From the moment we stepped out of Harry Reid International Airport and into the neon-washed pulse of Las Vegas, the energy felt different. Not the usual Vegas buzz, although that is always a site to see—this was the start of Formula 1 week, and you could feel the entire Strip vibrating with anticipation. The experience placed us at the iconic Bellagio Hotel & Casino, where check-in unfolded seamlessly among fountains, floral scents, and the low hum of excitement from visitors arriving for the same global spectacle. It was the perfect launchpad for what would become one of the most unforgettable weekends of my life.
See also: Glenfiddich x Aston Martin: Celebrating prestige on and off the track
Immersion begins: Sphere, steak, and global networking
Barely a few hours after landing, we headed straight to the Sphere for The Wizard of Oz—an immersive, sensory-overloading (in a good way) spectacle that primed us for the rest of the trip. The Sphere’s visuals bent reality in a way only Las Vegas can, setting the tone for a weekend where nothing would feel ordinary again. Embarrassing to admit, but my first time watching the famed film and to be honest, the best way to experience it for the first time.
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From there, a rideshare whisked us across town for the Global Media Welcome Dinner at the newly opened High Steaks Vegas on the 50th floor of the Rio. Speaking plainly, the best steakhouse with a view in Las Vegas. The room filled with journalists from around the world, the scent of wagyu butter, and panoramic city views reminded us that F1 transforms Vegas into a truly international stage.
Day two: Garden lunches and the first taste of F1
The next day began with lunch at Jardin at Wynn Las Vegas. Bright, airy, and drenched in natural light, Jardin served as the calm before the storm. Led by an all female management team (well done), the food was served and it’s incredibly important that you try their tomato soup – among the best I’ve personally had. If you’re a fan of desert for breakfast, the chocolate chip pancakes were a table favourite as was the tuna appetizer. Word to the wise, when Vegas says “personal size” it really means shareable.
Next up was one of the more anticipated experiences – the Las Vegas Strip Circuit & Garage Tour. You see, when you walk the strip, you can’t help but notice all the railings, guardrails and grandstands built in place where sidewalks used to be. You know the strip is a site with all the major hotels like Caesars, Bellagio, Paris all springing high into the sky. So just imagine what it must look like driving down the strip, at 300km no less. Well one of the epic experiences you can have in Vegas during F1 weekend is a circuit trip.
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Riding on the back of a flatbed truck down the actual F1 circuit—flanked by towering hotels, grandstands, and pit structures—was surreal. This wasn’t a simulation. We were on the same asphalt where the world’s most elite drivers would hit over 210 mph. Combine that with the private garage tour that followed revealing the precision and controlled chaos behind the sport: tool carts aligned like surgical instruments, technicians checking telemetry, tire stacks ready for battle.
As the sun dipped behind the towering Sphere, we entered the T-Mobile Fan Zone, where the roar of engines and beats from the T-Mobile Stage created a sensory cocktail no race fan could resist. Free Practices unfolded before us into the night as Cassian and Zedd amplified the electricity in the air. It was clear—Vegas wasn’t just hosting F1. Vegas was reimagining it.
Day three: Interviews, culinary highlights, and a needed reset
Friday began early with 1:1 interviews with Steve Hill, the CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor’s Authority (LVCVA) at Stubborn Seed inside Resorts World Las Vegas. Engaging, insightful, and passionate about the city’s evolution, Hill spoke about the monumental effort behind bringing F1 to Vegas. More on that to come. The breakfast that followed showcased elevated cuisine by Chef Jeremy Ford and we were delighted to hear this was an experience rarely, if ever, offered. And we were lucky because the food that morning was incredible. From parmesan flavoured potatoes to incredibly tasteful steak, the food was delicious, the drinks were flowing and the atmosphere set the tone for what would be an epic qualifying that evening.
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Afterward, while the rest of the group geared up for a supercar driving session at Speed Vegas, I pivoted toward something more restorative: a massage at Lapis Spa & Wellness inside the Fontainebleau. If you’re like me and health and wellness is always top of mind, Lapis does it right. The calming energy of the spa and the hushed warmth of the sauna created a moment of tranquility that proved essential in a week filled with an unlimited number of things you can do. The spa felt like a secret sanctuary—a reminder that even in a city built on velocity, stillness has its place.
