The inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix on Nov. 18 was a star-studded extravaganza that attracted some of the biggest names in entertainment and sports. As the race drew closer, famous faces like Justin Bieber, Cara Delevingne, Patrick Dempsey, and many others gathered at the starting lines for the 3.8-mile, 210 mph race that wound through the streets of Las Vegas. The event had a half-billion-dollar budget, and the level of publicity and excitement surrounding it was unmatched.
As the elite of the sport mixed and mingled with celebrities, Max Verstappen of Oracle Red Bull Racing emerged as the top driver, winning the race despite a five-second penalty and a mid-race collision. The drama on the track only added to the spectacle, with Scuderia Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz hitting an insecure manhole cover in the first practice session, and the subsequent class-action lawsuit filed by fans after the grandstands and hospitality spaces shut down in advance of the second practice.
Off the track, the Las Vegas Grand Prix proved to be a commercial success as well. Drivers and celebrities alike struck partnerships and endorsements, capitalizing on the growing popularity of F1 in a city that provided ample advertising space. Lewis Hamilton made a number of appearances and collaborations, including a surprise event at Resorts World’s The Globe in partnership with Fortnite, and promoting his non-alcoholic blue agave spirit, Almave, at Wynn Las Vegas. The after-party, hosted by Wynn Las Vegas, The h.wood Group, Bond Hospitality, and Carver Road Hospitality, was attended by a glittering array of stars, including Justin Bieber, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Brooklyn Beckham, among others.
Throughout the weekend, various hospitality lounges and clubs popped up around the circuit, offering unique experiences to guests. The Bellagio Fountain Club provided a prime trackside viewing location, with a star-studded guest list that included Sofia Vergara, Mark Wahlberg, and various athletes from different sports. The Vegas Club, created by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, offered a thrilling experience located in Turn 4 of the circuit.
On the entertainment front, J Balvin shared an interactive Magic 8 Ball display with fans, making him the first artist to perform outside the newly opened $2.3 billion Sphere, using the space and visuals as a backdrop during his set.
The high-profile nature of the Las Vegas Grand Prix solidified the city’s status as a premier destination for sporting events, entertainment, and celebrity sightings. With its mix of adrenaline-pumping racing action and star-studded events, the Grand Prix promised an unforgettable experience for all who attended. As the race came to a close, the buzz surrounding the event only served to further hype anticipation for next year’s race, promising an even more dazzling spectacle in the future.