The 2026 Formula 1 Grand Prix season has just opened in Melbourne, and Hilton has reason to celebrate: they’ve been a partner of the McLaren team for over 20 years and, with current World Champion Lando Norris and local hero Oscar Piastri behind the wheels, it’s looking like a great season for Team Papaya. It’s a great time for sports-led tourism on the whole; Hilton says 70% of Asia Pacific-based respondents to a September 2025 survey plan to travel specifically for a sports event.
Hilton’s guest loyalty program, Hilton Honors, invites members to bid their Points on exclusive dining, lifestyle, cultural and sporting experiences. At the Formula 1, that looks like premium hospitality and views of the track and pit lane during qualifying, sprints and races; access to the Paddock and pit lane walks; and McLaren Mastercard F1 Team-hosted activities. Packages also include accommodation and on-property activations, like racing simulators and dining events. The numbers speak for themselves: for the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix, Hilton Honors members redeemed more than nine million Points for McLaren F1 Team VIP packages — a record high.
Sports experiences up for the bidding include Australian Open meet-and-greets, FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the Oxford versus Cambridge Boat Race (with viewing from a launch boat, VIP hospitality at the Thames Rowing Club, and exclusive dinners), and the Concacaf Champions Cup. Points are accrued through stays at the group’s 25 brands around the world (including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts and Conrad Hotels & Resorts), and members can bolster their bidding power by purchasing additional Points — up to 160,000 per calendar year.
This year, Hilton Honors also welcomed a new tier for its most loyal travellers: Diamond Reserve. Recognising members who stay either 80 nights (or 40 separate stays) and spend a minimum of USD $18,000, this level offers confirmable upgrades when booking, top priority for space-available upgrades, guaranteed 4pm checkouts, access to executive lounges and Premium Clubs and personalised customer service. Diamond Reserve travellers also unlock a 120 per cent Points bonus, meaning they have more Points to redeem on stays — or bid on Hilton Honors experiences — sooner.
From 2026, Gold status can be achieved with just 25 nights per year — 15 nights fewer than before — and Diamond with 50 nights. Perks include space-available upgrades, dining credits, and incremental Points bonuses, with Hilton Honors members continuing to enjoy no blackout dates on redeeming Points, the ability to combine Hilton Honors Points and cash on bookings, and Fifth Night Free stays to enjoy longer experiences for less. It’s free to join Hilton Honors, and the benefits (like free WiFi) begin the moment you sign up.
Plan your next trip and learn more about Hilton Honors.
Gourmet Traveller was a guest of Hilton at the Australian Grand Prix.
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