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

The 17-turn, 3.8-mile Las Vegas Strip Circuit was instantly iconic when it debuted for the Las Vegas Grand Prix last November. Watching F1 drivers reach breathtaking speeds over 200 miles per hour between the glittering casino lights — all sparkling for the nighttime race — along The Strip is incredible on TV, but it’s even better in person. 

Las Vegas has never been called demure, quiet, or understated. It’s bold, kitschy, loud, glitzy, and completely one-of-a-kind — which is exactly why the city is an epic race destination whether you’re a lifelong F1 fan or a casual viewer. This year, I joined the over 300,000 fans (including plenty of A-list celebrities) who flocked to Sin City for the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix to experience all three nights of race events and got an inside look at some of the most sought-after experiences on and off the track so you can start planning your 2025 trip now. 

Where to Watch the Race 

From VIP hospitality suites to general admission tickets, there’s a viewing option for every type of spectator. One- and three-day general admission tickets were offered in several viewing locations around the course, starting at $99.

I spent Friday night at the T-Mobile Zone at Sphere, where general admission included complimentary food and nonalcoholic beverages, plus access to event activations and live entertainment, including nightly headliners (Swedish DJ Alesso performed when I was there) for a festival atmosphere. Grandstand tickets were also available for purchase in the T-Mobile Zone and other spectator sections, with prices starting at $250. Of course, for an over-the-top Vegas experience, VIP hospitality ticket prices can soar to over $10,000. Prices like this will get you access to some of the best viewpoints along the track, including the trackside casino resorts, often with unlimited food and alcoholic beverages.

The Bellagio Fountain Club, perched above the resort’s iconic foundation overlooking the straightaway, offered bites from celebrity chefs including David Chang, Masaharu Morimoto, and Jean-Georges Vongerichten, to name a few, plus a rooftop with sweeping views of the track and Vegas skyline. We took in Thursday’s practice rounds from the Turn 3 Club, which had a great view of its namesake turn plus a range of dishes, cocktails, wine, and beer with plush indoor seating — if you could pull yourself away from the outdoor seats overlooking the track.

And perhaps no ticket is as coveted as the exclusive Paddock Club, atop the garages right at the start/finish line. Beyond delicious food and drinks, including espresso martinis (ideal for the late nights) and sweet treats from the local-favorite Saint Honoré Doughnuts, the Paddock Club was also home to a skating rink and Liv on the Grid mini nightclub with performances from in-demand DJs like Dom Dolla. And these are just a few of many viewing experiences — so be sure to explore your options before you book your 2025 spot. Some packages even include special F1 experiences like touring the paddocks (keep an eye out for drivers!) and access to F1 team interviews, a must for any dedicated F1 fan. You might even spot a wandering Elvis impersonator, in true Las Vegas fashion.

Race Weekend Events

Beyond the practice rounds and the Saturday night race, the city is buzzing with F1 events and activations. From the Shoey Bar at Bellagio, where — you guessed it — you can drink a cocktail out of a shoe a la Daniel Ricciardo, to fan zones at multiple resorts, the city goes all-out for race week. Las Vegas is packed with celebrity chef restaurants, and visitors can book exclusive meals for the chance to hear from the famed chefs. I had a memorable meal at Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen, where I met Ramsay before trying his popular beef Wellington. 

I stayed at Wynn — already a personal favorite — and was delighted with the race-themed details, including replica cars in the casino and even specially themed key cards commemorating the occasion. The hotel is also home to The After Party at Delilah, an invite-only occasion where dozens of celebrities (and a certain travel editor) danced the night away to Mark Ronson and CeeLo Green. 

Know Before You Go

Once you have your tickets in hand, there are a few things you should know. Many of the logistical growing pains from the first year were worked out this time around, with smoother transportation to, from, and around the race — but do expect traffic, as the track goes right down The Strip and other busy roads. I highly recommend looking at the map (the F1 Las Vegas app is a must-download) and selecting a hotel that is located within walking distance of your ticket zone or offers a shuttle service to your ticket zone. From the Wynn, for example, I walked to the T-Mobile Zone and took an included shuttle to the Turn 3 Club and Paddock Club.

No matter where you plan to watch the race, get there early — there’s always something happening in the lead-up to the action, and you’ll want plenty of time to grab some food and drinks and enjoy the festive atmosphere. And don’t forget to pack your jackets, gloves, and hats — even though temperatures were pleasant in the 70s during the day, it dropped about 30 degrees at night and was a little windy, so I was thankful for the extra warmth.