F1 sets European drone record, extends Las Vegas Grand Prix through 2037

F1 lit up the Monaco skyline Thursday evening with 3,050 drones over Port Hercule—the largest drone show ever in Europe—while simultaneously announcing a 10-year extension for the Las Vegas Grand Prix through 2037. The dual spectacle underlined the sport's ambition to merge tradition with showmanship on the global stage.

Why it matters:

The Las Vegas extension locks in one of F1's most lucrative new events for over a decade, while the record-breaking drone display signals the sport's aggressive marketing push. Together, they reflect F1's dual strategy: honoring historic circuits like Monaco (whose own contract runs through 2035) and investing in flashy destination races.

The details:

• Drone show: 3,050 drones formed a 600ft-high, 800ft-wide display over Port Hercule, beating the previous European record of 2,025 set in Nice last year. The 10-minute sequence traced Monaco's street circuit, formed the Grand Prix trophy, then transitioned into a 3D helmet and all team logos before revealing a Las Vegas visual.
• Contract extension: The Las Vegas Grand Prix, which debuted in 2023, is now confirmed through 2037. Officials from F1 and the Las Vegas Grand Prix jointly announced the deal during the Monaco opening party.
• The party: Hosted aboard EXPLORA I luxury cruise ship, the event featured DJ Bob Sinclar and a guest appearance by Naomi Campbell. Emily Prazer, F1's CCO and Las Vegas GP president, called it “a spectacle never seen before in world sport.”

What's next:

Monaco's Grand Prix weekend continues with on-track action, while the Vegas extension ensures F1's presence in the U.S. market for years to come. The drone show record may stand as a benchmark for future F1 events, as the sport continues to push boundaries in entertainment and promotion.