Pregnant in the Paddock: How I Did the Austrian GP at 8 Months

In July 2023, I attended the Austrian Grand Prix at the legendary Red Bull Ring—while eight months pregnant. It may sound ambitious, but thanks to thoughtful planning, a luxurious hospitality experience, and a breathtaking setting, it became one of my most unforgettable F1 weekends to date.

Why We Stayed in Graz

We chose to base ourselves in Graz, a charming Austrian city about 1.5 hours from Spielberg, because it was the closest major city offering everything we needed: high-end hotels, shopping, good food, and reliable transportation. Graz had a mix of elegance and ease that made it a perfect fit for a more comfortable, late-pregnancy experience.

Instead of renting a car, we used private shuttle services offered by third-party vendors that picked us up directly from our hotel entrance and took us to the Red Bull Ring parking lots and back each day. It saved us the stress of navigating mountain roads—but we definitely felt the toll of the daily 3-hour commute. By the time we got back to Graz, most of the shops were closed, and only a few restaurants remained open for dinner.

The Most Beautiful Circuit I’ve Ever Seen

Despite the travel time, the Red Bull Ring is worth the journey. Carved into the Styrian Alps, the circuit is surrounded by rolling hills, dense forests, and dramatic mountain backdrops. No matter where you sit—grandstand or hospitality—you’re treated to stunning views and pure racing energy. It’s easily one of the most beautiful tracks in the world.

Paddock Club: The Only Way to Do F1 Pregnant

We opted for Paddock Club passes all three days, and let me tell you: it’s the only way to do a Grand Prix at 8 months pregnant.

The Austrian Paddock Club is especially special—it was one of the first Paddock Clubs ever created, and is run by a team closely tied to Red Bull Racing’s original founders: Dr. Helmut Marko and the late Dietrich Mateschitz. That heritage and expertise shows in every detail. It felt like a well-oiled machine, with hospitality done to perfection.

Highlights of the Experience:

• Formal table service with top-tier food and drinks constantly flowing. No lines, no crowds—just comfort.

• Climate-controlled seating areas with sofas, lounge chairs, and plenty of space to relax.

• Minimal walking and only one flight of stairs needed to access most areas.

• Staff who went above and beyond—bringing food directly to me, checking in often, and making sure I was hydrated and comfortable.

• A themed Sunday surprise where the entire staff dressed as characters from The Sound of Music—a fun and culturally rich touch that made everyone smile.

Getting Up Close with the Action

The access that comes with Paddock Club is unbeatable. We took track and garage tours, watched driver Q&As, and spent time in the paddock with a clear view of the teams at work. My favorite moment? Standing right in front of the podium for the champagne celebration—and yes, even at eight months pregnant, I got sprayed with champagne.

Despite the excitement, I never once felt physically overwhelmed. The experience was designed to be easy and elegant, and the team behind the scenes clearly understood how to make it pregnancy-friendly without compromising on fun.

Would I Go Back?

Yes… but probably not until the kids are older. The long daily commute from Graz is tough, especially for families. But the beauty of the Red Bull Ring and the thoughtfulness of the Paddock Club staff left such a lasting impression, we’re already dreaming of returning—just at a different life stage.

If you’re expecting and thinking about attending an F1 race, I can confidently say: this is doable—if you do it right. And doing it right means: stay somewhere comfortable, let someone else handle transportation, and absolutely invest in a great hospitality package like the Paddock Club. It made all the difference.