on my YouTube Channel.

Vlog about the Saturday Experience at the 2024 Belgian GP :

Barring the atrocious weather, it was another enjoyable Saturday at the races. Thankfully, no more rain was predicted for the rest of the weekend and Spa remained true to its promise!

A Big Thank you to the Hosts of the Ferrari F1 Club and the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team for hosting me! The Sunday experience follows soon!

The Belgian Grand Prix remains one of the most iconic races on the F1 Calendar. Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, the venue for the Belgian Grand Prix is also the longest track on the calendar and a must-visit for any motorsport fan. Visiting this circuit has become like an annual pilgrimage for me and there was no hesitance in attending the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix when the opportunity presented itself.

The event was held from the 26th to the 28th of July in 2024, right before the summer break for the series. My dear friend Gautam ( who currently resides in Belgium ) also decided to accompany me for the weekend. As a childhood motorsport fan, it was his first F1 experience.

We stayed in Hasselt and had the luxury of driving to the circuit and back throughout the weekend. 

Memories from this race commence with the Friday Experience and the entire experience was shot with the Sony RX10 IV, DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Enroute to Spa-Francorchamps :

The Race Passes! We had to drive to the team hotel in Spa to collect the race passes for the weekend. Funnily enough, the team member mentioned my name incorrectly on the envelope!

After navigating through some traffic, we finally reached the parking and I walked over to the Paddock Club.

Welcome to the Ferrari F1 Club :

Views from the Paddock Club :

Coffee and Croissants for breakfast :

After a quick coffee to kickstart my Friday, it was time to head down for the Pit Lane Walk.

Shots from the first pit lane walk of the weekend :

The Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team Garage, Charles Leclerc taking a special child around his car :

Systems Checks on Valtteri Bottas' Car ( Video Link ) :

McLaren F1 Team Pit Stop Practice ( Video Link ) :

Visa Cash App RB F1 Team Pit Stop Practice ( Video Link ) :

As we returned to the Paddock Club, it was time to listen to some insights from Oliver York.

British Karting Champion, Former F4 driver and now an expert host, Oliver York visiting the Ferrari F1 Club and explaining about the F1 Steering Wheel :

The Scuderia Ferrari F1 Wheel, Explained by Oliver York ( Video Link ) :

It was now time for the first practice session of the weekend.

Shots from Free Practice 1 :

The Scuderia Ferrari F1 duo during FP1 :

Practice Starts after Free Practice 1 ( Video Link ) :

Max Verstappen was the quickest in FP1 from Oscar Piastri and Alexander Albon. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr were P6 and P9 for Ferrari, respectively. 

Time for some lunch, shortly after FP1 :

After FP1, the team granted me access to visit the F1 Paddock.

Spending some time in the Paddock :

The time in the Paddock was fruitful as I met a couple of F1 Drivers.

Nico Hulkenberg, Moneygram Haas F1 Team :

Triple World Champion Max Verstappen, Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 Team :

Shortly after, it was time for the 2nd Practice session of the day.

Free Practice 2 underway :

 The Scuderia Ferrari duo during FP2 :

Lando Norris was the quickest in FP2 from Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr were P4 and P5 for Ferrari, respectively.

The Ferrari F1 Club was finally shut for the day ( after FP2 ) and it was time to say goodbye!

Enjoying some ice cream before leaving the Paddock Club :

Post the contract activities, I took my friend Gautam for a quick tour of the support race paddock.

A walk through the support race paddock :

The F1 Classic Car garages :

As we walked back from the support race paddock, we got invited over by our friends to hop onto one of the trucks for a tour of the circuit onboard one of the trucks. As always, touring Circuit de Spa Francorchamps is an amazing experience.

Stills from the Track Tour from one of the trucks :

Video Link to the Paddock Club Track Tour :

The pit lane shut and unfortunately, we couldn't visit the garages for the 2nd Pit Lane Walk of the day. Nevertheless, we walked down to the parking area outside the paddock to meet some more F1 Fraternity!

Formula E Champion, ex F1 Racer and Racing for Peugeot in WEC, Stoffel Vandoorne :

Hollywood Legend Brad Pitt!! or Mr Sonny Hayes ( his character in the F1 film ) :P

We left the circuit at 830 pm to return to Hasselt and arrange for some dinner!

