Is Silverstone’s International Paddock Grandstand Worth It? A Fan’s Experience and the 2026 BOXPARK Upgrade

To find out, we spoke with longtime F1 fan Maria Jose (Majo) Guevara, about her time in the International Paddock Grandstand, a premium seating option that must be purchased as part of a package offering access to a dedicated area—which, at the time, was called the International Paddock Enclosure—complete with food stalls, entertainment, a bar, and more.

Admittedly a bucket list trip, Majo’s expectations for the British Grand Prix were high, and unfortunately the International Paddock Grandstand experience didn’t entirely live up to them. But, because Silverstone is overhauling the package for 2026 thanks to a partnership with BOXPARK, this is the perfect time for us to revisit what the grandstand is like and what Silverstone promises the experience to be so you can decide whether it's worth the price of entry.

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The International Paddock Grandstand

The International Paddock Grandstand is a premium grandstand located inside the circuit, alongside Abbey and Farm Curves. It earns its premium designation because the seats have backrests and ample legroom. In addition, the entire grandstand is covered, a blessing when the British weather is out in full force, or, as Majo put it, when it’s “like Glastonbury, but for cars.” (Pro-tip: Regardless of your grandstand choice, wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy, and bring layers and a poncho to stay dry and warm.)

While the seating is comfortable and dry, Majo mentioned that the view was somewhat disappointing. She noted that the cars were really only visible for roughly four seconds as they made their way out of Abbey and through Farm Curve. And while you get a front-row seat for the chaotic dash in the first corner, very little overtaking occurs here during the race.

Another drawback were the screens. Majo reported that they were small and difficult to read. She found herself relying more on her phone to follow along via F1 TV.

Last but not least is the grandstand’s location, which means another set of tradeoffs. Situated inside the circuit, known as the Inner Track, this area is only accessible to select ticket holders. On one hand, that means you are essentially isolated from the majority of grandstands and fan areas which sit on the outside of the circuit. While completely doable, getting to and from the Inner Track requires a long walk or catching one of the shuttle buses—a logistical hurdle that can feel like a mission when you're trying to time your day.

On the other hand, Inner Track ticket holders have exclusive access to the Fan Forecourt, a dedicated area behind the F1 paddock where fans can line up to spot F1 drivers and team personnel moving in and out of the paddock, like at the famous Melbourne Walk. If you want to see F1 drivers as they park their luxury cars, this is the spot to do it.

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The Introduction of BOXPARK for 2026

When you’re paying premium prices, the physical environment and atmosphere matter as much as your  view of the on-track action.

In 2024 when Majo attended, the International Paddock Grandstand came as part of a package that included access to the International Paddock Enclosure (IPE), a hospitality area that promised to be a special 'home base' away from the massive General Admission crowds, with shelter from the elements and access to food stalls, a bar, wifi, and bathrooms.

While the IPE provided the essentials of a premium experience, the footprint felt more like a functional outpost rather than a high-energy festival hub. Majo noted that the food options were limited compared to the rest of the circuit, consisting mostly of standard burger and chicken trucks, while the entertainment offering lacked the energy found elsewhere around Silverstone. Unlike the outer fan zones filled with DJs, live music, and activations, the IPE felt comparatively muted, a noticeable contrast considering the premium price tag attached to the package.

For 2026, Silverstone appears to be overhauling this half of the package by launching a partnership with BOXPARK, a famous food and retail park operator in the UK. The new BOXPARK experience promises to address and upgrade the aspects that Majo was disappointed by, with a heavy emphasis on bringing a festival atmosphere to the Inner Track. That includes entertainment from DJ AG, Martin 2 Smoove, Andy Purnell, Jay Knox, Massaoke, and even a live “A Night at the Darts” exhibition match.

The VIP staples like free parking, Fast Track entry saving you time from long lines, high-speed wifi, and bathrooms are all included. And there is access to special food and drink stalls.

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Value and Final Thoughts

In 2024, Majo and her family paid roughly $1,350 (£1,000) per person for a 3-day package with a seat in the International Paddock Grandstand, and at the time she felt the price did not match the experience due largely to limited track views, a lackluster atmosphere, minimal food options, and the feeling that the “premium” experience offered little beyond covered seating and exclusivity. 

For 2026, the same grandstand seating now comes bundled with the BOXPARK experience, with a 3-day package starting at $1,750 (£1,289) per person. The pitch is no longer about having a covered seat and access to an exclusive area, it’s about creating an all-day festival around the racing itself, designed to make the Inner Track feel less like a logistical challenge and more like a destination.

Whether that justifies the increased price tag ultimately depends on what you want from a Formula 1 weekend.  If your priority is purely on-track action, overtaking battles, and maximizing racing views, you may find better luck with one of Silverstone’s many grandstand options, including the Lando Norris Grandstand. But, if you want a comfortable seat protected from the British weather with a mini festival to run back-and-forth to during downtime, then the 2026 BOXPARK evolution may deliver.

Want to know more about the British Grand Prix? Check out our other guides here! Or for guides and tickets for any F1 race, head to our Formula 1 hub.