Formula 1’s Las Vegas Grand Prix Proves It’s More Than Just Racing


  • The Las Vegas Grand Prix solidifies Formula 1’s growing dominance in North America.
  • Launching in 2025, the Grand Prix Plaza offers an immersive Formula 1 experience.
  • With the rise of Netflix’s Drive to Survive F1 has transformed into a cultural phenomenon.

Formula 1 continues to capture the hearts and minds of motorsport enthusiasts around the world with new rivalries and gripping storylines that seem to feature off-track as much as they do on it.

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The sport’s unprecedented boom has drawn record numbers of North American viewers, captivated by the spectacle and drama. With the addition of a third U.S. circuit set amidst the neon-lit streets of Las Vegas, Formula 1’s presence in the region has reached new heights.

The Las Vegas Grand Prix has established North America as a huge F1 market. Image: Red Bull Content Pool/Getty

This season’s Grand Prix is set to be another thriller, with Max Verstappen taking a 62-point lead to Nevada hoping to clinch his 4th consecutive Championship with two races to go, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers in history.

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But as excitement builds, Formula 1 is looking to redefine the racing experience. It’s no longer just about the 20 drivers pushing the limits on the track; it’s about crafting a lifestyle brand that connects fans, families, and thrill-seekers alike… with the latest news coming out of Las Vegas, Formula 1 is handing you the keys.

A Global F1 Experience Like No Other

Formula 1’s reach, however, extends far beyond the race track and the teams competing on it. From London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where fans immerse themselves in the sport’s high-tech simulators, to Singapore’s Marina Bay, where street racing meets luxury, F1 has masterfully blended motorsport with lifestyle to become an ever-present sport for fans.

After last year’s maiden run, the Las Vegas Grand Prix has already established itself as a contemporary classic for the Formula 1 season, reflecting an evolving brand looking to get a foothold in the American market.

English football club Tottenham Hotspur also has a Formula 1 karting experience. Image: Tottenham Hotspur
English football club Tottenham Hotspur also has a Formula 1 karting experience. Image: Tottenham Hotspur

With the debut of the year-round Grand Prix Plaza in Spring 2025, the Las Vegas Grand Prix promises to become a hub of adrenaline-filled excitement for F1 fans to experience for themselves, offering immersive experiences that celebrate the glamour and excitement of the sport, even when the travelling circus isn’t in town.

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“The opening of Grand Prix Plaza’s year-round, consumer-facing programming will enable Formula 1 to engage with visitors to the Valley and residents alike in new and exciting ways,” said Renee Wilm, CEO of Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc. “Our commitment to the Las Vegas community runs deep, and we could not be happier to bring this collection of unique and immersive experiences to the destination.”

Set against the backdrop of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit, the new Grand Prix Plaza boasts a state-of-the-art karting experience that brings fans close to the thrill of street racing. Participants will have the chance to race down a 1,650-foot track on electric karts equipped with cutting-edge DRS technology and immersive LED steering displays, taking to the same streets as Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris this weekend.

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An Interactive World of Speed and Strategy

For fans seeking more than speed, the F1® X exhibit offers a deep dive into the world of Formula 1. Designed to educate and inspire, it blends history with hands-on activities, visitors can explore exclusive artifacts, build their dream team, and even design their own F1 car.

There’s also a 4D driving simulation of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit, where rookies can test their strategies and racing skills exactly like the drivers. Also on offer are state-of-the-art simulators, team merchandise, and a relaxed dining space for visitors – it’s like Disney Land for revheads.

A Lifestyle Beyond Racing

In recent years, Formula 1 has grown into a cultural phenomenon. The rise of Netflix’s Drive to Survive, has seen F1 attract new demographics, growing its fanbase in North America and beyond with 34% of fans claiming that the hit series was the major driver for converting them to the sport, according to a recent survey from Statista.

These new immersive locations are more than just locations; they are symbolic of the impressive evolution of Formula 1 into a global entertainment brand that thrives on creating unforgettable experiences for its fans.

This shift mirrors the sport’s surging popularity in new and emerging markets, with North America now boasting three Grand Prix events – Austin, Miami, and Las Vegas – all of which are becoming the hottest tickets of the season for a new generation of motorsport fans.

Max Verstappen's victory in 2023 marked the first in Vegas. Image: Red Bull Content Pool/Getty
Max Verstappen’s victory in 2023 marked the first in Vegas. Image: Red Bull Content Pool/Getty

It’s true, even here in Australia. The Grand Prix in Melbourne, once an afterthought for Australia’s sports enthusiasts, has seen huge demand after returning as the season-opener in March 2025.

Of course, the prospect of seeing Lewis Hamilton potentially donning the iconic red suit of Scuderia Ferrari for the first time has undoubtedly added another layer of drama to the upcoming season. For Australian fans, it’s an opportunity to witness a seismic moment in F1 history.

The introduction of these new events, like the Las Vegas Grand Prix and its accompanying Grand Prix Plaza, represents a bold step forward for Formula 1.

An ever-present sport that can seamlessly blend the immersive entertainment, cutting-edge technology, and the glamour of Las Vegas to create a must-visit destination that isn’t restricted to the chicanes of the race track. A celebration of racing racing heritage that embraces a global audience, showing how Formula 1 is becoming so much more than just racing.

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