NORTH AMERICA’S FIRST AND ONLY OFFICIAL FORMULA 1® KARTING EXPERIENCE TO OPEN IN LAS VEGAS MAY 2
Race Where the Pros Do: F1® DRIVE at Grand Prix Plaza Becomes First Karting Experience on Part of an Actual F1® Track
Tickets on Sale Now at GrandPrixPlaza.com
Photo Credit: Getty Images
LF1® DRIVE – a major element of the world’s largest Formula 1® attraction coming to Las Vegas’ Grand Prix Plaza – is sharing new details ahead of its May 2 opening. The first and only F1® DRIVE in North America, this high-speed karting adventure puts guests behind the wheel on part of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit® – marking the first time a karting attraction has operated on part of a Formula 1 track.
Drivers will take on 1,696 feet of track with 31 turns in bespoke F1-inspired karts reaching speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. Equipped with Drag Reduction System (DRS), Energy Recovery System (ERS), LED steering wheel displays and realistic engine sounds, the experience brings the thrill of racing to life. Tickets are now on sale at GrandPrixPlaza.com.
“F1® DRIVE delivers unprecedented access to the exciting world of Formula 1,” said Emily Prazer, President and CEO of Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc. and Chief Commercial Officer for Formula 1. “Guests will not only experience racing on part of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit but also gain a unique perspective inside the official team garages. Opening just in time for summer, this will be a dynamic way for locals and visitors of different ages and skill levels to get behind the wheel and see Grand Prix Plaza through the eyes of an F1 driver.”
F1® DRIVE includes:
THE KARTS: Hitting speeds of up to 30 mph, each F1® DRIVE kart features an advanced LCD steering wheel display offering real-time data like lap times, interval gaps, boost levels and flag alerts. Drivers will hear authentic engine sounds recorded from the 2023 Formula 1 season and receive live radio communications from a virtual Race Engineer inside their helmets providing track updates, DRS/ERS cues, fast lap tips and overtaking strategies.
THE TRACK: Spanning indoor and outdoor sections, the massive 1,696-foot course features 31 turns – including a hairpin, chicane, double apex, constant radius and a technical segment – designed to challenge drivers. Track kerbs are adorned with playing card suits – a nod to the kerbs on the Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
PACKAGES: F1® DRIVE will offer the following packages:
- Mixed Grid: This package includes two 15-minute sessions at lower speeds for guests of all skill levels, perfect for families and individuals with varying abilities. Ages 12+, minimum height 58 inches; pricing starts at $79.
- Elite Experience: The ultimate Formula 1 karting experience for adults, this experience allows racers to hit full speeds in two 15-minute track sessions. It also includes a photo finish and a podium celebration for the top three. Ages 16+, minimum height 58 inches; pricing starts at $99.
- Fastest Lap: A thrill at your own pace, this is a timed race for individual drivers offering instant lap times for guests who want to beat their personal best. Ages 16+, minimum height 58 inches; pricing starts at $37 for general admission, $30 for locals.
- VIP Add-On Experience: Guests can add three F1 SIMS rides, a photo opportunity with a printed and digital photo keepsake, $20 off any purchase over $75 in the F1® HUB merchandise store, and a complimentary glass of house champagne or soft drink. The add-on is $150 on Mixed Grid or Elite Experiences.
F1® DRIVE is one of three ticketed experiences within Grand Prix Plaza. The others include F1® X, North America’s largest interactive Formula 1 attraction; and F1® HUB, featuring F1 SIMS, a flagship F1 store, and elevated food and beverage offerings at Fuel & Fork.
Debuting May 2, Grand Prix Plaza will be open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to midnight. Flexible event spaces with access to these attractions are available across the building’s three levels and rooftop, including three new private event spaces – Turn 1 Lounge, Cool Down Room and GPP Garage – all available for year-round rental.
The attraction will close for the season in late summer to prepare for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with a future reopening date to be announced.
About Grand Prix Plaza
Grand Prix Plaza is a multi-use complex and year-round destination for private events. The 39-acre property houses the state-of-the-art Las Vegas Grand Prix Pit Building and is known as the “Home of the FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX.” Opening May 2, Grand Prix Plaza will debut three new immersive experiences including F1® DRIVE, F1® X and F1® HUB, as well as three new private event spaces: Turn 1 Lounge, Cool Down Room, and GPP Garage. For more information, visit www.grandprixplaza.com.