Returning to Hasselt :

I also published my Friday experience as a Vlog on my YouTube Channel.

Vlog about my Friday Experience at the Belgian GP :

It was an amazing Friday at the Belgian Grand Prix and a big shout-out to the Hosts of the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team and Philip Morris for their hospitality and attention!

The Saturday and Sunday experiences follow shortly!

The Belgian Grand Prix is my favourite race on the F1 Calendar. Travelling to Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps feels like a pilgrimage now! The circuit is one of the classic tracks with F1 history galore and is popular amongst drivers and fans. Nestled in the Ardennes forest, Spa's inclement weather and old-school layout ensure that a fan gets his cardio workout!

As always, the experience of a race weekend begins with a post in "A Gallery of Memories" series!

These are memories from the 2024 F1 Belgian GP!!

Nico Hulkenberg, Moneygram Haas F1 Team :

Triple World Champion Max Verstappen, Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 Team :

Formula E Champion, ex F1 Racer and Racing for Peugeot in WEC, Stoffel Vandoorne :

Hollywood Legend Brad Pitt!!

Yuki Tsunoda, Visa Cash App RB F1 Team, selfies over two days :

Sergio Perez, Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 Team :

Team Trackhouse Racing Team Principal ( MotoGP ), Mr Davide Brivio :

Daniel Ricciardo, Visa Cash App RB F1 Team :

Victor Martins, Alpine Academy F2 Racer :

Sophia Floersch, Alpine Academy and F3 Racer :

Esteban Ocon, Alpine Racing F1 Team :

Lando Norris, McLaren F1 Team :

Mr John Elkann, Chairman of Ferrari and Fiat :

Valtteri Bottas, Stake F1 Kick Sauber :

Carlos Sainz Jr, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :

The hosts of the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :

As I flew back to Mumbai from Brussels onboard Emirates, I spotted what seemed to be a legendary footballer from the yesteryears in the First Class Lounge. I wasn't mistaken!

Meeting Brazilian Football Legend, also a legend for FC Barcelona and AC Milan, Ronaldinho!!

Although the weather played spoiled sport on Saturday, it was great to capture selfies with some from the Motorsport Fraternity. A Big Thank you to the hosts of the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team who entertained me over the weekend.

The Paddock Club Diaries follows shortly after, and this might be the last post for "A Gallery of Memories" in 2024.

The biggest day of the race weekend finally arrived! Sunday sees maximum attendance and the grand finale of any F1 weekend, the Grand Prix! My journey out of Graz began early in the morning due to the action-packed schedule, from the F3 and F2 Feature Races in the morning to the F1 Grand Prix in the afternoon. Also, the traffic situation would worsen as the day wore on. 

The Sunday experience is shot with the Sony RX10 IV and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra!

En route to the circuit. Thankfully the journey was smooth with minimal traffic :

Walking up to the Paddock Club Entrance rather than taking the shuttle from the Taxi Stand. I walked through the F1 Village behind the Main Grandstand.

Kickstarting the Day with some Yogurt, Mushrooms and Croissants :

Spending some time in the Paddock. The Paddock is abuzz on Sunday as everyone gears up for the Grand Prix on Sunday Afternoon :

I got the chance to meet some famous faces in the Paddock too!

Alexander Wurz, former F1 Driver and now a race steward :

Daniel Ricciardo, Visa Cash App RB F1 Team :

1997 F1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve :

Former F1 Driver Roberto Merhi :

Upcoming Formula 2 sensation and McLaren Academy Driver Gabriel Bortoleto :

Charles Leclerc was visiting the Ferrari motorhome for an interview with the team partners and the hosts were kind enough to invite me into the hospitality :

Oliver York did a stellar job at interviewing Leclerc!

Video Link of the Interview :

I then headed down for Sunday's only pit lane walk.

