I have a little secret to tell you.
I’ve been struggling a bit figuring out what to write for this Substack. Because I’m not a journalist or an expert. I’m not doing any kind of deep analysis on the sport that someone else isn’t already doing (and doing better). So, what do I really have to offer to the conversation?
Then it occurred to me that I’m primarily an entertainer. My favorite posts I’ve created so far have been “10 Things to Do While You Wait for Formula 1 to Return” (where I got to be tongue-in-cheek) and “Which F1 Driver Are You? A Highly Scientific Quiz” (where I got to make a fun game). The whole reason I even started this Substack is that I wrote a fluffy work of fiction about F1 and I wanted to find people who might enjoy it.
And so, I’m going to stop worrying that I don’t have anything particularly insightful or hard-hitting to say about motorsports and instead lean into the fact that I’m just here to have fun, and to help you do the same.
And what’s more fun than parties??
I love a good F1 Watch Party. So, in this post, I’m going to share some general advice about how to plan an F1 Party That Slaps. Then, once a month, I’ll share a suggested F1 Party Menu, so that if you are hosting F1 parties on the regular, you’ll have a steady stream of ideas.
Step 1: Assemble Your Team
The first step is to decide who to invite, because your guest list will very much determine what kind of party this is. Are you only inviting other F1 addicts, or are there some F1 curious folks in the mix? (And possibly, some F1 reluctant friends who are only here because they love you and know that you love F1 for some incomprehensible reason.) If you are only inviting your fellow diehards, are there any team rivalries among your guests that could come to blows? (And maybe that’s your kind of party!)
No type of guest list is inherently good or bad. The point is preparation.
I personally like a mix of F1 addicts, F1 curious, and F1 reluctant guests. If you’re the only F1 fan at the party, then in addition to hosting, you also have to explain all the rules to your guests as the race unfolds. It’s much nicer to have multiple people who can take on this role. If you have too many F1 addicts, then the guests who are new to the sport might not feel as comfortable asking questions. Plus, your F1 reluctant friends might be more willing to come if they know there are other people who will have side conversations with them if they get bored during the race.
Step 2: Develop Your Vehicle
A Grand Prix is a long event. If you are inviting people over to watch it with you, you need to feed them! Once a month, I’ll share a suggested F1 Watch Party Menu, but for now, here are some general considerations for feeding your guests.
You absolutely do not want to be cooking when the race starts. So, whatever you are doing, make sure that everything is cooked and served before the five red lights go out.
I love feeding my people, so, whenever I have friends over, I make a main dish, a dessert, and a cocktail. Then, I invite my friends (who also like to feed each other and have many dietary requirements) to bring whatever else they might like. I get the peace of mind of knowing there will be enough food to cover everyone’s needs, but I don’t have to make a ton of different dishes. In the monthly menus I suggest, this will always be my general approach, and I’ll specifically suggest recipes that are adaptable and can be made quickly or in advance.
Carryout or catering is also a great option! Order a bunch of pizzas, tell everyone to bring some drinks, sides, or desserts, and then just have fun!
You can also go full potluck and ask everyone on your guest list to bring something, either embracing the chaos, or getting in touch with your love of spreadsheets for something more organized.
Step 3: Create Your Strategy
Once you know who is coming and how you are feeding them, it’s time to figure out the logistics. Are you watching a live broadcast or a replay? If you are watching a live broadcast, set the start time for your party to be at least an hour before the race. In the past, I have warned my friends that if they arrive during the first few laps, I will not be letting them in. Make sure your friends know to arrive before the race starts, or, appoint one of the F1 reluctant guests to take over hosting duties when you get too sucked in to watching the race. In any case, know that there is a strong likelihood you will get distracted during the race, and if that is going to bother you, you probably should just watch F1 alone. (My wife and I almost watched the Brazil 2024 GP when we had friends over, and then decided just to watch the replay and we are SO GLAD because that was an epic race, and it was so much better to watch it uninterrupted.)
Step 4: It’s Go Time, Baby!
However you approach your F1 Watch Party, remember to have fun!
That is the point, after all.