I Went to the Formulation 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix — What It Was Like

The 17-turn, 3.8-mile Las Vegas Strip Circuit was immediately iconic when it debuted for the Las Vegas Grand Prix final November. Watching F1 drivers attain breathtaking speeds over 200 miles per hour between the glittering on line casino lights — all glowing for the nighttime race — alongside The Strip is unimaginable on TV, however it’s even higher in individual. 

Las Vegas has by no means been referred to as demure, quiet, or understated. It’s daring, kitschy, loud, glitzy, and fully one-of-a-kind — which is strictly why town is an epic race vacation spot whether or not you’re a lifelong F1 fan or an informal viewer. This yr, I joined the over 300,000 followers (together with loads of A-list celebrities) who flocked to Sin Metropolis for the Formulation 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix to expertise all three nights of race occasions and bought an inside have a look at a few of the most sought-after experiences on and off the observe so you can begin planning your 2025 journey now. 

The place to Watch the Race 

From VIP hospitality suites to common admission tickets, there’s a viewing choice for each sort of spectator. One- and three-day common admission tickets had been provided in a number of viewing areas across the course, beginning at $99.

I spent Friday night time on the T-Cellular Zone at Sphere, the place common admission included complimentary meals and nonalcoholic drinks, plus entry to occasion activations and stay leisure, together with nightly headliners (Swedish DJ Alesso carried out after I was there) for a competition environment. Grandstand tickets had been additionally out there for buy within the T-Cellular Zone and different spectator sections, with costs beginning at $250. After all, for an over-the-top Vegas expertise, VIP hospitality ticket costs can soar to over $10,000. Costs like it will get you entry to a few of the greatest viewpoints alongside the observe, together with the trackside on line casino resorts, usually with limitless meals and alcoholic drinks.

The Bellagio Fountain Membership, perched above the resort’s iconic basis overlooking the straightaway, provided bites from celeb cooks together with David Chang, Masaharu Morimoto, and Jean-Georges Vongerichten, to call a couple of, plus a rooftop with sweeping views of the observe and Vegas skyline. We took in Thursday’s observe rounds from the Flip 3 Membership, which had an important view of its namesake flip plus a spread of dishes, cocktails, wine, and beer with plush indoor seating — in the event you may pull your self away from the outside seats overlooking the observe.

And maybe no ticket is as coveted because the unique Paddock Membership, atop the garages proper initially/end line. Past scrumptious meals and drinks, together with espresso martinis (excellent for the late nights) and candy treats from the local-favorite Saint Honoré Doughnuts, the Paddock Membership was additionally residence to a skating rink and Liv on the Grid mini nightclub with performances from in-demand DJs like Dom Dolla. And these are just some of many viewing experiences — so you’ll want to discover your choices earlier than you e book your 2025 spot. Some packages even embody particular F1 experiences like touring the paddocks (preserve a watch out for drivers!) and entry to F1 staff interviews, a should for any devoted F1 fan. You would possibly even spot a wandering Elvis impersonator, in true Las Vegas style.

Race Weekend Occasions

Past the observe rounds and the Saturday night time race, town is buzzing with F1 occasions and activations. From the Shoey Bar at Bellagio, the place — you guessed it — you may drink a cocktail out of a shoe a la Daniel Ricciardo, to fan zones at a number of resorts, town goes all-out for race week. Las Vegas is full of celeb chef eating places, and guests can e book unique meals for the prospect to listen to from the famed cooks. I had a memorable meal at Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen, the place I met Ramsay earlier than making an attempt his standard beef Wellington. 

I stayed at Wynn — already a private favourite — and was delighted with the race-themed particulars, together with duplicate automobiles within the on line casino and even specifically themed key playing cards commemorating the event. The lodge can be residence to The After Occasion at Delilah, an invite-only event the place dozens of celebrities (and a sure journey editor) danced the night time away to Mark Ronson and CeeLo Inexperienced. 

Know Earlier than You Go

Upon getting your tickets in hand, there are some things it’s best to know. Lots of the logistical rising pains from the primary yr had been labored out this time round, with smoother transportation to, from, and across the race — however do anticipate site visitors, because the observe goes proper down The Strip and different busy roads. I extremely advocate trying on the map (the F1 Las Vegas app is a must-download) and choosing a lodge that’s positioned inside strolling distance of your ticket zone or affords a shuttle service to your ticket zone. From the Wynn, for instance, I walked to the T-Cellular Zone and took an included shuttle to the Flip 3 Membership and Paddock Membership.

Irrespective of the place you intend to observe the race, get there early — there’s all the time one thing taking place within the lead-up to the motion, and also you’ll need loads of time to seize some meals and drinks and benefit from the festive environment. And don’t overlook to pack your jackets, gloves, and hats — despite the fact that temperatures had been nice within the 70s in the course of the day, it dropped about 30 levels at night time and was slightly windy, so I used to be grateful for the additional heat.