Written by Nicole Wiseman

instagram.com/formulafangrl

January 27, 2026

As a self-described overly anxious mom, I know what it’s like to over-prepare before going out. When I started planning for my first F1 race in October, I spent weeks watching videos, reading blogs, and scrolling event websites—just trying to feel like I had a good grasp on the essentials versus the “if you have room” items.

Now, after attending two vastly different F1 races in two very different environments, I feel like I have a solid understanding of what makes a good packing mix—and which bags work best depending on the race and your seats.

So here is my list of things to bring as an overly prepared, anxious-ass person attending a motorsports race.

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First things first: bag choice

For most races I attend, there is a clear bag policy, so make sure you’re adhering to the bag size guidelines.

For the Vegas Grand Prix—and what I’ll most likely be bringing to the Miami Grand Prix in May—I choose a clear backpack with mesh pockets. For the Formula E race in Miami, since it’s only a one-day race, I still went with a clear bag but opted for more of a bum-bag style. It still fits a lot but is a great smaller choice if you don’t want to bring as much.

For Austin, I didn’t need a clear backpack, and I believe the same will apply for Phoenix for the IndyCar/NASCAR doubleheader in March. I have a great black backpack with loads of pockets that fits the size requirements for both COTA and Phoenix Raceway. Plus, it acts as a blank canvas for patches and buttons.

I’ll do a whole blog post about COTA General Admission because that’s a completely different packing mindset. But in general, for any race day, I break my list into categories to make packing easier: Essentials, Essentials+, Weather Permitting, and Fangirl Goodies.

Bonus tip: keep similar items in pouches. It saves space in your bag and in your brain.

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Essentials

• CLEAR REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE
  I love my Owala, but most stadiums and race venues only allow plastic bottles. Thankfully, they make a clear Owala with the flip-and-sip lid I love. A collapsible water bottle is also a great space-saving hack, and many come with a carabiner to clip onto your bag.
• SEALED WATER BOTTLE (FROZEN)
  Most venues allow a factory-sealed water bottle. Freeze it the night before—you get a mini ice pack in the morning, and it stays cold longer.
• ELECTROLYTE PACKETS
  Most events have refill stations, and in the heat, these little packets really help you stay hydrated.
• WALLET
  Even if you use digital cards, bring a physical card just in case.
• BATTERY PACK + CHARGING CABLE
  I cannot stress how clutch this is. Even if your phone is MagSafe, bring a cable.
• SUNSCREEN
  One for body, one for face—both non-aerosol.
• HAT
  A race-day must. You can clip it onto your bag if it’s not adjustable.
• SPF LIP BALM
  Please don’t forget this—your lips burn easily.
• EARPLUGS
  I use knockoff Loops that I love. They came with extra tips and a small case that clips easily to my keys or bag.
• FM RADIO HEADPHONES FOR F1 RADIO
  If you have an Amex card, you can usually get a free race-day radio for the weekend at F1 events.
• CAMERA
  Check guidelines for allowed cameras, but I love capturing content on more than just my phone. I usually bring my Canon G7X with a flip-up screen, and I can wirelessly transfer photos to my phone.

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Essentials — but make it extra

• MAKEUP TOUCH-UPS
  Pressed powder and lip products, if that’s your thing—just keep it compact.
• CHUB RUB STICK
  Not just for thighs! Great in warm climates and also amazing for preventing foot blisters.
• DEODORANT
  No one likes a smelly person. A small deodorant and maybe a travel-size of your favorite perfume or body spray—just be mindful of strong scents.
• MINI MED KIT (TYLENOL, CLARITIN, BANDAIDS, ZOFRAN)
  This lives in my purse daily, so bringing it to races was a no-brainer. A small pill container with meds for pain, headaches, nausea, allergies, plus bandaids—total game changer.
• HAIRBRUSH + EXTRA HAIR TIES/CLIP
  Long-hair folks know. You might get away with just ties and flyaway products, but a folding brush is great if you have room.
• FAN / COOLING TOWEL
  A fan is amazing, and cooling towels are a great bonus if you overheat easily—but not mandatory.
• HAND SANITIZER
  Clip it to your bag. Small thing, big difference.
• BABY WIPES / WET ONES
  Nice to have alongside hand sanitizer, but not required.
• POO-POURRI
  Because… porta potties. IYKYK.
• FOLDING BAG
  Perfect for purchases or extra/wet items.
• GUM OR MINTS
  A tiny thing that helps you feel fresh. If you wear retainers or Invisalign, a folding travel toothbrush is clutch.

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Weather permitting

• PONCHO
  Disposable packs are great. Check the forecast a week out and again three days before race weekend to decide if you need one or if a windbreaker will do.
• HAND WARMERS
  Absolutely clutch in Las Vegas. Bonus: they’re amazing for sore joints or your back while sitting in the car waiting to leave. I have rechargeable ones that magnetize together—GAME CHANGER.
• EXTRA SOCKS
  Wet socks are the worst. If you have space, an extra pair is smart for rainy or damp races.

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Fangirl goodies

• FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS / TRADABLES
  What started as a throwaway Taylor Swift lyric has become an international symbol of girlhood. Make some, buy some, or bring stickers to give out—it’s a great conversation starter and fun accessory.
• SOCIAL MEDIA CARDS
  An easy way to share your contact info or socials is clutch. Business cards, QR codes, or NFC tags on buttons or keychains make it effortless.
• PEN / SHARPIE
  You never know who you’ll meet.
• SOMETHING FOR DOWNTIME BETWEEN SESSIONS
  A book or card game is great if you’re at the track early or want a break from your phone.

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Shameless plug — Formula Freckles & Glitter ✨

There’s a reason I created Formula Freckles: spreading joy (and glitter) is a great way to show team or driver pride and make friends. Grab a pack for race weekend or a pocket palette to sparkle up new and old friends.

If it’s a race I’m attending, I usually have freebies like mini glitter jars or Formula Freckles. You can also find one of our many Glitter Garage Attendants handing out goodies—just be sure to tag us (and them!) on social media.

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I hope this list—long as it is—helps someone, whether in a big way or a small one. I’ve also made an Amazon list with some of my favorites. Feel free to browse or purchase from it if you want. It’s part of the Amazon Influencer Program, but if you’d rather look and find items elsewhere, absolutely go for it.

Link for my Amazon Storefront is here

Sparkle on and see you at the next Lights Out!