Inside the F1 Arcade in London, which includes driving simulator machines, a bar, and restaurant.
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F1 Arcade, an F1 racing simulator experience, is coming to Washington DC and Las Vegas by 2025.
Netflix's "Drive to Survive" series has boosted Formula 1's US popularity.
I tested F1 Arcade in London to see what all the fuss was about.
F1 Arcade, a restaurant and bar that houses e-sport racing game machines meant to mimic the Formula 1 driving experience, is one of the latest ways the sport is being monetized after Netflix's hit series "Formula 1: Drive to Survive."
The Arcade — backed by Formula 1 and Liberty Media — has been open since 2022 in the UK and, after launching a branch in Boston in April, is now expanding further in the US.
This month, it was announced that F1 Arcade had completed a $130 million fundraising round to enable it to open another branch in Washington DC this fall and a flagship site in Las Vegas in 2025.
The announcement comes just months after the release of the sixth season of the 2019 Netflix hit series "Formula 1: Drive to Survive."
I visited the F1 Arcade in London to see if the venue is worth it for die-hard racing fans.
The arcade is located in the heart of central London.
Outside the F1 Arcade, located a three minute walk from St. Paul's Cathedral.
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Games were priced at £15.95 ($20) for three races or £25.95 ($34) for five races. I thought this was expensive, given that each race only lasted six minutes.
The reception area of F1 Arcade.
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I was excited to get on a simulator and start racing. The venue houses 60 machines at five different skill levels.
Two men drive on the racing simulators at the F1 Arcade.
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But first I had to order a cocktail. The most popular was the "Passion and Glory" which is made with Ferarri Trento Brut, the official sparkling wine of Formula 1.
I enjoyed a "Passion and Glory" cocktail while racing.
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I tried both "Rookie" and "Elite" modesm, the easiest and most difficult race settings. "Elite" mode threw me around in the seat a lot, which was a lot of fun, especially because it's difficult not to spin out on the corners.
"Elite mode" even requires drivers to make gear changes, and gives younger racers prompts to do so.
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The simulators are immersive, with multiple high-resolution screens offering different angles on the race. The surround sound makes it feel like you're really on the track.
The driving simulators offer multiple modes and ways to play — including against AI or with friends.
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I was surprised at how similar the machines felt to driving a car with accelerator and brake pedals. Staff told me that the simulators can adapt to in-game weather conditions, such as the feel of a slick track on a rainy day.
The same simulators are also used in e-sport competitions around the world.
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I really enjoyed the races, but the three-race package was short.
One driver mid-game at the F1 Arcade.
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After I had completed my races, the only option I had — other than purchasing more — was to order lunch. The menu is designed to offer "high-end comfort food."
The main restaurant area of the F1 arcade.
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I ordered the truffle mac-and-cheese croquettes for £9 ($12), fried halloumi with a green sweet chili sauce also for £9 ($12), and miso mushroom tacos for £8.50 ($11).
My order of three small plates at the F1 Arcade.
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The truffle mac-and-cheese croquettes were definitely my favorite. They were crispy, without too much truffle, and didn't feel heavy.
The truffle mac and cheese croquette up-close.
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The quality of the food was very good, but it wasn't cheap. The bill came to £48.93 ($63) with service charge.
My finished plates.
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I think that F1 Arcade is quite expensive for what it is.
Although the races were a lot of fun, and the simulators were worth the hype, I found that there wasn't a lot to do once you were finished.
For visitors who are willing to pay more, you can earn enough "Arcadian" points to gain access to other Formula 1-themed games, including one that tests your reaction speed.
However, for guests on any kind of budget, paying for food, drink, and three races might not be worth the trip.
The simulators and the mac-and-cheese croquettes were great, but because the actual racing time was so short, I wouldn't hurry back.
