From Monaco glamour to Monza mayhem: The bucket-list moments that defined F1's European summer

Formula 1's European summer is coming to an end. Since June, the paddock has travelled across the continent, taking in some of the sport's most iconic venues — from Silverstone and Monaco to Spa-Francorchamps — alongside a new addition in the form of the Madring. From celebrity spotting in Monaco to track invasions at Monza, every race has its own unwritten rules and bucket-list moments.

Feeling like a celebrity in Monaco

In Monaco, everyone gets to feel like a celebrity for a weekend. Arguably the most iconic track on the calendar, the Monaco Grand Prix never disappoints — the view from the balconies of the Principality's streets while VIPs party on yachts in the marina is one of the most glamorous photos of the F1 season. Winning in Monaco often comes with a stylish celebration, including a dive in the harbour.

This year it was the turn of Kimi Antonelli, who became the youngest driver to win the Monaco Grand Prix, taking victory aged just 19 years, nine months and 13 days to break Lewis Hamilton's long-standing record from 2008.

Joining the celebrations at Monza

The Tifosi might be dedicated Ferrari supporters, but they create a brilliant atmosphere for all the teams — and as soon as it's safe, the Monza grandstand fans love to invade the track. This year, despite Ferrari missing out on the podium, the famous red wave united behind Mercedes star Antonelli, who charged from the back of the grid to claim an emotional home victory.

The triumph made him the first Italian to win the Italian Grand Prix in 60 years, since Ludovico Scarfiotti's success in 1966, prompting celebrations rarely seen for a non-Ferrari driver at Monza.

Packing for every season at Spa

You can't talk about the Belgian Grand Prix without mentioning Eau Rouge-Raidillon, one of the most iconic sequences of corners in world motorsport. Overtaking there is a big risk, but when it's done well it's breathtaking — as four-time World Champion Max Verstappen showed when he passed Antonelli for the lead on the opening lap earlier this year. Spa-Francorchamps is one of the best places to visit a Grand Prix, but be sure to pack layers, a rain coat and plenty of sunscreen. Two things are consistent: excellent racing, and shacks selling delicious fries with mayo.

Staying for the Silverstone encore

Silverstone is always special. This year saw the 'Landostand', where thousands of Lando Norris fans wore bright yellow in support of the reigning World Champion. Then come the post-race concerts, with headline sets from David Guetta, Richard Ashcroft, Chase & Status and James Arthur — following previous performers like RAYE, Fatboy Slim, Sam Fender, Black Eyed Peas and Stormzy. It's a true festival, with Robbie Williams already announced for 2027.

Before the racing there was a memorable Drivers' Parade, as all 22 drivers took to the famed British circuit in LEGO minicars — a lap featuring just as much carnage as a real race, with plenty of bumps, spins and questionable racecraft. Lucky fans may also have sampled traditional English fish and chips cooked by a British quartet of Norris, George Russell, Ollie Bearman and Arvid Lindblad, as the four drivers traded the track for the fryer.

Witnessing history in Barcelona

It might have been the last race for the Circuit Barcelona-Catalunya until 2028, but that didn't stop it being another awesome weekend — fans saw Hamilton win his first race for Ferrari, at the same venue where Michael Schumacher won for the Scuderia exactly 30 years ago. The track has also hosted first-time wins for Verstappen in 2016 and Pastor Maldonado in 2012.

Away from the track, fans spotted a mystery spectator in a Spider-Man mask during FP1 — none other than Drivers' Championship leader Antonelli, who watched from the grandstands while Fred Vesti took over his Mercedes for the session.

Admiring the view in Austria

Situated in the Styrian mountains, the Red Bull Ring has one of the best backdrops in world motorsport — a lush green vista wherever you watch from. Locals don traditional Lederhosen and Dirndl, or go bright orange in support of Verstappen. Fans at the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix will also get a special view of the scenery via an alternative form of entertainment: bungee jumping.

The question is: have you ticked them off?