Stills from the final Pit Lane walk of the weekend :

The Scuderia Ferrari mechanics get ready for some Pit Stop Practice :

Video Link of the Pit Stop Practice :

A moment with friends and hosts from the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :

A moment with Rally Racer Christine GZ, who was born in Pondicherry, India :

Having a quick bite before the Grand Prix :

Enjoying the Air Display by the Austrian Air Force :

A Video of the Air Display :

The drivers head out of the pit lane for their sighting laps :

Mechanics walk over to the grid with the necessary equipment :

Wheeling the cars into the grid slots and the drivers hop out for their final loo breaks :

The front of the grid being readied for the National Anthem :

Shots of the Grid :

Football Freestylers Arnaud Sean Garnier & Jasmin Janssen showcase their skills ( Video Link ) :

Hans Zimmer and his troupe present their rendition of the National Anthem :

The Drivers assemble at the front of the grid for the National Anthem :

A rendition of the Austrian National Anthem by Hans Zimmer ( Video Link ) :

Time for the final preparations on the grid :

Formation Lap gets underway :

Video Link of the Formation Lap :

The Race Start ( Video Link ) :

Stills from the Race :

Video Link of Fernando Alonso's Pit Stop :

Lando Norris retires from the Austrian GP ( Video Link ) :

The Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team drivers racing hard for a good result :

Lando Norris, who retired after an incident with Max Verstappen, stands at the McLaren pit wall for the remainder of the race :

Chequered Flag ( Video Link ) :

George Russell won the Austrian Grand Prix over Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz Jr. Charles Leclerc was P11 in the other Ferrari. An incident on the opening lap damaged the front wing of Leclerc's car and it was an uphill task to recover positions from thereon.

The Paddock and the crowds gather to witness the podium ceremony :

Getting a vantage spot to view the celebrations :

The Podium Ceremony underway :

Video Link of the Podium Celebrations :

The crowd soaking in the atmosphere :

The podium finishers walk back to the cool-down room. Glad to capture Russell smiling ear-to-ear :

The Paddock Club shut for the weekend shortly thereafter, and it was time to say goodbye to one of the best Paddock Clubs in the F1 Calendar.

Time for an ice cream to celebrate an amazing weekend :

I got down from the Paddock Club and saw a couple waiting with bated breath outside the Paddock Entrance. Soon enough, I knew why!

Hans Zimmer, the legendary Score Composer and Music Composer! So approachable, so friendly!

Yuki Tsunoda, Visa Cash App RB F1 Team :

Pierre Gasly, Alpine F1 Team :

Carlos Sainz Jr, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :

Time to say goodbye to Red Bull Ring after an amazing weekend!

I also compiled a Vlog on my YouTube Channel about the Sunday experience!

The Vlog about my Sunday Experience at the Austrian GP :

All in all, it was a bitter-sweet day for Ferrari with Sainz Jr on the podium and Leclerc's progress getting hampered by the incident on the opening lap. Nevertheless, it felt great to be back at the Red Bull Ring after 9 years.

The scenery and the views around the track were as beautiful as they were back then!

A Big Thank You to the hosts of the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team for a memorable weekend at the 2024 Austrian GP. Although the hosts changed for the season, it was amazing to meet the new hosts and make new friends!

The Paddock Club Diaries returns with experiences and memories from the Belgian GP!

 

The Formula 1 schedule, post-Covid, has undergone a revamp with all the on-track activities getting pushed to later in the day. The schedule changes mean that fans can have a more relaxed start to a Saturday.

Even with a relaxed schedule,  Saturday at the 2024 F1 Austrian Grand Prix was action-packed. The F1 Sprint was followed by Qualifying for the main race on Sunday. 

The memories from the weekend were captured with the Sony RX10 IV and the Samsung S24 Ultra.

Welcome to the Saturday Experience!

En route to the Circuit :

Saturday kickstarted with meeting an F1 Legend in Juan Pablo Montoya! Who can forget his battles with the Schumacher Brothers and Kimi Raikkonen!

The Paddock Club wasn't open yet but the Pit Lane walk was!

Shots from the Pit Lane Walk :

Systems Checks on Albon's Car ( Video Link ) :

The Scuderia Ferrari Garage getting ready for the day on Saturday morning :

Systems Checks on Carlos Sainz Jr's Car ( Video Link ) :

As I walked back to the entrance, I had the opportunity to meet team personnel from the Visa Cash App RB F1 Team , who were allowing fans to click pictures with the team's Steering wheel.

With the Visa Cash App RB Steering Wheel :

The Paddock Club opened for the day and it was time to have a quick bite before the F1 Sprint got underway.