Qualifying night at GIADA: Dining above the circuit
As evening arrived, we made our way from the Bellagio to GIADA at The Cromwell. Few vantage points in the world can match this one: an open-air restaurant directly above the main straight of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit. What made this all the more interesting was the fact it had begun to rain. So you can imagine the track conditions were wet and the speed by which these beautiful jets (let’s call them what they really are) racing down the strip meant a little water show as well. From our table, engines screamed below as F1 Free Practice 3 launched into the night.
The Qualifying Race at 8:00 p.m. was a blur of speed and spectacle—cars slicing through, neon reflecting off carbon fiber, and the Strip erupting with adrenaline. Unlimited food, cocktails and a live DJ created a surreal high-end trackside party. Vegas doesn’t do subtle, and this was no exception.
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Saturday: VIP luxury and the race of the year?
Saturday morning took us to Fontainebleau’s La Fontaine for an elegant breakfast. La Fontaine offered a curated mix of breakfast eats – I opted for the steak and eggs (have to get my protein) alongside an assortment of wellness inspired juices. Key for keeping your own engine going as race day was finally upon us. Pro tip, make a reservation as the place fills up very quickly…rightfully so.
We then returned to the Bellagio for MGM Resorts International’s Race Week Moments. This is one of the most exclusive experiences of the entire week. We toured the Bellagio Fountain Club—perched above the world-famous fountains—with a perfect view of the fastest straight on the track. Making it all the more special is the fact world-renowned chefs including José Andrés, Wolfgang Puck, Mario Carbone and Masaharu Morimoto casually hanging about, chatting up the audience. I happened to wander into a conversation with Jean-Georges Vongerichten who remarked “I like your jacket”…I was wearing a Ferrari branded fit hoping for a better race day outcome than the qualifying results. Oh and Mark Wahlberg also made an appearance, wasn’t expecting that one.
At the front entrance of the Bellagio is the immersive Shoey Bar, an amusing nod to classic racing celebrations, made famous by Daniel Riccardo of course when he sipped champagne from his shoe after securing a win. Pro tip, the line up for entry can be long so be prepared to go early and go as soon as you can if you want to get your hands on one of the signature shoes, or even better, the helmet. I missed out on both unfortunately.
If you are a connoisseur of fine drinking establishments, Vegas is known for it’s many speakeasies. One such venue exists inside the Bellagio on the casino floor in what looks like a closet door. The Vault—an invitation-only lounge, displays rare spirits like museum artifacts. Named the Vault because…well, it used to be a casino vault. The black interior, beautiful chandelier and well lit bar gives you a James Bond feel and guess what – you’re the main character.
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Just when it seemed nothing could top this moment, we previewed CARBONE Riviera, a brand new culinary experience inspired by the Italian coast. Situated by the fountain of the Bellagio, it offers arguably the best views of the famed fountain. An extension was added to the patio thereby making the experience all the better. Not to mention the food options…absolutely worth visiting. Don’t forget that reservation.
The Perfect finale
As late afternoon fell, we walked to the LVCVA Suite at Grand Prix Plaza—our home for race night. The suite overlooked the Harmon Zone, opposite the Paddock Club, with a direct view of pre-grid ceremonies, musical performances, and the legendary 8:00 p.m. race start. Louis Tomlinson, Kane Brown, Steve Aoki—Las Vegas stacked race night with big names, bigger energy, and the kind of theatricality only this city could pull off.
When the lights finally went out and engines roared to life, the entire city seemed to hold its breath. The Las Vegas Grand Prix wasn’t just fast. It was visceral. You felt each acceleration in your chest, each braking maneuver echoing through the desert air. Watching the race from the suite, surrounded by F1 enthusiasts, elevated cuisine, and the glow of the Strip—it was nothing short of cinematic. While the ever cerebral Max Verstappen took home the win, Mercedes rounded out the podium (courtesy of a McLaren double disqualification…ouch), my Ferrari team put up an admirable fight. Someone remarked to me “it went by so fast” and that couldn’t be more true of the entire experience. An incredible trip with so many things to do, see and experience. But be careful, blink and you might miss it.
Editor's Note: A special thank you to the entire team at both the LVCVA and Media Profile for the countless hours poured into making this experience what it was..."simply lovely".
