Published on: August 22, 2025, 01:59h.

Updated on: August 22, 2025, 02:03h.

• Formula 1 has initiated legal action against Bonanza Gift Shop, touted as “the world’s largest,” over the sale of counterfeit Las Vegas Grand Prix merchandise.
• The lawsuit seeks $1 million for damages to its reputation.

It’s not just local businesses bringing lawsuits against Formula 1 in Las Vegas; the racing giant is also taking action.

The organization behind the Las Vegas Grand Prix has lodged a complaint against Bonanza Gift Shop and its sister store, Crazy Ely, for trafficking counterfeit F1 merchandise during the inaugural Grand Prix event held in Las Vegas in 2023.

Charges include trademark counterfeiting, trademark infringement, and unfair competition.

Bonanza proclaims itself as the “world’s largest gift shop,” situated just south of the Strat. (We are currently investigating the validity of this claim for a potential “Vegas Myths Busted” article.)

Racing to Justice

During the 2023 race, Formula 1 dispatched investigators to examine both shops, resulting in the confiscation of 69 counterfeit items from Crazy Ely. However, upon arriving at Bonanza, half a mile away, the investigators found no items left, just empty shelves where the counterfeits had presumably been displayed.

F1 asserts that Bonanza received a warning from Crazy Ely to promptly remove its counterfeit stock, which serves as a reminder of the importance of proper trademark investigation procedures.

The racing organization claims that between June and November 2023, approximately 2,400 counterfeit items were sold by both shops, and they continue to be available for purchase. They allege significant “irreparable harm” to their brand and thus seek a jury trial along with damages possibly reaching $1 million.

In related legal actions, Formula 1 previously filed a lawsuit in May against E&B Wholesalers, alleging that the suppliers manufactured and distributed the counterfeit goods to Bonanza and other stores.