I Went to the Components 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, nevertheless it’s even higher in particular person. 

Las Vegas has by no means been referred to as demure, quiet, or understated. It’s daring, kitschy, loud, glitzy, and utterly 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 12 months, I joined the over 300,000 followers (together with loads of A-list celebrities) who flocked to Sin Metropolis for the Components 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix to expertise all three nights of race occasions and bought an inside take a look at among the most sought-after experiences on and off the monitor so you can begin planning your 2025 journey now. 

The place to Watch the Race 

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

I spent Friday evening on the T-Cell Zone at Sphere, the place basic admission included complimentary meals and nonalcoholic drinks, plus entry to occasion activations and reside leisure, together with nightly headliners (Swedish DJ Alesso carried out after I was there) for a pageant environment. Grandstand tickets have been additionally accessible for buy within the T-Cell 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 this may get you entry to among the greatest viewpoints alongside the monitor, together with the trackside on line casino resorts, typically with limitless meals and alcoholic drinks.

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

And maybe no ticket is as coveted because the unique Paddock Membership, atop the garages proper at the beginning/end line. Past scrumptious meals and drinks, together with espresso martinis (perfect 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 make sure you discover your choices earlier than you e book your 2025 spot. Some packages even embody particular F1 experiences like touring the paddocks (preserve an eye fixed out for drivers!) and entry to F1 group 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 apply rounds and the Saturday evening race, town is buzzing with F1 occasions and activations. From the Shoey Bar at Bellagio, the place — you guessed it — you possibly can 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 superstar 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 in style beef Wellington. 

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

Know Earlier than You Go

After getting your tickets in hand, there are some things you must know. Most of the logistical rising pains from the primary 12 months have been labored out this time round, with smoother transportation to, from, and across the race — however do count on site visitors, because the monitor goes proper down The Strip and different busy roads. I extremely suggest wanting 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-Cell Zone and took an included shuttle to the Flip 3 Membership and Paddock Membership.

Regardless of the place you intend to observe the race, get there early — there’s at all times one thing occurring 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 — though temperatures have been nice within the 70s throughout the day, it dropped about 30 levels at evening and was slightly windy, so I used to be grateful for the additional heat.