Enjoying some croissants, coffee and an appetizer before the F1 Sprint :

The Pit Lane opens and the drivers head out for sighting laps :

The mechanics wheel the drivers to their respective grid slots. Stills from the Grid :

The Countdown Clock runs down as the drivers get ready for the Sprint Formation Lap :

The Mechanics run to clear the grid before the start of the Sprint Race.

F1 Sprint Race Formation Lap ( Video Link ) :

The drivers had to undergo another formation lap due to a technical issue on the track

2nd Formation Lap ( Video Links ) :

With the Sony RX10 IV :

With the Samsung S24 Ultra :

Video Links for the F1 Sprint Race Start :

With the Sony RX10 IV :

With the Samsung S24 Ultra :

Shots from the F1 Sprint :

Chequered Flag after the F1 Sprint :

Max Verstappen won the F1 Sprint from Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Carlos Sainz Jr and Charles Leclerc were P5 and P7 for Ferrari, respectively.

Time for some lunch :

The Club Suite almost full during lunch!

I had signed up for two off-track activities with the Paddock Club Expert Hosts as guides and it was great to interact with some, who already race in various series across Europe.

Mohan Ritson, a British-Indian ADAC GT4 Racer who is also an expert host in the F1 Paddock Club :

The first off-track activity was the Photo Safari where the guests got escorted to turn 4 to watch some action from the F2 Sprint Race.

Driving up to turn 4 gave us some beautiful views of the track :

The F2 cars navigating Turn 4 during the Sprint Race :

An amazing experience at the Photo Safari :

Video Links of the Racing at Turn 4 :

With the Sony RX10 IV :

With the Samsung S24 Ultra :

I returned to the Paddock Club and it was time to complete my lunch :)

Enjoying some desserts :

The 2nd off-track activity was a visit to the Support Race Paddock where the experts took us through the garages of the teams in F2 and F3.

Stills from the visit to the Support Race Paddock :

As I walked back to the Paddock Club, I met Former F1 World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi who was entering the Paddock in the afternoon :

It was now time for F1 Qualifying!

The lull before the storm! Getting ready for Qualifying :

The Drivers emerge from the Garages for the start of Qualifying :

Shots from Q1 :

The Scuderia Ferrari Drivers flying during Q1 :

Alexander Albon, Lance Stroll, Valtteri Bottas, Logan Sargeant & Zhou Guanyu were eliminated at the end of Q1.

Time for Q2 :

The Ferrari drivers continue pushing in Q2 :

Daniel Ricciardo, Kevin Magnussen, Pierre Gasly, Yuki Tsunoda & Fernando Alonso were eliminated in Q2.

The top ten shootout commences!

The final push for the Ferrari duo!

Max Verstappen bagged pole position from Lando Norris and George Russell. Carlos Sainz Jr and Charles Leclerc were P4 and P6 for Ferrari, respectively.

The Ferrari mechanics wheeling Sainz's Ferrari from the Parc Ferme to the Garage :

It was time for the guests to go downstairs.

The final pit lane walk of the day beckons :

Shots from the 2nd Pit Lane Walk :

Old F1 Cars going full pelt at the F1 Legends Parade :

The F1 Legends Parade ( Video Link ) :

Post the Pit Lane walk, I decided to spend some time walking through the paddock :

I got the chance to meet some racing fraternity!

Lance Stroll, Aramco Aston Martin Racing F1 Team :

Mike Krack, Team Principal, Aston Martin Racing F1 Team :

Liam Lawson, Reserved Driver for Red Bull Racing :

Alexander Albon, Williams Racing F1 Team :

Nicolas Todt, Charles Leclerc's Driver Manager :

The day drew to a close and it was time to head back to Graz :

I have also compiled a Vlog about my Saturday Experience, which is live on my YouTube channel!

Vlog about the Saturday Experience ( Video Link ) :

It was an amazing day at the Red Bull Ring, a truly action-packed Saturday. Sprint Saturdays are frenetic and the teams and drivers are tested to the hilt thanks to the solo practice session that they had the previous day.

Once again, a big thank you to the hosts of the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team for their hospitality and for giving me another memorable Saturday at the races.

The Sunday Experience follows shortly after!

