JENSON BUTTON TAKES FIRST RACE AS WORLD’S LARGEST IMMERSIVE F1® FAN EXPERIENCE GEARS UP FOR MAY 2 DEBUT AT GRAND PRIX PLAZA IN LAS VEGAS

Formula 1® fans got their first taste of the world’s largest F1® attraction Friday night as Grand Prix Plaza – home of the Las Vegas Grand Prix – hosted a high-octane preview of its immersive fan experience opening to the public May 2. Tickets to all three attractions, including F1® X, F1® DRIVE and F1® HUB, are on sale now at GrandPrixPlaza.com.

Former F1 World Champion and Sky Sports personality Jenson Button took the ceremonial first race at F1® Drive, Grand Prix Plaza’s official karting attraction and the only karting experience in the world that takes place directly on an F1 track. Starting in last position among a lineup of VIPs and executives, Button raced through the pitlane and team garages to claim victory as Las Vegas legend Wayne Newton waved the checkered flag.

Following the ceremony, guests were able to enjoy an exclusive sneak preview of the following offerings:

• F1® X: The interactive Formula 1 experience offers guests a tech-driven journey through a cutting-edge 4D exhibition with legendary artifacts, iconic F1 cars and hands-on activities where visitors can design their own virtual F1 car and put it to the test on the virtual track.
• F1® DRIVE: This official F1 karting attraction puts guests behind the wheel on a section of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit™, racing through the actual pitlane and team garages. High-performance karts, LED steering wheel displays and F1-style DRS technology deliver an experience that channels the speed, sights and sounds of Formula 1.
• F1® HUB: The Hub is the heart of Grand Prix Plaza and features F1 SIMS, and a flagship F1 store.
• Fuel & Fork: Grand Prix Plaza’s sleek dining space, serving modern American dishes including shareables, pizza, sliders, pasta, desserts and more.

Additional participants in the ceremonial first lap included Derek Chang, Liberty Media CEO; Kate Wik, Chief Marketing Officer for LVCVA; Sean McBurney, Regional President of Caesars Entertainment; Brian Gullbrants, COO, North America for Wynn Resorts; Marcy Miles, Chief Marketing Officer, The Venetian Resorts Las Vegas; Maurice Wooden, President of Fontainebleau; Terry Miller, Las Vegas Grand Prix General Manager; Stephen Shaw, Round Room Live Founder and co-CEO; and Jonathan Linden, Round Room Live co-CEO. After the checkered flag was waved by Newton, the winners – Button, McBurney and Gullbrants – were presented with custom champagne bottles by F1 President & CEO Stefano Domenicali; Las Vegas Grand Prix President & CEO Emily Prazer; and Clark County Commissioner Jim Gibson.

Grand Prix Plaza will open officially on May 2, with hours of operation being Sunday to Thursday from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. – midnight Friday and Saturday. Flexible event spaces with access to these attractions are available across the building’s three levels and rooftop, including three new private event spaces – Turn 1 Lounge, Cool Down Room and GPP Garage – that will be available to rent year-round.

The attraction will close for the season in late summer to prepare for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with a future reopening date to be announced.