How to Get a Job in F1 Hospitality (Even Without Experience)

How to Get a Job in F1 Hospitality: Insider Secrets From the Paddock

When people imagine working in Formula 1, they usually picture race engineers, mechanics, or even drivers. But there’s another group of people who are absolutely essential to every Grand Prix weekend: the hospitality staff.

From welcoming VIP guests in the Paddock Club to running team suites, F1 hospitality is one of the most exciting ways to get behind the scenes — and, crucially, it’s one of the easiest doors into the motorsport world if you know where to look.

Don’t be fooled into thinking this is just “serving drinks with a view of the track.” It’s a high-pressure, glamorous, and fiercely competitive environment. And if you know the insider routes, you can land yourself a role that puts you right in the heart of the action.

 

The Reality of F1 Hospitality (Not the Instagram Version)

  • Long hours: Days can start before sunrise and end late at night.
  • High standards: Every sponsor guest expects five-star treatment.
  • Total focus: A spilled drink or wrong detail isn’t just a slip-up — it can upset a major corporate partner.

But here’s the flip side:

  • You’ll be inside the paddock.
  • You’ll brush shoulders with drivers, engineers, celebrities, and sponsors.
  • You’ll gain an understanding of how Formula 1 really works behind the curtain.

 

Where F1 Hospitality Jobs Really Come From

Most hospitality jobs in F1 aren’t hired directly by the teams. They come through specialist event agencies that supply staff to Formula 1, the Paddock Club, and team suites.

Some of the well-known names that have recruited for F1 hospitality include:

  • Do&Co – official catering partner for Formula 1 and the Paddock Club.
  • GEMA Catering – known for staffing major F1 hospitality events.
  • Sodexo Live! – works across global sporting events including Formula 1.

 

Skills That Make You Stand Out in the Paddock

  • Discretion: You’ll overhear confidential conversations. Keeping them private is critical.
  • Languages: Being multi-lingual is a huge advantage at international events.
  • Professionalism under pressure: Can you stay calm while serving sponsors with cameras flashing around you?
  • Resilience: The hours are long and the expectations sky-high. A positive attitude gets noticed.
  • People skills: You’re often the first face a guest sees – and their impression of F1 starts with you.

 

Insider Stories From the Paddock

  • Some hospitality staff are bussed in at 5am and don’t leave until after midnight. It’s exhausting, but they often catch glimpses of the race from the pit wall during a quick break.
  • A student who started as a runner in the Paddock Club went on to be hired by a sponsor’s marketing team the following year.
  • In some cases, staff have served team principals or drivers directly. Imagine being trusted to deliver world-class service to the very people you’ve grown up watching on TV.

 

How to Apply for F1 Hospitality Roles

  1. Start with the right agencies – Keep an eye on companies like Do&Co, Sodexo Live, and GEMA Catering. Check their careers pages around 3–6 months before your chosen race.
  2. Follow Formula Careers jobs boards – We highlight hospitality roles as soon as they go live, saving you the job of hunting.
  3. Tailor your CV – Highlight customer service, teamwork, and flexibility. Show you can work long, unsociable hours with a smile.
  4. Network smartly – Connect with hospitality managers and staff on LinkedIn. Attending races? Speak to the people working in suites and ask about their route in.
  5. Stay flexible – Your first role may be a runner or support role. But once you’ve proven yourself, bigger opportunities open up fast.

 

Why F1 Hospitality Is More Than “Just Hospitality”

Hospitality is a backstage pass into one of the most exclusive sports in the world. If you use it well, it can become a springboard into:

  • Marketing and sponsorship
  • Events management
  • Logistics and operations
  • Even direct roles with F1 teams or agencies

 

Your Next Step

If you’re serious about working in motorsport, don’t overlook F1 hospitality. It may not be glamorous every second of the day, but it gives you access, experience, and contacts you won’t find anywhere else.

👉 Check out our dedicated F1 hospitality careers page for more advice and live job updates.