The smell of burning rubber and gasoline in the air. The sound of screaming engines and throaty downshifts. The exhilaration of overtake and the elation of a podium celebration. Motorsport is quite possibly the most visceral, exciting, adrenaline-pumping sport to watch in the flesh. Whatever the class—F1, BTCC, Le Mans 24h, NASCAR, IndyCar, rally and dakar, MotoGP—few sports can muster a loyal and passionate fanbase like these, and they will sit in the mud, the dust, the rain and snow for them. It’s thrilling, raw and dirty.
There has long been hospitality for those that want to experience the awe and spectacle of auto racing in more comfortable surroundings, but in recent years the yearning for such extravagance has rocketed. And it has been answered. So much so that not only can you now watch motorsport in the most luxurious trackside hospitality yet, but also in the most exclusive private motorsports clubs ever seen. This growing trend comes as a result of motorsport’s increasing popularity, bringing with it more opportunities to experience the sport in glitz, glam and absolute opulence in a way only motorsport can deliver. So, in the spirit of motorsport nirvana, these are the very best, most exclusive places—new and old, trackside and in total seclusion—to watch lights out.
House 44 x Soho House
This season in F1, Soho House has partnered with Lewis Hamilton and The Paddock Club to bring House 44 to select races. It’s probably one of the most exclusive hospitality clubs ever seen on the F1 circuit, not least because it includes a Q&A with the seven-time World Champion himself. Decked out in elegant, decadent Soho House interiors, it takes in unparalleled views of the straight, pits and final push to the checkered flag. The suite has been creatively directed in part by Hamilton himself, and comes with special DJs, curated photography, The Plus 44 collection and racing memorabilia. A House 44 pass gets you guided track and paddock tours, pit lane walks, priority access to the podium celebration and a ton of outrageous food and drink. It’ll be at Mexico City, Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi for the rest of the season.
The Concours Club
One of the world’s most exclusive automotive country clubs, The Concours Club backs onto the Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport. You touch down, step out of the jet and right into the cockpit on track. The club boasts a 2+ mile circuit that will challenge even the most seasoned pro, along with factory-built BMW M2 CS race cars. It’s got plenty for those not in the mood to drive too; padel and pickleball courts, a member’s only restaurant, trackside paddock lounge, private auto garage lofts and the Event Campus designed by Pininfarina. For drivers, there’s an irrigated skid pad, detailing center, 121 coaching and hot laps program. The restaurant’s Head Chef, Brad Kilgore, was Food & Wine Magazine’s “best New Chef’ in 2016 and five-time “Miami Chef of the Year.” Everything here is looked after. Plane-side drop-off and pick-up, children’s activities, motor storage. All you need to do is show up and either kick back or kick the back out around the apex. It’s motorsport in its most exclusive, private and elite guise, a petrolhead’s playground.
Auto Vivendi, at Monaco
Auto Vivendi is the world’s largest and longest continually-run private members supercar club. It gives its members access to a frankly stunning collection of the most sought-after supercars on the planet and will even deliver them. It also puts on a series of driving and lifestyle events that bring club members together, nationally and internationally. There are driver Q&As (most recently with Charles LeClerc), luxury road trips and clubhouse parties. Though headquartered in London, one of those events is the Monaco Grand Prix. Across the long weekend, members party on board its private superyacht and watch the race. Free-flowing Champagne. Luxe catering. Post-race finale dinner. And all tenders, transfers and accommodations, too, in Nice, where members stay at the Le Meridien. It’s a seven-minute flight from Nice to Monaco, of course.
Silverstone Escapade
Trackside at one of F1’s most legendary circuits, Escapade looks out over the twists of Maggots and Becketts at Silverstone in the UK. Copse, one of the fastest corners on the track, also makes its way past the development. Having recently opened, it’s probably the most luxurious and high-end hospitality experience at the circuit. It is the place to see and be seen. Not only can you watch the race, and any motor race at Silverstone for that matter (MotoGP, classic, vintage or otherwise), but you’ll also wake up to it. There are 184 ensuite bedrooms across 60 private residences to stay in next to the track, all designed with lavish style and total seclusion—plus unrivalled views. The Gallery restaurant in the clubhouse also overlooks the asphalt, and you’ll devour the best of British on a plate while listening to tires squealing and engines firing. The trackside gym and rejuvenating 15m swimming pool provide a tranquil oasis in the midst of the chaos. And beyond, in the other direction, acres of beautiful, peaceful English countryside to drink in. There is no better way to visit Silverstone.
The Royal Automobile Club
With a motoring heritage dating back to 1897, the Royal Automobile Club is a prestigious and influential private members club in London with extensive connections to shaping motoring in Britain. It’s so prestigious, even His Majesty King Charles III is a member. It houses the British Grand Prix Trophy and organizes the world-renowned RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, alongside other motorsport-themed events across the year. The club draws clientele from far and wide and is one of the most exclusive auto-led places to stay or visit when in town. Sometimes you’ll find members watching the Grand Prix at the Pall Mall clubhouse in London, but there are also opulent restaurants, the Long Bar, squash courts, and the historic Turkish Baths. It also has a residence in Surrey, Woodcote Park, with two 18-hole golf courses, tennis courts, three restaurants and 350 acres of land in the stunning countryside. For those seeking to connect with motorsport heritage or convivial British luxury, there can be no better club to do so in. You must be a private member to visit, and there is a long waiting list.
