F1 turns Las Vegas GP paddock into "fan experience" with kart track in pits · RaceFans

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Formula 1 has turned its Las Vegas Grand Prix paddock into an “immersive fan experience” which will open to the public next month.

Jenson Button and Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali attended a preview event at the Grand Prix Plaza on Friday.

A key attraction of the facility is F1 Drive, a karting circuit which incorporates sections of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit pit lane and garages. The karts are equipped with “F1-style DRS technology” and steering wheel displays.

Button raced from last to first against a group of VIPs on the kart track. He and the other podium finishers, owners of two local casinos, were presented with a bottle of champagne by Domenicali. ‘Mr Las Vegas’ Wayne Newton waved the chequered flag.

Other attractions at Grand Prix Plaza include ‘F1 X’, which features a collection of past F1 cars, drivers’ helmets and other memorabilia. Among the cars on display are two Ferraris from 2013 and 1961, a Red Bull RB7 of the type Sebastian Vettel used to win his second world championship in 2011, a Lotus 80 from 1979 and a recent Aston Martin.

F1 X also offers “hands-on activities where visitors can design their own virtual F1 car and put it to the test on the virtual track,” the promoter says. Fans can drive on F1 simulators and inspect recreations of teams’ pit walls.

The Grand Prix Plaza will open to the public on May 2nd. It will close in late summer in order for preparations to begin for the third grand prix at the venue, which will take place on November 22nd. Tickets are available at grandprixplaza.com.

F1 is also offering event spaces for hire at the facility, known as the Turn 1 Lounge, Cool Down Room and GPP Garage.

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