Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsports. Did you know there’s a place where you can experience its excitement in an unprecedentedly luxurious setting? This time, FUN! JAPAN went inside the ultimate hospitality space that had never before been open to the public—the Red Bull VIP lounge, “Red Bull Front Row.”
In this lounge, where only selected guests are allowed to enter, a special experience that goes far beyond simply watching the race awaited us, engaging all five senses.
From exclusive live commentary by current F1 drivers to breathtaking performances by top athletes and a selection of exquisite gourmet dishes... We bring you a full report of the exhilarating moments spent in bliss, feeling the Suzuka breeze!
*If you purchase or reserve products introduced in this article, a portion of the sales may be returned to FUN! JAPAN.
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The “2026 F1 Japanese Grand Prix” Thrilled Over 300,000 Fans
The “F1 Japanese Grand Prix,” held over three days from March 27 to March 29, 2026, turned out to be a truly legendary weekend. The Suzuka Circuit, where the spring schedule has now become the norm, welcomed a total of 315,000 fans over the three days. The entire circuit pulsed like a giant living creature, with thunderous cheers echoing nonstop.
The race itself also lived up to the fans’ high expectations with a dramatic turn of events. The rise of young drivers clashed with the pride of seasoned veterans, making it a race truly worthy of its status as the pinnacle of motorsports. From qualifying to the final race, it was undoubtedly three days packed with excitement.
What is the Red Bull VIP Lounge “Red Bull Front Row”?
As its name suggests, “Red Bull Front Row” is a special area designed for witnessing F1 from the “front row.” It is located at Turn 7 (formerly the Dunlop Corner), one of the most challenging sections of the Suzuka Circuit and a true test of driver skill.
The greatest privilege of this spot is being able to watch the cars speeding out of the Reverse Bank at incredible speed, right from the side—so close you could almost reach out and touch them. The rush of air from the cars, the ear-splitting roar of the engines, and the smell of burning tires... This is a premium viewing spot with an overwhelming sense of immersion, where you can feel it all directly on your skin.
But the appeal here is not limited to the race itself. With jaw-dropping performances by Red Bull athletes and the “Saturday Night Party” that lights up the evening after qualifying, every moment of your stay is transformed into entertainment with the finest hospitality.
[Inside Report] A Special Spectator Experience at the VIP Lounge “Red Bull Front Row”
The first thing that surprises you upon arrival is the sophisticated two-story hospitality facility standing right beside Turn 7. The entire building is designed around the Red Bull brand aesthetic, and from the moment you step inside, you can sense that a special time is about to begin.
The first floor features a calm and relaxing "Lounge & Buffet Area" with refined interiors. On the second floor, you'll find a spacious and open "Terrace, Bar & Entertainment Area."
A notable feature is the abundance of live broadcast monitors installed throughout the facility. You can enjoy the excitement of the machines directly from the terrace, or relax on a comfortable sofa in the lounge and follow the detailed race developments on the monitors with a cold drink in hand. You are free to choose your own preferred viewing style.
Food and Drinks Available Throughout the Day
On the first-floor lounge level, buffet-style food was served throughout the day. Of course, all of this is included in the tour price, so you can enjoy as much as you like without worrying about extra charges. The menu changed throughout the day, from breakfast and lunch to tea time and the Saturday Night Party in the evening.
All dishes were freshly prepared by professional chefs in the facility’s kitchen. The thoughtfully crafted dishes were not only delicious but also visually stunning, to the point where you might forget you're at a circuit.
In addition, the drink selection is extensive. Alongside the familiar lineup of Red Bull drinks, you can enjoy original cocktails made with Red Bull that are only available here, as well as mocktails for those who prefer non-alcoholic options. There was also a wide variety of alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine, ensuring a truly satisfying experience.
For dessert, healthy vegan ice cream was also available. The emblem on the cup is a sticker, and many fans were seen carefully peeling it off to take home as a memento of their trip.
Special Performances by Red Bull Athletes
Even between races, guests are never bored. Within the area, special performances by world-class athletes are held under the title "Red Bull Street Jam."
This time, professionals from various fields showcased their incredible skills, including Sakura Yosozumi, known as an Olympic skateboarding gold medalist, as well as athletes from BMX, freestyle football, dance, and more.
Unlike what you see on TV or in videos, the performances unfolding just a few meters away are truly breathtaking. The intensity at the moment a move is executed can be felt directly.
Live Talk with Yuki Tsunoda! "F1 Driver Meet-up"
There are also opportunities to meet active racing drivers. This time, a special event called "F1 Driver Meet-up" was held on the 27th and 29th.
On the 27th, Liam Lawson and Laurent Mekies visited the venue, and on the 29th, Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda made appearances.
During the event on the 29th, there was also a talk session with Yuki Tsunoda. Fans also had opportunities to take commemorative photos with him and ask for autographs.
This sense of closeness, where you can feel so near to your favorite stars, is one of the unique highlights of this lounge.
