Grand Prix Plaza in Las Vegas has unveiled a new world of excitement for Formula 1 enthusiasts and newcomers alike with its adrenaline-inducing attractions and immersive exhibits.
The four-story, 300,000-square-foot venue has served as the garage, pits, and viewing area for the last two years of the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
In May, a wave of entertainment and amenities transformed the site into Formula 1’s largest attraction in North America.
Guests visiting Grand Prix Plaza are greeted with soft, black head socks and selected helmets, followed by a safety briefing before they embark on an unforgettable racing experience.
I attended the plaza with my daughter and her fiancé, both dedicated F1 fans who have followed the sport fervently since before it arrived on the Strip.
The couple got engaged earlier this year while attending an F1 race in Japan, and the Netflix series “Formula 1: Drive to Survive” has only deepened their love for the sport.
With the recent release of “F1 the Movie,” starring Brad Pitt, it’s clear that the fascination with Formula 1 continues to grow.
As the enthusiast known as “Paulster,” I climbed into a Formula 1-inspired kart, eager to compete against my family.
An employee reminded me to pull down the clear plastic shield on my helmet before I pressed the accelerator in anticipation of the green light to start.
The roar of the engines filled the air, along with the iconic F1 radio beeps signaling completed laps, as I joined 20 other competitors on the 1,696-foot, 31-turn karting track.
As I navigated the course, I executed a sharp right turn but found myself skidding to the left before crashing into the wall.
Thanks to the protective gear, I quickly regained my composure and continued racing while exchanging nods of encouragement with my future son-in-law.
F1 Drive captures the essence of professional racing, as strategy becomes key.
Karts can reach speeds of 30 mph, but they feel even faster, demanding significant strength, coordination, and endurance from the drivers.
Times are recorded and shown on data screens, allowing competitors to measure their performance against present and past racers.
Despite my efforts, “Paulster” fell short of the podium.
Following the racing excitement, we ventured into the vast F1 X exhibition, a fusion of museum-quality displays and interactive experiences designed to engage both F1 novices and lifelong fans.
Visitors can explore 75 years of F1 history, learn about iconic cars and personalities, and delve into essential components of the sport, from power units to steering wheels.
A hands-on experience allows three participants to simulate changing a life-size tire, complete with a battery-powered wheel gun to remove the nut and switch out the tire.
Our best time was 7.3 seconds, a stark contrast to the lightning-fast 2.5 seconds pulled off by actual F1 pit crews.
Interactive screens let guests customize their perfect race car, showcasing their unique design on a model via lighting.
The attraction also offers a 4-D theater experience with haptic seats, simulated wind, and water sprays to emulate the thrilling sensation of racing on the Las Vegas circuit.
For those craving more, the plaza includes advanced simulators, or sims, which—free through the end of July—combine cutting-edge motion technology with mesmerizing audiovisual effects.
I attempted to navigate the virtual track, but several crashes into a notorious wall resulted in a steep learning curve, teaching me the importance of timing when braking.
The plaza also houses a chic bar, the Fuel & Fork restaurant, and a merchandise store to round out the experience.
As the Las Vegas Grand Prix approaches in November, all exhibits will temporarily close in mid-September, with plans to return in mid-December.
The store will relocate to the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian Resort during this period.
On my drive back home to suburban Henderson, cruising at 80 mph felt different, a stark reminder of the thrill of racing.
Whether it was the karting or the immersive exhibits, my perception of speed had shifted dramatically.
With a newfound respect for professional race car drivers and the F1 sport, I returned home safely, enriched by the exhilarating experience at Grand Prix Plaza.
image source from：travelweekly
