Opening May 2, 2025, Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas represents North America’s largest and most ambitious Formula 1 attraction, transforming how fans experience the world’s most prestigious motorsport. This 39-acre entertainment complex, located at the corner of Harmon Avenue and Koval Lane (the actual start line of the Las Vegas Grand Prix), offers visitors an immersive F1 experience throughout the year, not just during race weekend. With over 100,000 square feet of attractions spread across three distinct experiences—F1 DRIVE, F1 X, and F1 HUB—Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas combines cutting-edge technology with authentic racing thrills to create a must-visit destination for motorsport enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about this revolutionary attraction, from its innovative experiences and practical visitor information to insider tips for maximizing your visit.
Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas: F1 DRIVE Experience
The centerpiece of Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas is F1 DRIVE, North America’s first and only official Formula 1 karting experience. Unlike typical go-kart tracks, F1 DRIVE elevates the racing experience with F1-inspired karts featuring advanced technology rarely found outside professional motorsport. Each kart is equipped with DRS (Drag Reduction System) technology—a feature borrowed directly from actual Formula 1 cars that allows drivers to reduce aerodynamic drag on straightaways for overtaking opportunities. This system creates a more authentic racing experience and strategic element as drivers decide when to activate their DRS for maximum advantage.
The track itself at Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas is designed to replicate portions of the actual Las Vegas Strip Circuit used during the annual Grand Prix. Racing along this 1/4-scale version of the track, complete with its signature turns and straightaways, visitors can experience the same racing lines that Formula 1 drivers navigate during the November race weekend. The karts are equipped with realistic engine sounds that simulate the distinctive howl of F1 power units, while LED steering wheel displays provide real-time data on lap times, position, and DRS availability—just like the sophisticated steering wheels used by professional drivers.
Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas offers several F1 DRIVE packages to accommodate different experience levels. The standard “Sprint Race” ($37) provides a 10-minute session following a safety briefing and includes helmet rental. For more serious enthusiasts, the “Grand Prix Experience” ($89) includes three separate racing sessions, a personalized digital race analysis, and a souvenir photo. The most comprehensive option, the “Champion’s Challenge” ($149), adds a professional driving tutorial, priority track access, and an exclusive Grand Prix Plaza racing certificate. All experiences are available for visitors aged 12 and up, with height requirements of at least 56 inches to ensure proper fit in the karts. Similar to how Las Vegas Sphere Experience 2025 offers varying levels of immersion, Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas tailors its racing experiences to different commitment levels.
Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas: F1 X Interactive Exhibition
Beyond the adrenaline rush of karting, Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas offers F1 X, an interactive exhibition that combines Formula 1 history with cutting-edge technology to create an educational and entertaining journey through the sport. This 30,000-square-foot attraction features multiple zones that explore different aspects of Formula 1, from its technical innovations to the legendary drivers who defined different eras. The exhibition uses a combination of authentic artifacts, interactive displays, and immersive multimedia presentations to bring the sport to life for visitors of all knowledge levels.
The “Evolution of Speed” section at Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas traces the technological development of Formula 1 cars from the 1950s to present day, featuring actual cars from different eras alongside interactive displays explaining key innovations. Visitors can examine the transition from front-engine to mid-engine designs, the aerodynamic revolution of the 1970s, the turbo era of the 1980s, and the hybrid technology of today’s power units. Touchscreen displays allow visitors to “dissect” these cars virtually, exploring their components and understanding how each technological advancement changed the sport.
The “Legends of the Circuit” area celebrates Formula 1’s greatest drivers through immersive biographical installations. Each featured driver—from Juan Manuel Fangio and Jim Clark to Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Lewis Hamilton—has a dedicated space showcasing their career highlights, racing equipment, and personal stories. The centerpiece of this section at Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas is the “Champion’s Circle,” a 360-degree projection room that places visitors inside recreations of iconic racing moments, complete with authentic race commentary and atmospheric effects that simulate the conditions of legendary Grand Prix battles.
