| Isabel Migoya
It cost me $43 to go to Sao Paulo and attend a Formula 1 Grand Prix watch party, or at least a decent simulation of one at the F1 Arcade experience in Washington, D.C. I was a bit worried it might turn out like the Wonkagate incident in Glasgow, but that was not the case. Quite the opposite, I highly recommend you check it out.
The space is thoughtfully decorated with nods to fans of the fastest of motorsport. The ceiling features lamps shaped like Grand Prix racing circuits, and the walls that divide the simulator-filled space replicate the iconic five red lights, making it impossible not to think “it's lights out and away we go!” Large screens are strategically placed around the venue to ensure you don’t miss any part of the race. I also appreciated that the attentive waitstaff did not hide their own excitement at an eventful Grand Prix.
Simulators are the obvious highlight. The 83 racing simulators offer an experience that engages almost all your senses. The movement and vibration of the seat, along with the impressive visuals on the 49-inch displays and the roar of the engines, make it as real as it can get for most of us that will never drive a real F1 car.
For the watch party, the simulators are set for approximately 5-minute races, with four or five simulators connected on the same track, whether it is Monza, Austin’s COTA, Spa-Francorchamps, Silverstone, Suzuka, or Zandvoort. Each seat represents a car of a real team and participants can choose which car to drive and the skill level (rookie, casual, semi-pro, pro, and elite).
Before the race, drivers receive brief instructions, and then it’s off to the starting grid. There are 10 cars on track, meaning that you compete against opponents sitting next to you, as well as against the “real” drivers. Points are earned not only based on the order in which you cross the checkered flag, but also for overtaking, defending your position, or improving your starting position.
In addition to the simulator, you can train your reflexes like the real drivers do on the React game wall. There are plenty of other challenges from more experienced gamers, too. But if you’re just curious about why Formula 1 is experiencing a surge in popularity, both in the United States and globally, it’s worth going to the F1 Arcade (there’s also one in Boston, and Philadelphia and Las Vegas will soon get theirs) even to soak it all up from its pleasant bar.