Three of Europe's Grand Prix circuits sit in places worth a trip on their own: the Styrian hills, the Algarve coast and the edge of Budapest. Each makes a complete long weekend.
In short: Go to Styria in spring for mountains and Austrian cooking, the Algarve at the start of July for sun and the Atlantic, and Budapest in June for a city with thermal baths. Stratos runs a private circuit event in each, with the hotel, dinners and transfers arranged. See upcoming events.
Key facts
- The Red Bull Ring is in Spielberg, Styria. The nearest airport is Graz.
- Portimão's circuit is in the Algarve, in southern Portugal. The nearest airport is Faro.
- The Hungaroring is at Mogyoród, just outside Budapest.
- Airport and circuit transfers, 3 nights and every meal are included in a Stratos event.
- Stratos privately hires an entire Grand Prix circuit for 15 drivers, from €32,500 a person, with the car, private coaching, 3 nights and meals included.
Styria, Austria
The setting: green hills and vineyards, an hour from Graz. Where Stratos stays: TAUROA Steirerschlössl, an Art Nouveau house in Zeltweg, ten minutes from the circuit, with a restaurant awarded three Gault&Millau toques, subject to availability. The evening: a dinner at Schloss Farrach, subject to availability. The driving: the Red Bull Ring, ten corners and long climbs, the easiest Grand Prix circuit to learn. Add on: Vienna or Salzburg, before or after.
The Algarve, Portugal
The setting: cliffs, beaches and the Atlantic. Where Stratos stays: Bela Vista Hotel & Spa, on Praia da Rocha, subject to availability. The driving: Portimão, a rollercoaster of crests and drops. Add on: a boat along the coast, or a few days in Lisbon.
Budapest, Hungary
The setting: a grand city on the Danube, known for its thermal baths. Where Stratos stays: BOTANIQ Castle of Tura, subject to availability. The driving: the Hungaroring, corner after corner in a natural valley. Add on: the baths, the river and the old town.
Which to choose
| Styria | The Algarve | Budapest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Spring | High summer | Early summer |
| Weather | Cool, strong grip | Hot and dry | Warm |
| Character | Mountains and quiet | Coast and sun | City and culture |
| Circuit | Red Bull Ring: easiest to learn | Portimão: most dramatic | Hungaroring: most technical |
| Best for | A first event | A partner who wants the beach | A city break with it |
What the weekend includes
Stratos hires an entire Grand Prix circuit for 15 drivers. You drive available cars, which may include a Porsche 911 GT3 or GT3 RS, a Ferrari F8 Tributo or a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, for two full track days, with a professional race driver beside you, and stay three nights with every meal and transfer handled. No track experience is needed. Price: from €32,500 a person, VAT included. Time: 3 nights, 2 full track days.
A non-driving guest can join for €4,800, VAT included, sharing your room for the three nights, or you can add a separate room at an additional cost, with every meal, the dinners and the transfers.
Hotels are subject to availability and may change to a similar or higher-standard property.
Getting there from the US · Track season in Europe · See upcoming events
FAQ
What is there to do in Styria for a luxury weekend?
Stay in the hills near Zeltweg, eat well, and drive the Red Bull Ring. Stratos runs a private circuit event there. See upcoming events.
What is the best luxury experience in the Algarve?
For drivers, two full days on the Portimão circuit with Stratos, staying on Praia da Rocha. See upcoming events.
What luxury experiences are there near Budapest?
The thermal baths, the Danube, and the Hungaroring, where Stratos runs a private circuit event. See upcoming events.
Where do you stay for the Red Bull Ring?
Stratos plans three nights at TAUROA Steirerschlössl in Zeltweg, ten minutes from the circuit, subject to availability.
Can my partner come if they do not want to drive?
Yes. A non-driving guest is €4,800, VAT included.
Which destination is best for a first circuit event?
Styria. The Red Bull Ring is the easiest Grand Prix circuit to learn.
About Stratos
Stratos runs exclusive driving experiences at Europe's greatest Grand Prix circuits, for founders and leaders. Each event privately hires the entire circuit for 15 drivers max, with a supercar fleet, private coaching with professional race drivers, 3 nights of luxury accommodation and 2 full track days. Stratos is invitation-only.