In late November, Formula 1 touched down in Las Vegas for Round 22 of the 2025 Grand Prix season, marking the third year of the city’s official return to the F1 calendar. The Heineken-sponsored race unfolded on a street circuit that winds through the heart of the city, set against the dazzling backdrop of the Las Vegas Strip.
Drivers sped past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks—The Sphere, Caesars Palace and the Bellagio fountains—turning the race into a cinematic spectacle of light, speed and sound. Despite bouts of rain that made conditions unpredictable, four-time world champion Max Verstappen once again proved unstoppable, taking home the Vegas Grand Prix trophy ahead of Lando Norris in second place. And true to form, Lewis Hamilton made a fashion statement, debuting a custom silver helmet inspired by the “City of Lights.”
While Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Shaggy and T-Pain brought the magic to the Vegas F1 stage, the crowd was just as star-studded, with appearances from Beyoncé, Travis Scott, Dave and Tems—a clear reflection of Formula 1’s ever-growing cultural pull. That crossover between sport and entertainment has been further pushed by Netflix’s Drive to Survive, drawing in audiences far beyond traditional motorsport fans. Apple TV’s F1: The Movie—starring Damson Idris and Brad Pitt—has pushed the sport’s influence even deeper into pop culture, while earlier this year, the Nigerian-British artist Slawn brought his signature flair to the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls’ livery ahead of the Silverstone race.
Heineken’s latest partnership with Formula 1 is only fuelling that momentum, putting fan connection and experience at the forefront. The collaboration has introduced innovations like the world’s first carbon-fibre season pass—a collectible that fuses cutting-edge design with F1’s engineering DNA—symbolising a new era of creativity, culture, and connection within the sport.
Complex UK was invited to experience the Vegas Grand Prix weekend firsthand, witnessing the excitement of both the race and the new era of the Heineken x F1 partnership. There, we caught up with Brandon Burgess—an F1 superfan and the first-ever carbon-fibre season pass holder—who has gained attention for his self-funded mission to attend every Grand Prix in 2025. Along the way, he’s built a dedicated following by documenting his journey across every stop on the race calendar.
We spoke to him about his lifelong love of Formula 1, what it’s really like to travel the world chasing every race, meeting Max Verstappen, and how Heineken’s renewed partnership with F1 is helping him bring fans even closer to the sport.
COMPLEX: When did your love for Formula 1 begin, and what first pulled you into the sport?
Brandon Burgess: I started watching it when I was 2 or 3 years old because my dad always loved Formula 1. Growing up, Michael Schumacher was my hero, and ever since then, I’ve just loved the sport. I’ve always wanted to go to every race in a season. I never thought I would do it until I retired, or until I won the lottery or something like that. But then, last year, I figured it could be possible using a lot of my savings while also keeping my job. So yeah, I thought,”Why not just go for it? If I don’t do it this year, maybe I never will.”
Was there a specific moment—or race—that made F1 become the thing for you?
To be honest, it was just seeing Michael Schumacher in the Ferrari. The fact that he was driving the red Ferrari, out front, I was a young child seeing that and thinking, “That is so amazing!” The sound, the whole spectacle of F1 back then—the cars were louder and more raw. The engines aren’t quite the same now, but still very exciting. That whole aspect just drew me in as a child and I’ve never looked back.
They changed the engines for regulations, right?
Exactly, yeah. Back when I started watching, it was V10s—a very high-pitched screaming noise. Then they moved to V8s, which were still really loud, and now they’re V6 hybrids. They’re still loud, but compared to the ones from 20 years ago, they’re much quieter.
The Ferraris were your pull into the sport?
Ferrari really got me into F1, and I still support them now. It isn’t the best for this year because we’re not doing that well but, you know, there’s always hope for next year. We’ll be keeping our fingers crossed.
I have to ask: what were your first thoughts when you heard Lewis Hamilton was moving over?
Honestly, it was exciting. I’ve always been a Leclerc fan—not necessarily a Hamilton-specific fan—but I’ve always appreciated him as a seven-time world champion. He’s a massive ambassador for F1. So the fact that one of the best drivers is moving to arguably the best team, hopefully that’s a recipe for something really good. Obviously, it’s not worked out this year, but maybe next year with new regulations and a better car, Ferrari can get back to the top.
You’re attending every Grand Prix in 2025 while working full-time. What sparked the decision to dedicate your own savings to this mission?