The Austrian GP is one of the most exciting races on the F1 Calendar. The venue has also produced some nail-biting finishes in MotoGP. The Red Bull Ring ( as the track is called ) is nestled in the hills of Spielberg in the region of Styria and can easily rival Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium when it comes to being picturesque. 

The Austrian Grand Prix is also the home race for Red Bull Racing, the dominant force in this era of Formula 1. Having visited the circuit in 2015, I always wanted to return to this iconic race, but logistical issues and the scheduling made me think otherwise. Finally, I had the opportunity to revisit this race track in 2024 and wasted no time making the necessary arrangements!

It was also a Sprint Race weekend, which meant that there would be a single Practice Session followed by Sprint Qualifying on Friday. 

The Race was held from 28th June to 30th June and although it was quite a commute for me from the city of Graz, the journey was very much worth it!

This was also the first time where the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team didn't have a suite of their own but were in a shared space in the Club Suite.

This is the start of the Paddock Club Diaries from the 2024 Season!

Pictures and Videos were taken with the Sony RX10 IV and Samsung S24 Ultra.

Enroute to the circuit :

The Race passes for the weekend!

Welcome to the F1 Paddock Club in Austria :

Enjoying some Croissants in the morning :

Amazing backdrop with the Paddock in place :

Shots from the Pit Lane Walk :

Visa Cash App RB F1 Team practising Pitstops ( Video Link ) :

Williams Racing F1 Team practising Pitstops ( Video Link ) :

Stills from the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team Garage :

Taking a ride around the track, thanks to the Paddock Club Track Tour :

Video Link of the Track Tour :

Time for some lunch before the start of Free Practice, the only one for the weekend :

Shots from Free Practice :

Max Verstappen was the quickest in Practice from Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc. Carlos Sainz Jr was 4th in the other Ferrari.

I had the opportunity to visit the garage for the final few minutes of Free Practice. Some Stills from the Paddock :

ARAS, the world's most gifted freestyle bike rider performing stunts :

The F2 Qualifying session underway :

A lull after two intense sessions on track :

Shots from the 2nd Pit Lane Walk of the Day :

Moments outside the Scuderia Ferrari F1 garage :

The Pit Walls getting ready for Sprint Qualifying :

Shots from Sprint Qualifying!

SQ1 :

SQ2 :

Max Verstappen was the quickest of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Carlos Sainz Jr was P5 with Charles Leclerc failing to set a lap time in P10 for Ferrari.

It was a mixed bag for Ferrari in Sprint Qualifying but things still looked positive for the rest of the weekend.

Shortly after, the Club Suite shut but guests were allowed to spend more time in the Club Lounge, a common hospitality area.

Time for some Pizza and Gelato in the Club Lounge :

Friday ends at the Paddock Club, and time for the drivers to relax in the motorhomes :

As I got out of the Paddock Club, I decided to walk across to the Paddock Parking to see if I could get a few selfies with some drivers as they headed home from the track!

Zhou Guanyu, Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber :

Kevin Magnussen, Moneygram Haas F1 Team :

Oscar Piastri, McLaren F1 Team :

Logan Sargeant, Williams Racing F1 Team :

Mick Schumacher, Reserve driver for Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team and WEC Driver for Alpine Endurance Team :

Laurent Mekies, Team Principal, Visa Cash App RB F1 Team :

Andrea Stella, Team Principal, McLaren F1 Team :

Ravin Jain, Chief Strategist, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :

Charles Leclerc! Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team :

Gerhard Berger, an Austrian F1 Legend!

Gianpiero Lambiase & Peter Bonnington, Race Engineers for Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton!

Goodbye, Paddock and the Paddock Club. The Curfew in effect for the teams and mechanics :

Heading back to Graz after a busy Friday!

I also compiled a Vlog about my Friday Experience, which is already live on my YouTube Channel!

Video Link :

It was an amazing Friday at the Red Bull Ring. Thankfully it stayed dry throughout the day and both the teams and drivers could make full use of the conditions to prepare for the Sprint Weekend. 

A big thank you to the New Hosts of the Scuderia Ferrari F1 Club for giving me a memorable Friday at the Racetrack. The Saturday and Sunday experiences follow shortly after!

Watch this Space!