Japanese fans set the benchmark

There’s something I learned about Japanese Formula One fans this week that I haven’t been able to stop thinking about.

When the race ends and the podium champagne has been sprayed, they don’t leave the track. They stay in their grandstand seats and rewatch the entire race on the big screen.

I love this so much. And honestly, it makes complete sense. When you’re trackside, you’re watching one corner, one section of tarmac, you see the cars for a second or two before they’re gone. You (usually) can’t hear the commentary, you miss the strategy calls, the radio drama, and the battles unfolding on the other side of the circuit.

Watching a replay of the race, reliving the excitement and catching any of the action they may have missed in seats they have already paid for. The trackside atmosphere still buzzing around you, next to like minded fans who love the sport as much as you. Why would you leave? And, what a great way to avoid the bottle neck crowds of everyone leaving at the same time.

The friendship bracelets are another thing entirely. Handmade, brought from home, swapped with strangers in the grandstands. It reminded me of the Taylor Swift Swifties and their bracelet culture, except this is just one element of how Japanese F1 fans show their appreciation and support. Fans arrive in costume too, not just team merchandise but full, self-made outfits.

Best of all, when the day is done, every single piece of rubbish they brought in goes home with them. They come prepared with ziplock bags. Leaving rubbish behind is frowned upon and genuinely considered bad form.

I’ve travelled to enough events in enough countries to know how rare and how beautiful that kind of collective care actually is. The Japanese fan culture is one I’d love to see more places adopt.

Japan has always given Formula 1 some of its most extraordinary moments on track. But the fans have been quietly putting on a masterclass in what it means to truly show up for the sport you love.

If Japan is on your radar, whether for the Grand Prix or just because it’s been calling you, the Away We Go Japan F1 Travel Guide is available as a free download at awaywegopodcast.com. And next week’s episode features Tess Moone, a Japan travel expert, who shares everything you need to know about the destinations within striking distance of Suzuka. Trust me, you’ll want to listen.

The full episode Suzuka recap is on YouTube now.