It’s always been my dream. I had a year with nothing else booked, so I thought, “Let’s just go for it in 2025.” The hardest part has actually been managing annual leave. I get 28 days—I’ve used them all, plus a few unpaid days... It’s been pretty crazy, including this weekend in Vegas!
What has surprised you the most about experiencing F1 in person at so many different locations?
The fan energy is unreal! When you see the cars up close, you realise how fast they really are. I saw a big crash in Brazil right in front of me—you could feel the energy of it. It’s a sensory overload: the air, the sound, the smell of tyres and fuel—it’s incredible.
Your journey is built on meeting strangers across continents—what’s one interaction or connection that really stayed with you?
There was one I always remember in Silverstone. I organised a meetup there at 10am and, of course, the heavens opened! Typical Silverstone. But people still showed up, in the rain, which was really nice. Towards the end, a young guy, maybe 17, came up to me and said, “Thank you for making your videos. They inspired me to come to the race today. It’s my first one, and I bought the ticket because of your videos.” That hit home and gave me a real sense of accomplishment. I never imagined my videos could have that kind of impact! That’s probably my favourite moment of the year.
When did you first find out that Heineken and F1 had chosen you to receive the world’s first F1 season ticket?
I found out in September, a few weeks before the announcement. We were in discussions leading up to it, planning things out. It was hard to keep it a secret—I only told my mum, dad, and girlfriend. Everyone else found out in November when it was announced. I still remember the first phone call; it hasn’t sunk in even now.
And Max Verstappen personally presented it to you, which must have been cool for you as an F1 superfan. What was going through your mind?
That blew my mind even more! It still feels like a dream. I hadn’t met an F1 driver properly before that, so my first one was Max Verstappen—one of the best ever and the current world champion. I tried to keep cool; we chatted about 2026 regulations and my challenge, and he asked questions about what I’m doing. It still feels surreal that Max Verstappen knows about what I’m doing. He was super-chilled and nice to talk to—and he even remembered me later, which was wild.
You’re only partway through your 2025 journey, but what’s been your standout Grand Prix moment so far?
That’s tough, but I’d say Montreal. Towards the end of the race, the McLarens collided on the fifth straight. I had a main grandstand ticket—right where it happened—so it was my first time seeing such a big, controversial moment live. Two main championship contenders colliding, right in front of me.
Which race has surprised you the most, either because of the atmosphere, the fans, the result, or the location?
Monaco is just unique. It’s such a small space packed with people—you don’t even need a ticket to walk around and soak up the atmosphere. It’s chaotic and amazing. But Austria surprised me the most. I had the cheapest general admission ticket, right at the top of a hill, overlooking the whole track and the Styrian mountains. It was stunning! The most picturesque race I’ve ever been to. And it was the cheapest ticket!
I have a couple of quick fire questions for you now. Favourite driver—past or present?
Michael Schumacher, hands down. And then Mick Schumacher when he came into the sport. Now it’s Charles Leclerc, but originally, definitely Michael.
Favourite F1 circuit of all time?
Hockenheim. It’s no longer on the calendar, but it used to host the German Grand Prix. I’d love to see it come back.
One F1 city you’d happily live in for a year?
Singapore. I love the hot weather, and the vibe there is amazing. It’s easy to get around, super-clean and efficient—I would happily live there.
Most underrated race on the calendar?
Bahrain. Value-for-money-wise, it’s probably the best. I paid one of the cheaper ticket prices and was on Turn 1—fantastic view, and such a fun, party-like atmosphere. It really surprised me.
What’s the one thing you always pack for a Grand Prix weekend?
This is niche—but an eye mask that attaches to the back of your airplane seat. It keeps your head from falling forward when you sleep. Honestly, it’s a game-changer. I’ve told so many people about it. It’s saved my year; I sleep so much better on flights because of it.
What are you hoping to get out of this next chapter—personally or creatively—now that Heineken has essentially expanded your mission?
I mainly want to showcase more of what it’s like to be at an F1 race. My videos are short now—one to three minutes—so I can’t show everything. Next year, with Heineken’s support, I’ll be able to film more and create longer-form content. I want people to feel like they’re at the races with me, and also help them decide which ones to attend themselves.
In terms of the pass, how important do you think that is for fans?
It’s huge! It’s the first-ever F1 season ticket—grandstands for every race. This year, I did mostly general admission, which is great but not the same. Next year, though, I’ll get to compare different experiences and share insights—best views, value for money, all of that. I’m so lucky it’s happening, and I can’t wait to show it all.