One lucky Formula 1 super fan has bagged himself the sport’s first-ever season ticket. Brandon Burgess has risen to social media fame this year after setting himself the challenge of attending all 24 races on a shoestring budget and while still working full time, making the most of just 28 days of annual leave.
Burgess has gone the extra mile to travel as cheaply as possible, having begun with a budget of just £20,000 to travel around the world with the F1 circus. His efforts have not only made him famous on social media, where he is documenting his challenge, but they have also caught the eye of F1 sponsor Heineken who have now acted to help ease the financial burden for next year.
Thanks to Heineken, Burgess is now the first-ever fan to hold a season ticket for F1. He and a plus-one will now have access to all 24 events in the 2026 season just by flashing the special black carbon fibre card he has been given. His travel and accommodation costs are also included, meaning he won’t have to worry about spending a penny to enjoy all the action in person.
“Attending every F1 race in a single year has always been my dream,” said Burgess. “It’s been a crazy challenge – juggling my full-time job and being on a limited budget meant that I’ve had to make some sacrifices such as only visiting some countries for 24 hours, and attending races alone. But it has enabled me to connect with fans all over the world – many of whom I still chat to.
“I never thought that when I started documenting my journey at the beginning of the year that so many people would be following along. And now to be recognised by a brand like Heineken and be the holder of the world’s first season ticket for F1 races is absolutely mind-blowing. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime and I can’t wait to take this journey even further next year and share the experience with other fans.”
Money cannot buy the season ticket, though there will be more opportunities for fans to get hold of one of the precious cards. Max Verstappen presented the first one to Burgess and Heineken said they plan to select another fan next year who will get the chance to travel for the entire 2027 campaign.
Heineken has sponsored F1 for a decade and has now confirmed a new multi-year partnership with the sport. The Netherlands-based beer company is now the title sponsor of five separate races, having extended their China and Las Vegas deals while also adding new sponsorships for the Grands Prix in Brazil, Madrid and Silverstone for the 2026 season.
In particular, the company has been keen to promote its alcohol-free offerings, and a statement from the company read: “Heineken will continue to use F1’s global platform to provide messaging around responsible consumption and promote Heineken 0.0 – a premium zero-alcohol product – as part of their responsible drinking programme.”
