Formula 1 and fine dining are no strangers, with big-name chefs routinely listed on the premium hospitality program that accompany GP races around the world. Though the newest gastronomic experience to line up with the cars offers something different.
Instead of just a small menu of location-inspired classics in the airport lounge-esque Paddock Club, F1 has partnered with Moët Hennessy to launch The Out Lap – a novel dining experience that takes guests on-track via a moving dining room on a re-purposed bus. The space accommodates just 12 guests and will follow a bespoke route, taking in famous stops and spots on each circuit it visits, with an F1 legend on board to share tales and trials from their time on the track.
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Tinted full-length windows disguise guests on board while still offering an immersive view of the track scenery racing along outside. Meanwhile inside, a single row of seats sit along a counter-style table, primed for chef demonstration. Along the back ‘wall,’ a display of premium bottles is carefully illuminated.
The first edition of the dining experience took place at the Spa-Francorchamps track in Belgium earlier this month, with the bus stopping at historic corners such as Eau Rouge, Raidillon, Pouhon, and La Source. Throughout the rest of the season The Out Lap will be present at the Dutch race at Zandvoort in August (which has been confirmed as the nation’s final F1 race), and F1 Italy and the Spanish Grand Prix in September.
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For each race, The Out Lap will recruit a different world-leading culinary talent. For its inaugural lap, French chef Yannick Alléno – who currently holds the title of having the most Michelin stars in the world across his international restaurants – hopped on board. His menu was intentionally designed to be eaten in motion, and included poached langoustine and wagyu beef.
Each dish is paired with wines and spirits from the Moët Hennessy megaverse, including Whispering Angel, Moët & Chandon, Hennessy, and Glenmorangie (presumedly served in self-leveling cups along the squeakier turns).
While the chef and ex-racing star for the upcoming experiences are yet to be announced, bookings for the F1’s new elevated meals on wheels concept are open now.