The most technologically advanced section of F1 X is the “Engineering Challenge,” where visitors can design their own Formula 1 car using interactive workstations. This experience guides participants through key decisions about aerodynamics, power units, tire compounds, and setup adjustments, explaining how each choice affects performance. Once completed, visitors can test their creation in a high-fidelity simulator that demonstrates how their design choices impact lap times on various circuits. This educational component makes Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas appealing to STEM-focused school groups and families looking to combine entertainment with learning opportunities. The F1 X experience is priced at $42 for adults and $32 for children (ages 5-11) , with combination tickets available when purchased with other Grand Prix Plaza attractions.
Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas: F1 HUB Experience
F1 HUB serves as the heart of Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas, combining retail, dining, and additional interactive experiences in a space designed to evoke the atmosphere of an F1 paddock during race weekend. This central area connects the other attractions while offering its own compelling reasons to visit, even for those who might not participate in the more active experiences. The hub features multiple F1 SIMS—professional-grade racing simulators that provide a realistic driving experience without the physical demands of karting.
These simulators at Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas use the same software employed by actual Formula 1 teams for driver training, featuring precise physics models and accurate digital recreations of every circuit on the current F1 calendar. Each simulator pod is equipped with force-feedback steering wheels, hydraulic pedals, and motion platforms that recreate the sensations of acceleration, braking, and cornering. High-definition wraparound screens and spatial audio systems complete the immersion, making these simulators the closest experience to driving an actual Formula 1 car available to the public. Sessions start at $26.50 for a 15-minute experience on a circuit of your choice, with options to upgrade to longer sessions or championship-style competitions against friends.
The retail component of F1 HUB features the largest official Formula 1 store in North America, offering merchandise from all current teams, driver-specific collections, and Grand Prix Plaza exclusive items. Beyond standard apparel, the store includes high-end collectibles, technical books, and limited-edition memorabilia authenticated by Formula 1. A unique feature is the customization station, where visitors can personalize team gear with their name and preferred number in the style of their favorite driver’s race suit.
Dining options at Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas are headlined by “Fuel & Fork,” a restaurant concept developed specifically for the venue that combines racing themes with elevated cuisine. The menu features dishes inspired by the culinary traditions of countries that host Formula 1 races, from Italian pasta and Japanese sushi to British pub classics and Mexican specialties. The restaurant’s design incorporates racing elements throughout, with tables made from repurposed race car parts, lighting fixtures inspired by pit lane equipment, and memorabilia from Las Vegas Grand Prix events. For quicker options, “Pit Stop Café” offers grab-and-go items and specialty coffee drinks named after famous racing turns and circuits. Just as Las Vegas Hidden Gems 2025 reveals unexpected culinary treasures throughout the city, Grand Prix Plaza offers dining experiences that go beyond typical attraction fare.
Essential Items for Your Grand Prix Plaza Adventure
To make the most of your Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas experience, we recommend bringing some essential travel items. Check out this selection of travel essentials that we’ve specially curated for motorsport enthusiasts. From comfortable closed-toe shoes required for karting to moisture-wicking clothing that keeps you cool during active experiences, these items will enhance your visit. We also recommend bringing a small backpack for storing personal items, a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated, and a portable phone charger to ensure you can capture all the exciting moments throughout your day at this expansive attraction.
Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas: Special Events and Programming
Beyond its daily operations, Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas will host a rotating calendar of special events designed to appeal to different audiences and provide returning visitors with new experiences throughout the year. During actual Formula 1 race weekends, the venue transforms into an official viewing headquarters with live broadcasts on massive screens, appearances by F1 personalities, and exclusive activities tied to the competition. These race weekend events require separate tickets from the standard attractions and typically sell out months in advance due to their popularity with Formula 1 fans.
Monthly “Legends Days” bring Formula 1 drivers from past and present to Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas for autograph sessions, Q&A panels, and demonstration laps in historic cars. The venue has already announced appearances by 2009 World Champion Jenson Button, who serves as an ambassador for the attraction, along with other notable drivers including Valtteri Bottas, Daniel Ricciardo, and Mika Häkkinen scheduled throughout 2025. These events provide rare opportunities for fans to interact with the sport’s personalities in a more intimate setting than possible during the hectic race weekend.
