F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix Packing Essentials

On Saturday, November 22, the third-ever Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix dominated the streets of the city in a nail-biting display of motorsport’s finest talent. One of the three final races of the 75th season, the three-day event was packed with musical entertainment, race prep, and activities around the city, and as a major fan of the sport I was fortunate enough to be on the ground for it all.

With my suitcase stuffed to the brim with my favorite F1 gear, I headed off to Vegas—and I’m pleased to report my packing list prepared me well for everything from long days of walking around the paddock to bundling up in the grandstands at night for the race. Whether you’re already looking forward to next year’s Grand Prix (or another race on the 2026 calendar), keep reading to find my Las Vegas Grand Prix packing list—starting at just $6.

Portable Charger

From Free Practice 1 and exploring the paddock to race day in the grandstands, I spent the weekend taking as many pictures of the experience as my phone storage would allow for (after all, when else would I be allowed access to the Williams garage?). But while I still aimed to live in the moment, the volume of photos I captured did a number on my iPhone battery, leaving me grateful for the portable charger I’d tucked into my purse before leaving the hotel. No matter how you’re experiencing the race, a portable charger is a packing essential—especially since you’ll have to navigate the nightmare of getting an Uber back your accommodations after the day is done. 

Cute, Comfortable Shoes

Throughout the course of my time in Vegas, I regularly racked up more than 13,000 steps exploring the strip, touring the Paddock Club, and simply getting to my seat from the venue entrance. Any race weekend is packed with no shortage of events even outside of the Grand Prix itself, so you’ll want to come equipped with a pair of sensible shoes you trust to keep you comfortable throughout it all. 

Since style was also a priority in my packing, I opted for the Puma Speedcat Ballet Flats and was pleasantly surprised when the orthotic insoles and padded heels kept me fresh on my feet even on days with little rest. And of course, Puma is partnered with Scuderia Ferrari (and just celebrated 20 years together), so it was an on-the-nose choice for the weekend. 

Earplugs

There’s no way around it: Racing is loud. And as an F1 fan who easily becomes overstimulated, I knew it was essential I packed a pair of earplugs—especially to muffle the roaring crowd on race day. But not just any earplugs would do. The McLaren F1 Team x Loop Switch 2 earplugs are a permanent fixture on my keychain, and they were put to good use during my time at both the Las Vegas race and the Montreal Grand Prix earlier this year. Since they offer three levels of noise-reduction I was able to maintain conversations with my fellow racegoers without getting overwhelmed, and they fit perfectly in my ears thanks to the accompanying adjustable silicone tips. 

Compact Purse

While there’s no denying my overpacking tendencies, I tried to be sensible while preparing for this trip (mainly because I knew I’d be coming home with a suitcase overflowing with F1 merch). With that in mind, I selected a simple yet spacious purse from my collection that would work for everything on the agenda and fit well within the size regulations outlined by the race. 

The Cuyana Mini Paloma Bag was my purse of choice, and while it’s undeniably small, its packing capacity is mighty, holding my wallet, poncho, portable charger, gloves, and even an umbrella during the day. The classic design elevated my casual race day outfit while looking just as natural paired with nicer outfits for dinner out on the strip, and I love that it can be worn as a crossbody to keep my belongings safe while navigating the crowds. 

Fleece-lined Tights

Prior to my trip to Vegas, I’d been told that evenings in the desert can get chilly—a warning that proved to be true on the rainy night we spent in the T-Mobile viewing zone exposed to the elements while overlooking the qualifying laps. Luckily, I’d taken these warnings to heart and was prepared with cozy fleece-lined tights so I was still able to wear the outfit I’d envisioned without sacrificing my body temperature. This pair from Amazon isn’t too bulky or unnatural-looking, and in fact they looked just like a traditional pair of sheer black tights. Whether you’re sitting on metal bleachers in the Grandstands or watching the race on your feet, I’d recommend these tights for staying comfortable throughout the night. 

Gloves

Speaking of temperature, I was also sure to include a pair of gloves in my bag every evening which became the star of the show on race night. Since they were equipped with touchscreen capabilities, I didn’t have to remove them to capture the winning shot of Max Verstappen being waved across the finish line by the checkered flag. 

Technically glove liners, these slim, packable layers saved my skin from the Vegas chill while taking up next to no room in my bag when I wasn’t wearing them. They’re stretchy and comfortable but fit like, well, a glove, and the dainty snowflake design still paired well with my outfits (yes, that was the priority). 

Poncho

Las Vegas isn’t typically known for its rainy climate, but during race weekend we were graced with a rainshower during a slick qualifying event that had the drivers sliding all over the track. I, however, was equipped with a poncho—a superb alternative to umbrellas that I learned, just in time, are not allowed into the venue. It’s important to check the forecast no matter which race you’re heading to, but if you see rain on the radar you won’t have to panic with one of these clear, disposable ponchos at the ready. 

Reusable Water Bottle

I can’t emphasize enough how much walking any given Formula 1 Grand Prix event entails. No matter which entrance you arrive at you’ll have at least a 10 to 15 minute trek to your seats, and that doesn’t include the time you’ll want to spend checking out the various race activations, merch stands, and food selection. 

Since you’ll be getting plenty of exercise (and already spending money on new gear), a reusable, foldable water bottle will keep you hydrated so you can skip the $10 bottles they sell at the track. Throughout the weekend I was rarely seen without the Dasani bottle I splurged on during the first day of the event, but this foldable option would have fit easily into my purse, making it easier to drink plenty of water each day. 

Extra Layer

When race day finally arrived, I was out of my hotel from first thing in the morning until it was time to head to the Skybox to watch the main event. But since the weather runs warmer during the day and chillier at night, I made sure to bring along an extra layer to snuggle into as I spent the majority of the evening outside to get the best possible view. 

For my primary layer, I wore the Malbon F1 LVGP Grid Jacket which provided plenty of warmth for the daytime, but at night I slipped on my favorite Abercrombie x McLaren sweatshirt for good luck (although it didn’t seem to work seeing as both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were disqualified following the race). 

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