Even before the 2026 Formula 1 season has begun, a major controversy has already ignited the fan community. The cause: a sudden and "indecent" price hike for tickets to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which has been widely condemned on social media.
F1 ticket price hike: an increase that's setting social media ablaze
The 2026 season of F1 The season promises to be historic with a marathon calendar of 24 races, kicking off in early March in Australia. But with just a month to go before the first Grand Prix, it's neither the grid nor the new cars that are generating buzz: it's the prices.
According to several fans who shared the initial information online, weekend tickets for the Grand Prix will be available at a discounted price. F1 Abu Dhabi's currency reportedly jumped from AED 5654 to AED 6200, an increase of approximately €129 compared to the same period last year. This increase was deemed simply excessive.
« Absolutely scandalous ", a user on X complained.
Another goes further: Formula 1 has managed to become more accessible, but at this rate, it's going to kill its own audience. It feels like we're witnessing a pure cash cow.
For many, Abu Dhabi now symbolizes a deliberate shift towards a F1 ultra-premium, disconnected from its historical fans. Some even claim to be giving up on European circuits altogether, which have become prohibitively expensive.
« Everything's going haywire with these outrageous prices. Silverstone is finished for me. ", a disgusted supporter blurts out.
Conversely, others put things into perspective by citing the Belgian Grand Prix of Formula 1where the increase would remain limited to just a few euros. A contrast that fuels the debate: is this a general trend or a model specific to certain showcase destinations on the calendar?
Faced with growing discontent, several fans of F1 They claim to have contacted the organizers of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix directly to obtain an explanation for this sudden price increase. So far, no official justification has been provided.
Ironically, the 2026 edition could be the scene of another explosive finale for the world title, as recent history has already shown. But for many, the real battle now seems to be taking place off the slopes, between maximizing profitability and making the sport more accessible.