For competitive visitors, Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas hosts weekly amateur racing leagues at the F1 DRIVE track, with divisions based on age and experience level. These structured competitions run for 8-week seasons and include practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and points-based championships that mirror the format of actual Formula 1 seasons. Participants receive detailed performance analytics after each session, coaching from professional instructors, and championship trophies for top performers. The most successful racers from these leagues earn invitations to the annual “Grand Prix Plaza Championship,” a high-profile event with significant prizes and recognition.
Corporate and private events represent another significant aspect of Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas programming. The venue offers several customizable spaces for group bookings, from team-building activities and corporate retreats to birthday parties and bachelor/bachelorette celebrations. These packages include exclusive use of certain attractions, customized catering options, and branded elements that can be tailored to specific organizations or occasions. The venue’s proximity to the Las Vegas Convention Center makes it particularly popular for conference groups looking for unique networking opportunities beyond traditional casino environments.
Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas: Educational Programs and STEM Initiatives
Recognizing Formula 1’s potential as an educational tool, Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas has developed comprehensive programs that connect the sport’s technical aspects to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. These initiatives target different age groups, from elementary school field trips to university-level engineering workshops, using Formula 1’s complex technologies to illustrate scientific principles in engaging, real-world contexts. The venue works directly with Clark County School District to align these programs with curriculum standards, making them valuable extensions of classroom learning.
The “Future Engineers” program at Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas offers structured workshops where students explore aerodynamics, materials science, data analysis, and mechanical engineering through hands-on activities based on Formula 1 technologies. Younger students might design and test miniature wind tunnel models, while older participants work with actual telemetry data to optimize virtual car setups. These workshops take place in dedicated educational spaces within the F1 X exhibition area, equipped with specialized tools and materials not typically available in school environments.
For more advanced students, Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas partners with University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and other institutions to offer internship opportunities in various aspects of the venue’s operations. These positions span technical areas like simulator programming and kart maintenance to business functions such as event management and marketing. Several full-time staff members began as interns during the venue’s development phase, demonstrating the program’s value as a career pathway into motorsport and entertainment industries.
The venue’s commitment to education extends to its “Racing Scholarships” initiative, which provides financial support and mentorship to promising students pursuing motorsport-related studies or careers. These scholarships, funded by a portion of Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas ticket sales, focus particularly on increasing diversity in motorsport by supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds. Recipients receive not only financial assistance but also exclusive access to networking events with industry professionals and potential internship placements with Formula 1 teams and related organizations.
Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas: Visitor Information and Practical Tips
Planning your visit to Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas requires some strategic thinking to maximize enjoyment and minimize wait times for popular attractions. The venue is located at the corner of Harmon Avenue and Koval Lane, approximately one mile east of the Las Vegas Strip. While not directly on the Strip, the location is easily accessible via rideshare services, with dedicated drop-off areas designed to handle high visitor volume. For those driving themselves, the complex includes a multi-level parking structure with 2,000 spaces ($20 flat rate, or free with attraction ticket purchases over $100).
Operating hours for Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas vary by day and season, but standard hours are 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM Sunday through Thursday, and 10:00 AM to midnight Friday and Saturday. During major events and holidays, the venue often extends these hours to accommodate increased demand. While walk-up tickets are available, advance online reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for F1 DRIVE and simulator experiences which frequently sell out during peak periods. The venue’s official app offers real-time wait time information, allowing visitors to plan their day efficiently by targeting less busy periods for popular attractions.
For visitors seeking to maximize value, Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas offers several combination ticket options that provide significant savings compared to individual attraction pricing. The “Pole Position Package” ($89 adults, $69 children) includes one F1 DRIVE session, admission to F1 X, and one simulator session, representing a 20% discount over separate purchases. Annual memberships are available for frequent visitors, providing unlimited access to F1 X, discounted rates on F1 DRIVE and simulators, and exclusive member events for $249 per year.
Accessibility has been prioritized throughout Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas, with all areas designed to accommodate visitors with mobility challenges. While the karting experience requires certain physical capabilities, most other attractions are fully accessible, with adaptive simulators available for visitors who cannot use standard equipment. Sensory guides are available for visitors with sensory processing sensitivities, identifying potential challenges throughout the venue and suggesting quieter periods for visitation. Service animals are welcomed throughout the complex, with designated relief areas and water stations provided for their comfort.
Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas: Behind the Scenes and Technical Aspects
The development of Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas represents a significant investment in both physical infrastructure and technological innovation. The $500 million project was developed through a partnership between Formula 1, the Las Vegas Grand Prix organization, and Round Room Live, an entertainment company specializing in immersive attractions. Construction began in early 2024, immediately following the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix, with the facility designed to serve dual purposes—functioning as the operational headquarters during race weekend and as a public attraction throughout the rest of the year.
The technical systems powering Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas attractions represent some of the most advanced entertainment technology currently deployed in the tourism industry. The F1 DRIVE karts incorporate proprietary systems developed specifically for the venue, including electric powertrains that simulate the performance characteristics of combustion engines without the associated emissions. Each kart contains over 20 sensors that monitor performance metrics and driver inputs, feeding this data to central systems that adjust difficulty levels based on driver skill to ensure challenging but safe experiences for all participants.
The simulator technology at Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas comes directly from professional motorsport, using the same rFactor 2 software platform employed by several Formula 1 teams for driver training. These simulators are updated regularly with data from actual Grand Prix events, ensuring that track conditions, car performance, and handling characteristics remain accurate representations of current Formula 1 reality. The motion systems use industrial-grade actuators capable of reproducing up to 2G of acceleration forces, creating physical sensations that closely approximate actual racing conditions.
Sustainability considerations have been integrated throughout Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas operations, reflecting Formula 1’s broader commitment to carbon neutrality. The facility is powered primarily by renewable energy through a combination of on-site solar installations and power purchase agreements with Nevada solar farms. Water conservation systems throughout the complex include rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation and advanced recycling systems for the venue’s cooling requirements. The F1 DRIVE karts use electric powertrains rather than combustion engines, significantly reducing both emissions and noise pollution compared to traditional karting facilities. These initiatives align with Las Vegas Luxury Resorts 2025 sustainability efforts, demonstrating how even high-energy attractions can implement responsible environmental practices.
Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas: Connection to the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix
While Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas operates year-round as an independent attraction, its connection to the annual Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix creates unique synergies that enhance both experiences. The complex serves as the official pit building and start/finish line for the race, with its facilities transforming from public attractions to operational race headquarters during the November event. This dual functionality provides visitors with unprecedented access to authentic Formula 1 spaces that would typically be restricted to team personnel and officials.
During the Grand Prix weekend (November 20-22, 2025) , Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas closes its regular attractions and transforms into the nerve center of race operations. The F1 DRIVE track area converts to team hospitality spaces, while the main building houses race control, media centers, and team facilities. However, certain viewing packages allow spectators to access portions of the complex during the race, offering premium vantage points and behind-the-scenes perspectives not available from standard grandstands or general admission areas.
In the weeks leading up to the Grand Prix, Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas hosts a series of preview events that build anticipation for the race while providing unique content for regular visitors. These include technical presentations of the current cars, strategy workshops explaining race preparations, and historical retrospectives on previous Las Vegas races. The “Countdown to Lights Out” program brings in team principals, technical directors, and other Formula 1 personalities for public discussions about their expectations for the upcoming race, giving fans insights typically reserved for industry insiders.
Following each Grand Prix, Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas quickly incorporates elements from the race into its exhibitions and experiences. The “Race Rewind” installation presents comprehensive coverage of the previous race, including exclusive footage, technical analyses, and artifacts like tire sections and component parts from the competing cars. This rapid integration of current Formula 1 content ensures that the attraction remains relevant and current, providing returning visitors with fresh perspectives even if they’ve experienced the main attractions previously.
Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas: Comparison to Other Global F1 Attractions
While Formula 1-themed attractions exist in other locations around the world, Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas represents the most comprehensive and technologically advanced implementation to date. Unlike the Ferrari World theme park in Abu Dhabi, which focuses specifically on one team’s heritage, Grand Prix Plaza embraces the entire sport, representing all teams and eras of Formula 1 history. This broader approach creates a more complete educational experience while appealing to fans regardless of team allegiance.
The F1 Exhibition, a traveling installation that has visited cities including Madrid, Vienna, and Seoul, offers some similar historical content to Grand Prix Plaza’s F1 X component but lacks the interactive elements and permanent infrastructure that enhance the Las Vegas experience. The traveling exhibition primarily focuses on static displays and video presentations, while Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas incorporates active participation through simulators, design challenges, and the karting experience.
