F1 DRIVE London occupies the space beneath the South Stand of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and it is an officially licensed Formula 1 karting venue rather than a track that borrows the styling. That licensing shows in the detail: the karts carry working DRS and ERS systems, the steering wheels display live race data, and the audio is built from recorded Formula 1 engine sound. The whole visit runs to around an hour and a half, covering briefing, kit, track time and the results afterwards.

There are three separate layouts. The Super Circuit is the headline: 500 metres with seventeen turns and two DRS zones, mixing tight technical chicanes with a long start-finish straight, and the venue describes roughly 80 per cent of it as flat out. The Sprint Track runs 360 metres. Future Stars is a 180-metre layout with eight turns built specifically for junior racers. Having three distinct tracks under one roof is unusual in London and means a mixed-ability group is not forced onto a single circuit.

The karts are bespoke and fully automatic, so there are no gears to manage. Each steering wheel carries an 18cm LED display showing lap times, gaps to other drivers, boost levels and flag signals as you drive. DRS operates on the same logic Formula 1 uses, and an ERS boost can be deployed at a moment of the driver’s choosing. A virtual race engineer delivers team radio updates on track conditions, DRS and ERS use, fastest laps and overtaking chances, and the session carries commentary from David Croft with analysis from Naomi Schiff. Two dual karts with a second seat are also available, subject to availability, arranged by contacting the venue after booking a session.

Four formats run across the three tracks. Rookie Racers is the introduction built for children. Mixed Grid lets adults and children from age 8 race together and runs at set times on both the Sprint Track and the Super Circuit. Sprint Session is a shorter, faster format. Elite Session is the full Formula 1 treatment and the only one that reaches the higher speeds. Future Stars races are reserved exclusively for children aged 8 to 10, giving them a grid of their own rather than a place at the back of an adult one.

The minimum age is 8, but height is the real determinant. Cadet karts require a minimum height of 1.25 metres and adult karts require 1.5 metres, because a driver has to reach the pedals with knees still bent. Elite sessions are restricted to ages 14 and over and run at up to 40mph; mixed grid and rookie sessions are capped below 20mph. Anyone aged 14 or over can enter any format. The venue sets no hard maximum, but recommends a ceiling of 1.95 metres and 18 stone, and invites anyone uncertain to come in for a kart fitting first. Under-18s need a parent or guardian to sign their waiver, and under-16s must be accompanied by an adult even if that adult does not race.

Alongside the karting, the venue runs full-motion racing simulators and a fan zone built to carry the atmosphere of a race day. Both work as something for a group to do while waiting for a session, and the simulators give anyone too short for a kart, or simply curious, a way to take part.

Race suits are provided and are designed to go over normal clothing, so wear something comfortable underneath. Shoes must be flat and fully closed. Drivers may bring their own full-face helmet provided it meets ISO standards, and a clear visor helps visibility — marshals will check it. Personal balaclavas and race suits are permitted, as long as a suit covers legs, chest and arms. Reactive and tinted lenses are not allowed. Glasses can be worn, but need to be slid in through the visor gap once the helmet is on. Cameras cannot be worn or carried while racing, so no action cameras on the track. All bags are searched on entry and lockers are available inside

Spectating is free. Spectator tickets are added at no cost when booking a session, and a parent or guardian accompanying a child under 16 is admitted automatically without charge. There is a fully licensed bar and a food menu covering vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free requirements. No alcohol may be consumed before racing, though the venue actively encourages drivers to stay on afterwards. Outside food and drink cannot be brought in. Branded merchandise is sold through the Spurs shop, which is also where reception sits.

The venue states that its objective is for F1 DRIVE to be fully accessible, in line with the stadium’s other attractions. It advises against taking part for anyone with a medical condition that could be affected by physical exertion, and notes that a condition preventing someone from holding a driving licence is likely to affect karting too. For visitors with a hearing impairment, the safety briefing video is subtitled, but the in-race audio is not, and the venue asks anyone affected to make contact before their race day so arrangements can be made. Anyone with specific access requirements is best contacting the team in advance.

Reception is inside the Tottenham Experience store on the High Road, with the track beneath the South Stand. There is no parking at the venue: the operator points guests towards independent car parks nearby and advises checking restrictions on arrival. Public transport is the recommended route. White Hart Lane on the Overground is under five minutes on foot; Seven Sisters, Northumberland Park and Tottenham Hale are all within reach. F1 DRIVE does run on stadium event days, but those bring road closures, busier stations and possible station closures around the ground, and the venue strongly advises against driving on those days. Checking the stadium’s event calendar before booking is worth the minute it takes. Pre-booking is recommended because session capacity is limited, and tickets can be exchanged for another day with at least 48 hours’ notice but are otherwise non-refundable.