Quiz Competition with Luxurious Prizes
Another highlight that energized the venue was a quiz competition about the Oracle Red Bull Racing team. Participants answered questions using their smartphones, competing for both accuracy and speed.
The questions included "Where is the team's headquarters?" and "What year was their first victory?"—challenging the knowledge of true fans and heating up the atmosphere in the venue.
The winner received incredible prizes, including items autographed by the drivers! It was an extremely exciting event that brought the entire venue together.
Other Attractions: Exhibitions and Experience Corners
Inside the facility, there are plenty of exhibitions and experience corners that even non-fans won't want to miss.
For example, there are displays of racing suits and helmets actually worn by Oracle Red Bull Racing drivers, giving you a glimpse behind the scenes of their intense battles.
Another particularly popular attraction on the second floor was an authentic racing simulator experience, where visitors could receive advice from ZENKAI RACING instructors.
This simulator is a professional-grade model also used by pro drivers for training. You can actually drive around a virtual recreation of Suzuka Circuit, experiencing realistic driving sensations.
When I tried it myself, the first thing that surprised me was how heavy the steering was. Especially at high speeds, steering requires a lot of effort, and I truly felt how difficult it is to control the machine precisely. I was able to experience firsthand why F1 drivers not only need advanced techniques but also incredible physical strength.
Famous Suzuka Cosplayers Gather in the Main Area
The appeal of this tour is not just the comfort of the VIP area. Participants can freely come and go to the main area, "GP Square," using their passes. It’s only about a 10-minute walk from the lounge, making it easily accessible and the perfect place to enjoy the unique F1 atmosphere, where excitement and glamour blend together.
In GP Square, the main stage where drivers appear, official team shops, and a wide variety of food stalls line the area. Here, you’ll encounter the passionate cosplayers who have become a Suzuka specialty. Some dress up as car parts, others as their favorite drivers—their enthusiasm is truly impressive.
Among them was a fan who said with a smile that they became hooked on F1 by watching videos during the COVID-19 pandemic and spent an entire week making their costume for this event!
Watching Qualifying Q2 with Live Commentary by Ukyo Sasahara
During the viewing of Qualifying Q2, live commentary was provided by active racing driver Ukyo Sasahara.
On the huge monitor on the first floor, not only footage from the track but also views from the drivers’ helmet cameras and detailed driving data were projected in real time.
With Sasahara’s commentary, offering the unique perspective of an active racing driver, the viewing experience was dramatically enhanced. He vividly explained subtle tactics that casual viewers might miss, such as tire wear and the art of choosing racing lines as track conditions changed. It was truly impressive to see these details brought to life.
The content of Qualifying Q2 itself also took an unexpected turn that no one could have predicted. At the start, Max Verstappen of Red Bull, the reigning champion, set a time and everyone was sure he would advance to Q3. However, as the session progressed, other teams kept posting incredible times. In particular, Mercedes’ rising star Antonelli set the fastest time overall, causing a stir in the venue.
As the tense moments continued, Verstappen was unable to improve his time and, in a shocking twist, was eliminated in Q2 in 11th place! Meanwhile, Red Bull’s own Isack Hadjar impressively secured 9th place and advanced to Q3. It was a qualifying session so thrilling that you couldn’t take your eyes off it for a second.
Reliving the Race at the "Saturday Night Party"
From 16:30, with the excitement of the qualifying session still lingering, the long-awaited "Saturday Night Party" kicked off.
The venue was transformed into a sophisticated evening space, with music from a DJ and the illuminated night circuit as a backdrop. Participants enjoyed delicious food and cocktails while discussing the day's races, saying things like, "Did you see Verstappen's move at that moment?" and "What will happen in tomorrow's race?"
People from different countries and generations, all sharing a passion for F1, connected and shared a special moment together. The intense time until 20:00 undoubtedly became one of the highlights of this trip.
How to Reserve the Red Bull VIP Lounge: JTB Now Accepting Bookings!
The "Red Bull Front Row" viewing tour, which offers such a special experience, is now available for purchase through JTB, one of Japan's leading travel agencies.
This year's F1 Japanese Grand Prix attracted 315,000 visitors over three days, drawing fans from all over the world and causing the usual heavy congestion around the venue. In particular, buses to the nearest Shiroko Station often have wait times of over two hours during peak periods.
However, with this JTB tour, you can avoid all that stress. An exclusive shuttle bus takes you from Nagoya Station to the venue in about two hours. Not only is the bus equipped with restrooms, but it also features special reclining seats and footrests for maximum comfort. The ability to travel in VIP style, without worrying about traffic or crowds, is an unparalleled advantage.
If you want to experience F1 in the best possible environment, this JTB viewing tour is for you. If you're interested in a special F1 experience, be sure to look out for information on next year's tours.
👉 Click here for the latest information on JTB's F1 and motorsports experience and viewing tours
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