Formula One Paddock Club

Formula One Paddock Club
IndustryHospitality
FoundedMarch 1984; 40 years ago (1984-03)
FounderPaddy McNally
Headquarters
Geneva
,
Switzerland
Number of locations
22 worldwide
ParentAllsport Management

The Formula One Paddock Club, known simply as the Paddock Club, is the Formula One hospitality service. Known for its high prices and exclusivity, it caters for VIP guests and team sponsors, offering luxury dining and superior views at Formula One Grand Prix events.

History

The Formula One Paddock Club was founded by Paddy McNally, chief executive of Allsport Management, a company part of the Formula One Group. McNally originally worked as a sponsorship consultant for Marlboro with John Hogan before becoming a business partner of Bernie Ecclestone. He started working closely with Ecclestone in the late 1970s, chiefly on the circuit advertising, and then on the hospitality concept. Launched in the 1984 season,[1] the Paddock Club first operated at the races in France, Austria and Belgium. In the first year, McNally lost credibility as the Paddock Club met with limited success, having predicted to sell 600 tickets but only managing to sell 170.[2] Frank Williams complained that "this (the Paddock Club) isn't Ascot"! to which the reply was that "it needs to be".[3] McNally considered quitting, but was ultimately persuaded by Ecclestone to hang on.[3]

By 1985, the Paddock Club became more successful; sponsors were attracted and advertisements were coming in.[3] However, the teams complained that the prices were too high and restrictions on access too strict. Ecclestone threatened to close and so the teams were forced to comply.[4] By the late 1980s, the hospitality concept finally turned into a success and was highly lucrative. At the time, notable guests included George Harrison and numerous Hollywood celebrities.[4][5]

Present operation

Since McNally sold Allsport to CVC in 2006, and his subsequent retirement in 2011, management of the Paddock Club has been entirely in control of the Formula One Group, itself under the ownership of Liberty Media. Presently, a ticket costs $5000 for a Grand Prix weekend package. Forecasts estimated 50,000 tickets are sold per year.[6] Notable guests have included: Tom Cruise, Keanu Reaves, Michael Douglas and Eva Longoria.[7][8][9]

References

  1. ^ Grandprix.com. "The Paddock Club". www.grandprix.com. Retrieved 2023-05-19.
  2. ^ Saward, Joe. "The Paddock Club". www.grandprix.com. Retrieved 2023-05-19.
  3. ^ a b c Bower, Tom (2011). No Angel: The Secret Life of Bernie Ecclestone. Internet Archive. London : Faber & Faber. p. 130. ISBN 978-0-571-26929-7.
  4. ^ a b Bower, Tom (2011). No Angel: The Secret Life of Bernie Ecclestone. Internet Archive. London : Faber & Faber. p. 131. ISBN 978-0-571-26929-7.
  5. ^ "How Formula One transformed its hospitality product". www.blackbookmotorsport.com. 6 January 2022. Retrieved 2023-05-19.
  6. ^ Noble, Jonathan (2022-11-18). "Revenue rolls in as F1 ups its hospitality game". Financial Times. Retrieved 2023-05-19.
  7. ^ Longman, Will (2022-04-27). "F1 Paddock Club: what's included, how much it costs, how to book tickets". Motorsport Tickets Blog. Retrieved 2023-05-19.
  8. ^ "F1 Paddock Club™ ¦ Formula 1® 2023 Hospitality". Official F1 Ticketshop. Retrieved 2023-05-19.
  9. ^ Murtagh, Jacob (2022-07-05). "Behind the scenes at the star-studded British Grand Prix with celebs and VIPs". mirror. Retrieved 2023-05-19.