Last weekend, I had the opportunity to completely immerse myself in the world of Formula 1 at the Grand Prix Plaza in Las Vegas. It was an experience like no other, and if I’m being honest, it felt like I had stepped into the very bloodstream of the sport itself. From start to finish, this 39-acre motorsport haven delivered on every promise of speed, history, and innovation. Nestled within the state-of-the-art Las Vegas Grand Prix Pit Building, this 100,000-square-foot paradise of entertainment was an F1 lover’s dream. And what made it even more surreal? Being part of such a monumental weekend meant sharing the kick-off with none other than Stefano Domenicali, the president of Formula 1 himself! Watching him formally open the venue added a layer of prestige and excitement to an already historic day.
Tyler Tate/T Squared Media House via AP
Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1, speaks during a preview event at the Formula 1 experience at Grand Prix Plaza, the home to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Friday, March. 28, 2025.
But it didn’t stop there. The thrill factor ratcheted up to an even higher gear when the inaugural kart race kicked off with a celebrity showdown. And guess who stole the show? Jenson Button, the 2009 Formula 1 World Champion! He started from the absolute back of the grid and raced his way through the pack with the kind of determination, precision, and flair that only a champion can.
Oh, but we’re only scratching the surface of what this incredible destination has to offer. Whether it’s electrifying karting, immersive exhibits, or cutting-edge simulators, this place is a celebration of everything that makes Formula 1 extraordinary. With accessible pricing and discounted rates for locals, children, seniors, and military personnel, it’s a must-visit for anyone craving adrenaline, inspiration, or just an unforgettable time. The venue opens to the public May 2 and will be open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, there’s plenty of time to take it all in.
Karting on Another Level at F1 DRIVE
It was impossible to talk about the weekend without giving special props to the karting experience at F1 DRIVE. This wasn’t some casual arcade version of kart racing. It was 1,650 feet of pure adrenaline featuring hairpins, sweeping corners, and neon-lit straightaways making every lap feel like a high-stakes race, and with Jenson Button himself setting a winning standard earlier in the day, I was even more fired up to bring my A-game.
Tyler Tate/T Squared Media House via AP
2009 Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button, slides his kart to the side as he crosses the finish line in first place in the Ceremonial First Race, during a preview event at the Formula 1 experience at Grand Prix Plaza, the home to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Friday, March. 28, 2025.
The karts were absolute beasts, giving me an authentic taste of what it’s like to drive a scaled-down racing machine. They came equipped with LED steering displays to give live data mid-race, Drag Reduction System (DRS) capabilities to up my strategy game, and a virtual Race Engineer feeding real-time advice into my ear. It was as if I had Formula 1-level technology at my fingertips. From 12 years old and up, this is an attraction that’ll ignite the inner racer in anyone.
Diving Deep into Formula 1 at F1 X
For all the heart-pounding action of karting, F1 X was where my deep appreciation for the sport truly blossomed. This wasn’t just an exhibit; it was a complete deep-dive into 75 years of remarkable history, cutting-edge technology, and the unstoppable evolution of Formula 1. It effortlessly bridged the past with the present, and being able to explore it all left me in awe.
I kicked it off with “Becoming F1,” a stunning holographic presentation that made me feel like part of the engineering, design, and driver teams that make this sport tick. From there, “75 Years of Formula 1” turned out to be a treasure trove of rare memorabilia. Championship-winning gear, iconic cars, and breakthrough technological developments were all right there. Seeing these artifacts up close made the sport's legacy come alive in ways I never thought possible.
Then came the crown jewel of F1 X for me, the F1 Factory. Here, I got to design my very own Formula 1 team using their innovative Paddock Pass system. From choosing the color and logo to deciding on specs for my car, I felt like a true team principal. My creation came to life in their hyper-realistic simulators, where every detail of the car proved critical on the track. The rush of controlling my own design in such high-stakes scenarios was second to none.
The hands-on thrills didn’t end there either. I dove head-first into a pit wall decision-making simulation and experienced firsthand how nerve-wracking those real-time race calls can be. Then it was on to the mind-blowing 4D Driving Theatre, where I raced my custom car along a fully immersive recreation of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit. Between the wind in my face, the roar of the engines, and the smell of burning rubber, I felt like I was truly in the driver’s seat of a Formula 1 car.
The High-Energy Heart of It All at F1 HUB
After all that action, I capped my weekend at F1 HUB, the central social and entertainment hub of the Grand Prix Plaza. The energy of this place was off the charts. Massive screens showcased iconic Formula 1 moments, while the sleek, modern design of the space felt like it had been plucked straight from the paddock.
The simulators here turned out to be another epic highlight. Combining advanced motion technology with ultra-realistic visuals, they offered an incredibly lifelike driving experience. Even though I’d already taken on karting and custom simulations earlier, jumping into these rigs made me feel like I was sitting on the start grid one more time.
To round things off, I couldn’t resist stopping by the flagship F1 Store. From exclusive collectibles to customizable F1 gear, there was something for everyone. Needless to say, I left with my arms full of souvenirs, from sleek team hats to a one-of-a-kind car model I’m now proudly displaying at home.
Tyler Tate/T Squared Media House via AP
Las Vegas entertainer Wayne Newton, gives a thumbs up before waving the checkered flag for the Ceremonial First Race during a preview event at the Formula 1 experience at Grand Prix Plaza, the home to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Friday, March. 28, 2025.
A Bucket-List Adventure Like No Other
Between the world-class attractions, Jenson Button’s celebrity kart win, and the prestigious presence of Stefano Domenicali, last weekend was nothing short of extraordinary. The Grand Prix Plaza captures the spirit, intensity, and sheer brilliance of the sport. Whether you’re a hardcore fan or a curious newcomer, the thrills of F1 DRIVE, the immersive wonders of F1 X, and the buzzing excitement of F1 HUB are guaranteed to make you a fan.
Tickets are already on sale, with discounts for locals, children, seniors, and military personnel, so there’s no excuse to miss out. With seasonal operations leading up to the highly anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix, now is the perfect time to experience everything this incredible venue has to offer. Trust me, you’ll be talking about it for years to come. See you on the track!