‘Why Las Vegas is the Best F1 Grand Prix’

After attending last year’s event, and watching George lead home a memorable Silver Arrows 1-2, Adam shares his best tips for a race that truly marries up sport and entertainment.

“I was studying abroad in Melbourne in 2007 when my friends convinced me to go to Albert Park to see the Formula 1 season opener,” Adam says, when asked about how his love for motorsport came about.

“As I learned about the strategy and engineering of the sport, I fell in love with it. I've been a fan of F1 ever since.”

As well as watching the spectacle, Adam also takes his passion and knowledge to another level by playing F1 Fantasy.

Started in the pandemic to keep in touch with friends, Adam now fronts a podcast called “The Fantasy Formula” and even combined with F1 this season to encourage more fans to get involved.

The team and George also recently got involved partnering with F1 Fantasy for his own Russell's Rivals Mini League that concludes this weekend in Las Vegas.

The City is a Spectacle

Las Vegas is known for being the city that never sleeps. It has a global reputation as the home of entertainment, and it is no different when F1 is in town.

“No matter what generation you grew up in, we've all seen an iconic movie based in Las Vegas,’ Adam says.

“Whether it's Casino, Oceans 11, or even The Hangover, these movies all showcase the glitz and glamour of the city. It is a real spectacle to visit - it must be a thrill to race under the lights past the some of the world’s most recognisable landmarks!”

The inaugural event around the Strip Circuit took place in 2023, and the whole concept still feels like a fever dream to Adam, who can remember thinking how they were going to shut down the busiest street in the city!

“When I heard they planned to race down Las Vegas Boulevard I was stunned. It wasn't until the weeks leading up to the event when the grandstands were constructed and the barriers of the circuit were put in place that I really believed that this circuit was possible.”

An Atmosphere Unlike Any Other

It was Adam’s fifth trip to Las Vegas when he attended the race last season, as he tells me how much he loves the city.

“The atmosphere over the weekend was unlike anything I've seen at other races. Getting to and from the circuit was a breeze since it's walking distance from most of the major hotels around the Las Vegas Strip.

“You can leave after the evening sessions and keep the party going well after midnight.”

From show cars, racing simulators, pop-up shops and more, there is plenty on offer to pass the time when cars are not on track.

“There were so many activities for fans - we always have something to do during the day,” says Adam.

As well as racing down the famous strip, The Sphere – Las Vegas’ latest attraction – also gets a unique makeover.

“You can see The Sphere lit up from almost anywhere in Las Vegas,” Adam adds.

“When there is a yellow flag, the whole thing lights up yellow which is great for people seated in a section without a screen of the broadcast.

My favourite graphic is the little emoji face that follows the drivers as they fly by!”

Racing under the lights

Who doesn't love watching a night race? However, unlike your hot and humid Singapore race weekends, when the sun goes down in Las Vegas, it gets pretty chilly in November.

“One thing that makes the Las Vegas Grand Prix stand out is the weather,” Adam says.

“At night, temperatures get low so dressing in layers is a key tip to staying comfortable. Even though the sessions were late, with qualifying and the race both starting at 20:00 local time, the fans still brought so much passion and energy, and it felt as electric as a daytime race.

“This is also a race that ranked among the top three circuits in overtakes each of the last two years and features nonstop action.

“Between the opening ceremonies, the various musical performances, and the excitement of seeing F1 in person, it's enough to keep you awake!”

Pretty apt for the city that never sleeps…

Unmissable Attractions All Around

Being in Las Vegas is a feast for the eyes, with so many bright lights and big shows wherever you look. That is why Adam has narrowed it down for fans.

The most essential thing to see is the Bellagio fountains at night,” he states.

“They run every 30 minutes, so it is easy to catch them. If you want to see the classic Vegas lights and old school casinos, Freemont Street is a popular place to wander around. If you have a day to venture outside the city too, the Grand Canyon is over four hours away, but the views are unlike anything you will ever see.”

There is no shortage of hotels to stay in either, and something for every budget.

“We usually stay at Excalibur, which has affordable rooms and is a short walk to the circuit and most of the F1-related attractions.

The closer you get to the centre of Las Vegas Boulevard, the more the lodgings cost, but you will be stationed in the middle of all the activity during race week, and that means less walking.”

A Champion Will Be Crowned

As well as George and Kimi on track in Las Vegas, it is also a special weekend for the team’s pocket rocket: Doriane Pin.

The F1 Academy finale takes place in Las Vegas, and Doriane leads the drivers’ standings by nine points with two races to go - we will be keeping everything crossed for the Iron Dames racer this weekend!

“This year fans will get an extra special treat since the F1 Academy season finale will be the support race. I’m excited to watch!” adds Adam.