The Scenic Route
Neil Costello, England
We have teamed up with viagogo - the world’s leading ticket marketplace - to share the unique journeys of fans from all parts of the world as they travel long distances to attend live sporting events. We spotlight fans with unique rituals, traditions, and stories to share, where viagogo has been their gateway to memorable experiences.
Marking his 50th birthday with a milestone adventure, Neil Costello travelled to Italy with his childhood friend James to experience their first live Formula 1 race at the legendary Monza Grand Prix.
My name is Neil Costello, and I am a builder from Boscastle, Cornwall. I have always been a sports fan, with a particular love for motorsport. In September 2025, I travelled to Italy with my oldest friend, James, for our first-ever live Formula 1 race at the Monza Grand Prix.
The trip is a milestone for both of us as James and I both turn 50 this year. We have known each other since childhood, but this will be the first time we have spent proper extended time together since those days.
My dad lives a couple of hours south of Milan, so Monza felt like the perfect excuse to reconnect with family and finally experience the thrill of F1 in person. Plus, it is one of the most iconic tracks in the world, and I was excited to witness the tifosi in full voice.
We bought our tickets through viagogo because tickets were already sold out. I knew they were a partner of the Alpine team, so I felt confident. The tickets arrived earlier than expected - safely in hand before we set off.
We decided to make the journey part of the adventure. We drove my recently purchased VW Transporter, and set off from the UK, crossed into France by ferry, and made our way through Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, and the Italian Lakes before reaching Parma. The road trip lasted about two weeks.
The route was not rigid because we wanted to take in scenic roads, enjoy local food, and embrace the spontaneity of a proper road trip.
The real highlight for me was spending 12 days with my oldest friend. Even though we knew we still got along, we felt a bit of anticipation before the trip wondering if being together so much after all these years would actually work. Thankfully, it did. We never once got tired of each other’s company, we still see the world the same way, and we still laugh at the same silly things we always have.
I Am Really Here
I have followed F1 since the days of Nigel Mansell. As British fans, we have been fortunate to always have a driver in the mix - Damon Hill, David Coulthard, Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, and now Lando Norris.
The blend of personalities, rivalries, and relentless innovation that makes F1 special.
I have followed the British drivers as they moved around. The Schumacher–Hill rivalry is the one that stands out most for me. At the time, I remember thinking Schumacher came across a bit like a villain, not always playing by the rules.
At the Grand Prix, I bought my son a Williams hat, which was something he had asked for. Maybe, like me, he has a soft spot for the underdog.
F1 racing is a glimpse into the future of technology, paired with the raw excitement of speed. To finally see it live at Monza was something else.
The atmosphere as we walked in, surrounded by thousands of fans, was incredible.
Italians singing their national anthem, fighter jets roaring overhead, and the anticipation of the race about to begin. That is when it hit me that ‘I am really here.
