I’ll be going to see the Las Vegas GP. I’ve never been to a Formula 1 race and don’t know what to expect from the days surrounding the race. Are there any tips you wish you knew before going the first time? I plan on going to the full race weekend and not sure what to bring to make my stay more comfortable. Also, any tips on stops I should make in that area of Vegas while I’m there?
Ah that’s so cool! I’ve been to 9 races (not Vegas though, but maybe someday!). Advice really varies per circuit but the big things are:
–Find out how you’re getting to/from the circuit. Vegas has great options for staying close enough to not need a bus or a car. Often one of the hardest parts of the weekend.
–wear comfy shoes and clothes, especially during FP you have a lot of opportunities to walk around. I’d take a lap of the outer perimeter of the circuit for sure
–food, merch is all very expensive typically
–ear protection
–learn who has a black vs yellow t cam, sometimes it’s harder to tell what’s going on and commentary varies a lot per circuit. My rule for this is the “main” driver on a team has the black T cam except for Lando and Lewis, but the quotes around main are doing some heavy lifting
Have fun! Take pics, be safe.
I hope you have a great time!
- The food is expensive, bring som.
- earplugs
- find out how to get to and from the track.
- something soft to sit on, you will be there a long time.
Maybe bone up on which car has the yellow T-cam, and the and driver’s numbers. The first time I went, I was surprised to learn how much I rely on the timing tower context to know which car is which.
The helmets are also useful but obviously they can change. Eg Ocon’s is usually bright red, Lando usually neon yellow etc
My advice would be to avoid the Vegas shit show experience and go to an event with feeder series races.
Watching events in person is nothing like watching them from home. There is a lot of downtime when F1 is the only series racing. If the venue is interesting (imo Vegas isn’t) then you can wander around and explore a bit but in a place like Vegas it’s going to be a lot of sitting around, and they’ve already shown they don’t care about the fan experience.
I’m sure there’s fun to be had at any F1 event but Vegas wouldn’t be my first choice, or even on the list.
Wear ear protection, even if the cars are quiet enough these days that you don’t think you need it. Sometimes the trackside commentary is available on a local FM radio station, and they’ll sell overpriced radio headsets, so bring your own if you’re interested in that.