The Silverstone Interactive Museum at the historic British racing circuit provides excellent historical context for Formula 1 but focuses primarily on that specific venue’s racing heritage rather than the global sport. Its STEM educational components have been a model for similar programs at Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas, though the American facility has expanded these initiatives with greater technological resources and broader curriculum connections.
What truly distinguishes Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas from these other attractions is its direct operational connection to an actual Formula 1 Grand Prix event. This integration with the sport’s competitive reality provides authenticity that cannot be replicated in standalone attractions, allowing visitors to experience spaces that actually function as part of the championship. The venue’s ability to rapidly incorporate content from current races ensures it remains relevant to the evolving sport rather than becoming a static museum of past achievements.
Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas: Future Developments and Expansion
Looking beyond its initial opening, Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas has already announced several expansion phases scheduled for implementation through 2026 and beyond. The first of these additions, scheduled to open in late 2025, is “Paddock Club,” a premium membership space offering exclusive experiences and amenities for dedicated Formula 1 enthusiasts. This members-only area will feature private simulator bays, a luxury lounge with race broadcasts from circuits worldwide, and regular events with Formula 1 personalities. Membership will be limited to 1,000 individuals, with annual fees starting at $5,000.
A more significant expansion planned for 2026 is “F1 Academy,” a driver development program that will occupy a currently undeveloped portion of the 39-acre complex. This facility will feature advanced karting circuits, physical training facilities, and specialized instruction for aspiring racers seeking pathways into professional motorsport. While primarily targeting serious competitors, the academy will offer abbreviated programs for recreational visitors interested in improving their skills beyond the standard F1 DRIVE experience.
Technology upgrades will occur on a continuous basis throughout Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas, with several enhancements already scheduled for implementation during quarterly maintenance periods. These include increased motion capabilities for the simulator platforms, expanded environmental effects in the F1 X exhibition, and potential augmented reality overlays for the F1 DRIVE experience that would provide real-time coaching and visualization of optimal racing lines.
The success of Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas has accelerated discussions about potential similar venues in other Formula 1 markets, with Miami and Singapore mentioned as possible locations for comparable facilities. While these would share the core concept and some attractions, each would be designed to reflect the specific character of its host city and the particular circuit that hosts its Grand Prix. This potential expansion represents Formula 1’s broader strategy to create year-round engagement with fans beyond the limited race weekends that have traditionally defined the sport’s public presence.
Conclusion: Is Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas Worth Visiting?
Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas represents a significant investment for visitors, with a full day experiencing all attractions potentially costing $100-150 per person. For dedicated Formula 1 fans, this value proposition is straightforward—the venue offers unprecedented access to the sport’s technology, history, and experiences that cannot be found elsewhere in North America. For these enthusiasts, the question isn’t whether to visit but how to allocate time across the various attractions to match their specific interests within the sport.
For casual visitors with limited knowledge of Formula 1, Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas still offers compelling entertainment value through its accessible presentations and thrilling interactive elements. The F1 DRIVE experience requires no prior knowledge to enjoy, functioning as a premium karting attraction with additional technological features that enhance the experience. Similarly, the exhibition components are designed to engage visitors regardless of their familiarity with the sport, using universal themes of competition, innovation, and human achievement to create connections with the material.
Families with children will find Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas surprisingly accommodating despite the sophisticated subject matter. The educational programs provide context that helps younger visitors appreciate the experiences, while the interactive elements maintain engagement through physical participation rather than passive observation. The venue’s attention to creating multi-generational appeal distinguishes it from many Las Vegas attractions that target either children specifically or adults exclusively.
Ultimately, Grand Prix Plaza Las Vegas succeeds by translating the excitement and technological sophistication of Formula 1 into accessible experiences that maintain authenticity while welcoming visitors of all knowledge levels. By combining educational content with genuine thrills and premium amenities, the venue creates a distinctive attraction that complements Las Vegas’s entertainment landscape rather than simply replicating existing offerings. For visitors seeking experiences beyond the typical casino environment, Grand Prix Plaza provides a high-energy alternative that engages both mind and body through its celebration of motorsport’s premier championship.
