We’re at the start of the Formula 1 season, and if you’ve imagined yourself behind the wheel like racing legends Michael Schumacher or Nigel Mansell — at the risk of sounding cliché — run, don’t walk to the new Grand Prix Plaza in Las Vegas, Nevada. No, seriously, it’s North America’s largest immersive F1 attraction, and it recently opened to the public in Sin City.
The venue sits on 39 acres and has 100,000 square feet of riveting attractions such as F1 X, F1 Drive, and F1 HUB (which we’ll describe below). And the timing couldn’t be more perfect, with fans raving over this past weekend’s race at the Miami International Autodrome for the Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix returns in November, but while fans eagerly await the annual competition, they can be some of the first to enjoy this interactive experience built within the Grand Prix campus grounds.
Locals, out-of-towners, kids, and adults are all welcome to submerge themselves into the F1 experience with simulation, karting, and exclusive exhibitions, encouraged Emily Prazer, President and CEO of Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc. (LVGP) and Chief Commercial Officer for Formula 1, in a recent report.
We know you’ve most likely already decided to pack your bags, but let us share more about what this one-of-a-kind experience has to offer.
F1 X
The F1 X is 20,000 square feet of amazement for fanatics of the sport. It starts with guests creating a Pit Pass and driver profile before moving on to the interactive activities. One is the ETC, a replica of a high-tech F1 broadcast center and the control room simulating live racing action.
Participants can also learn about the history of the motorsport and its evolution from the F1 championship’s start in 1950 to today, with many memorabilia on display. Then, make your way to the F1 Factory, where you’ll discover the mechanics behind F1 machines, including the Lando Norris’ 2021 race seat and a novel 2022 McLaren front wing.
The fun continues in the Design Studio, where guests can create their own F1 race cars, with their end results projected onto an F1 car for a cool photo shoot. Additionally, fans can test their skills at the Pit Wall Experience, which involves a high-tech simulation that allows them to interact with iconic team principals and drivers who share their expertise and racing strategies.
Visitors will also be mesmerized by the Pit Stop Demo, which lets them transform into elite crew members and perform a tire change at rapid speed.
That’s not all. There is also the Driver Briefing Room, a 4D theater where they race through the Las Vegas Strip Circuit, and the Cool Down Room for more photo opportunities and to relish in their glory at the podium.
Bookings can be made on the official Grand Prix Plaza website, with prices ranging from $79 for adults, $69 for military, child, and senior guests, and $59 for locals.
F1 Drive
The F1 X is only one part of the Grand Prix Plaza’s eye-popping attractions. There’s also the F1 Drive, which puts fans at the controls of a kart as they race through 1,696 feet of track and 31 turns at 30 mph. You’ll really feel like one of the pros as the ride is designed to be completely realistic with its Drag Reduction System (DRS), Energy Recovery System (ERS), and LED steering. Drivers will also get guidance from a virtual Race Engineer, who provides track updates and insider tips.
As for the track, it’s an indoor/outdoor course featuring hairpin corners, double apexes, and technical elements. Those itching to try out the track should consider purchasing an F1 Drive package, ranging from $39 to $99, with local discounts and VIP upgrades applicable. Visit their website for more information.
F1 HUB
The third main attraction at the Grand Prix Plaza is the F1 HUB, which has been described as the “launch point” for the F1 adventure in recent press. It’s where guests can enjoy a comfort meal at the Fuel and Fork, featuring handmade pasta, pizza, sliders, and other options.
Cocktails are also available as visitors relive race highlights on multiple big screens. Additional alcoholic beverages are served at the F1 Hub Lounge, offering a relaxed setting for guests to unwind.
Meanwhile, more simulation action is at the F1 SIMS, where guests can race like the professional drivers they admire. (The minimum height for this attraction is 48 inches, and adult prices are $39 for three races and $26.50 for locals.)
Maybe you want a souvenir to take home? The Flagship F1 Store is the place to stop, with the country’s largest selection of official F1 merchandise and Las Vegas exclusives. Locals can also take advantage of a 10 percent discount on all items.
Private Event Space
You might already be thinking about how to utilize the Grand Prix Plaza for a birthday party or private event. If so, you’re in luck because they have space for various social gatherings. Guests can rent the Turn 1 Lounge, a 4,700-square-foot space for up to 250 guests. There’s also the Cooldown Room, an indoor/outdoor venue with a center bar, numerous TVs, and pit lane access.
For smaller groups (about 75 guests), there’s the GPP Garage, also an indoor/outdoor space with pit lane access, but with views of the F1 Drive carts on the track. A much grander space is located on the Third Level, with 61,000 square feet for guests to roam, and the Rooftop has 71,000 square feet of open space and holds up to 3,000 guests. Details for the private event space are listed on their website.
The Grand Prix Plaza is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until midnight Friday and Saturday. The attraction is expected to close in early fall in preparation for races, so don’t miss your chance to marvel at this unique experience!
<p>The post Drive Like a Pro: North America’s Largest Immersive F1 Attraction Finds Home in Las Vegas first appeared on Travelbinger.</p>