A Young Fan’s Dream Takes Shape, but Will He Make It to the Final Checkered Flag?

Brandon Burgess, a 29-year-old F1 enthusiast, has embarked on an ambitious journey to attend all 24 Formula 1 races this season on a budget of £20,000. With just £9,221 remaining in his pot and 12 days of annual leave left, Burgess is navigating the highs and lows of traveling to five continents and 21 countries. His challenge is not just about witnessing the thrill of the races but also about documenting his experiences and staying within his means.

Burgess, who has been an F1 fan since the age of two, weighed the risks and benefits of his venture before deciding to go for it. “If I don’t do it now, then I’ll never do it,” he says, citing his youth and lack of responsibilities as the driving force behind his decision. With a limited budget, Burgess is varying his attendance at each event, opting for shorter stays in some cases and longer ones in others.

The British Grand Prix in July proved to be a welcome respite, allowing Burgess to stay in his flat in London and commute to the Milton Keynes area without breaking the bank. However, the European leg of the campaign has been a different story, with the triple-headers and back-to-back grands prix pushing Burgess to his limits. “It’s going to be very tight,” he admits, but is determined to make it to all 24 races.

Burgess has been documenting his journey on his Instagram account, where he has gained a following of fellow fans who are inspired by his determination and creativity. He has also become the go-to man for travel tips among other fans, who are eager to learn from his experiences. His account has become a valuable resource for fans looking for advice on how to make the most of their F1 experiences while staying within their budget.

As Burgess navigates the complexities of his challenge, he is grateful for the support of his employer, which has allowed him to work from home on some Mondays after a tiring journey back from a race. He has also been fortunate enough to receive invitations from teams like Aston Martin, which has given him access to exclusive behind-the-scenes tours. Burgess has described these experiences as “a dream come true,” and has been able to share his unique perspective with his followers.

Despite the challenges he faces, Burgess remains optimistic about his chances of completing his mission. “I want to do it for the £20,000, but if I have to, I have got some spare funds just in case,” he says. With the remaining flyaways on the horizon, Burgess is preparing for the toughest part of his journey, but is determined to stay on track and make it to the final checkered flag.

Burgess’s challenge has also brought him closer to the F1 community, and he has formed lasting connections with fellow fans and team personnel. “You’ve basically got friends all over the globe,” he says, reflecting on the friendships he has made during his travels. “And some of the people I’ve met I’ve actually kept in contact with. So some of the people I’ve met in Australia at the start of the season, I still chat to now, which is really nice.”

As the season draws to a close, Burgess is keeping his followers updated on his progress, sharing his experiences and insights on his Instagram account. With the final flyaways on the horizon, Burgess is preparing for the ultimate test of his determination and resourcefulness. Will he be able to make it to all 24 races on a budget of £20,000? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Brandon Burgess is a true F1 fan, and his epic quest will be remembered for years to come.