F1 to Open Grand Prix Plaza in Las Vegas Next Year

^{The Grand Prix Plaza, with its immersive experience as imagined in a rendering seen here, will make its home in the F1 pit building. (Image: courtesy of GrandPrixPlaza.com)}

Just before the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix, F1 announced that a new Grand Prix Plaza in Las Vegas will open next spring. This multi-use complex will feature F1-inspired go-karting, an interactive and educational 4D exhibition, a merchandise store and three new private event spaces.

The only surprise about the announcement is that it took so long. F1 promised the Las Vegas Grand Prix Pit Building would be more than just a part of the race circuit before the building's construction was completed.

While there are three F1 races in the US, Las Vegas will become the organization's hub of activity. 

"As F1 continues to grow in popularity in new regions and demographics, we recognized the opportunity to create an immersive touch point in North America all year long,” F1 and LVGP Chief Commercial Officer Emily Prazer said in a press release.

This has been a busy week in Las Vegas for F1. Earlier this week the racing league announced an F1 Academy race coming to Las Vegas next year.

F1 hasn’t announced yet an official opening date for Grand Prix Plaza. But they say the venue will be open throughout the year, not just during the Las Vegas Grand Prix race week after it opens during the first half of 2025.

Grand Prix Plaza Activities

Grand Prix Plaza will be open to guests of all ages. While youngsters may prefer go-karting, some businesses might prefer to have meetings in the unique private spaces available.

F1 Drive

F1 Drive is go-karting inspired by the racing league. Guests will be able to race along a 1,650-foot-long racetrack with 31 turns that incorporate part of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit.

Similar to real F1 cars, the electric go-karts will be equipped with DRS technology, an LED steering wheel display, and the traditional sounds of an engine. The latter would be lost with the electric go-karts otherwise. 

Go-kart racers at the Grand Prix Plaza will compete on part of the actual F1 La Vegas track. (Image: courtesy of GrandPrixPlaza.com)

F1 X

This will be an immersive exhibit that should appeal to new and experienced F1 fans. There are three parts to this exhibit -  Learning, Creating, and Experiencing.

Guests will learn about the cars and have access to never-seen-before F1 artifacts. They can then create their own F1 dream team by constructing their own car and designing a custom livery that will be on display for photos.

Lastly, there will be a 4D driving experience. Guests will be able to race against others for the fastest pit stop, prepare their pit stop strategy, and virtually race the car they created down the Las Vegas Strip Circuit.

F1 Hub

The F1 Hub will be a multi-purpose venue with a fast-casual eatery, a collection of racing simulators, a retail outlet with Las Vegas Grand Prix collections, F1 team gear, and more.

Additionally, there will be three private rooms available for meetings and other events. The GPP Garage is the most unique space with indoor and outdoor space along the pit lane that offers guests views of the F1 Drive go-kart race track.

F1 will release more information about the venue as the opening date approaches next year.