With a mission to honour Formula 1’s history, Estoril Classics returns to the Estoril Circuit from October 3 to 5 for its ninth edition. Since 2017, the event has become a favourite among classic car enthusiasts, and this year it sets the stage for one of the biggest gatherings of Formula 1 cars ever seen in Portugal – marking 75 years of the sport’s world championship.
Alongside the traditional Classic GP – where pre-1986 single-seaters race it out in pure nostalgia – the programme includes a first-of-its-kind showcase bringing together F1 cars from every decade. The aim? To chart the evolution of motorsport, from the roaring machines of the 1950s to the high-tech beasts of the 21st century. Expect rare cars usually tucked away in private collections or museums.
The venue itself is steeped in history: Estoril is where Niki Lauda clinched his third world title in 1984; where Ayrton Senna claimed his very first victory in torrential rain the following year; where Alain Prost bagged his record-breaking 28th win in 1987; and where, in 1993, he sealed his fourth world title, in a race won by Michael Schumacher.
This year’s edition promises to bring that legacy roaring back to life. The unprecedented F1 line-up won’t just sit still – there will be live track demonstrations too. Practice and qualifying start on Friday 3 October, with races scheduled for Saturday at 17.05 and Sunday at 14.05.
As in previous editions, grandstand access along the main straight is free, but Paddock tickets are limited and paid. Prices range from €20 (Friday) to €35 (Saturday or Sunday) or €60 for a three-day pass. These tickets get you into the reserved areas, where you can watch the teams at work and soak up the behind-the-scenes action. Kids up to 15 get in free to the Paddock, as long as they’re with a paying adult.
Estoril Circuit (Alcabideche). 3-5 Oct (Fri-Sun). €20-60