Neon Speed: How the Las Vegas Grand Prix redefines F1’s spectacle

When Formula 1 announced its arrival in Las Vegas, it wasn’t just unveiling a new race—it was igniting a cultural phenomenon. With the shimmering lights of the Strip as its backdrop and a street circuit weaving past casinos and landmarks, the Las Vegas Grand Prix redefined what it means to experience Formula 1. Now, three years later, and with ease, we can say, it’s no longer just a race. Rather it’s become an immersive, billion-dollar celebration of speed, spectacle, and economic power.

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Fueling growth: The Future of F1 in Las Vegas…

I had the opportunity to attend the Montreal Grand Prix and to participate in an exclusive panel conversation featuring the movers and shakers of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. From opening remarks by President and CEO of Formula 1 Stefano Domenicali to conversations around economic impact to the growth of the race in Vegas and everything in between. Among the panelists included:

• Emily Prazer, Formula 1 & F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix
• Steve Hill, Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority
• Brian Gullbrants, Wynn Resorts – North America
• Steve Zanella, MGM Resorts International
• Sean McBurney, Caesars Entertainment
• Marcy Miles, The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

The race that changed the game

Held in November, the Las Vegas Grand Prix has quickly become one of the most anticipated events in the F1 calendar. It’s not just the adrenaline of night racing or the architectural novelty of tearing through the city’s iconic streets that captures the imagination—it’s the fusion of motorsport with Las Vegas’ signature flair for drama and entertainment.

While Monaco may have heritage and Silverstone tradition, Vegas brings theatricality. From pop-up concerts to luxury paddocks with champagne bars, the entire weekend is curated like a high-end festival. “How many other cities can you fly into the city and in 7 mins you’re in the heart of the track” notes Sean McBurney, Regional President of Caesars Entertainment. Celebrities flood the VIP boxes, fashion dominates the gridwalk, and the Strip transforms into a circuit that radiates both excitement and glitz.

A billion-dollar impact

The Las Vegas Grand Prix is not just about putting on a show—it’s a powerful economic engine. The event contributes well over a billion dollars to the local economy – “in what has been a slow weekend for us” notes Steve Hill, surpassing even marquee weekends like the Super Bowl or New Year’s Eve.

Hotels operate at near full capacity. Restaurants, nightclubs, and entertainment venues see a surge in reservations and revenue. Jobs—ranging from hospitality to logistics—are created en masse to support the flood of global tourists. For a city that thrives on tourism and spectacle, F1 brings a turbocharged boost just before the holiday season.

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This isn’t just a motorsport event—it’s a masterclass in destination marketing. The global broadcast reach of Formula 1 ensures that Las Vegas is on millions of screens, presented as a futuristic playground where technology, luxury, and performance collide.

Driving experience into the future

What sets the Las Vegas Grand Prix apart is its commitment to creating an immersive fan experience. It’s not just about watching cars fly by at 200 mph. From high-tech fan zones to interactive simulators, the Grand Prix caters to a generation that craves experience over observation.

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This F1 weekend feels more like a cultural festival than a traditional race. Tech integrations let fans track driver stats in real-time on their phones, while live music acts—from EDM DJs to pop megastars—turn downtime between races into full-on parties.

Even the design of the paddock reflects this philosophy. In 2024, F1 built a state-of-the-art, permanent facility for the Las Vegas race—complete with restaurants, shops, and rooftop viewing decks. It’s a clear sign: Vegas isn’t a stop on the calendar. It’s a new standard for what Formula 1 can become.

A new chapter in F1’s global story

The Las Vegas Grand Prix is a perfect symbol of Formula 1’s evolution. Once perceived as a European-centric sport for purists, F1 is now a hybrid of elite racing and global entertainment. Thanks in large part to Netflix’s Drive to Survive, younger, more diverse audiences have flocked to the sport. Vegas embodies that shift—where narrative, character, and drama matter as much as engineering precision.

For drivers, the stakes are different too. The Vegas track demands a unique blend of speed, focus, and adaptability. It’s not just about performance; it’s about performing under pressure, in a city that never sleeps. Whether you’re Max Verstappen gunning for dominance or rookie Kimi Antonelli hoping to make headlines, the Las Vegas Grand Prix is a proving ground unlike any other. This spectacle is also being expanded with Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer F1 and President & CEO Las Vegas Grand Prix notes, “We agreed collectively to have a two-year extension to have 26′ and 27′, we want to continue to evolve what we’re doing. The intent is to have a much longer arrangement.”

The strip is the stage

Ultimately, what makes the Las Vegas Grand Prix unforgettable is the synergy between the city and the sport. Las Vegas isn’t just a location—it’s a co-star. Its neon lights, larger-than-life atmosphere, and round-the-clock energy amplify every turn, overtake, and pit stop. Steve Zanella, President of Operations, MGM Resorts International adds – “It just further solidifies Las Vegas as the world premier sports and entertainment destination”

As the sport looks to expand even further into North America and Asia, the Vegas model offers a glimpse into its future. One where the fan experience is king, where economic value goes beyond ticket sales, and where Formula 1 becomes more than a race—it becomes a destination event. “The ability to use Vegas as a test bed for the wider sport. One of the things we’ve been proud of…is the sponsorship business and the licensing business. Because of the destination we’ve been able to test and roll out across the global sport” adds Prazer.

In Vegas, the engines aren’t the only things roaring. Zanella captured the sentiments perfectly when he said, “this year is going to be even better. We’re going to continue to grow because we know how to activate, we know how to make things better. We want to try and outdo ourselves each and every year.” The crowds, the music, the lights—they all combine to make the Grand Prix more than just an event. It’s a landmark moment, every year, where racing meets revelation.