Hello and welcome everyone to Round 22 of the Formula 1 World Championship and the start of the final three races, the triple-header as it is renowned. Starting in South Nevada to host the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
F1 packs its bags from staying in São Paulo, Brazil, now travelling northwest to the star-studded state of Nevada to the rich city of Las Vegas.
History of the Las Vegas Grand Prix
Embed from Getty ImagesFormula 1 returned to the star-studded casino resort of Las Vegas last year. Unlike the failed 1980s Caesar’s Palace races, the return was met with celebrity endorsement, a world-class celebration, and eagerness for Formula 1 to traverse the Metropolitan area within the Mojave Desert.
The design of the Las Vegas Street Circuit was the brainchild of Formula’s 1 designer, Hermann Tilke’s son Carsten. However, the project was met with unique challenges in Las Vegas due to its iconic hotels and busy streets.
In order to minimize disruption to the bustling casinos, restaurants, and shops along the route, the circuit runs through the heart of the city, passing hotels such as The Venetian and Wynn.
But last season wasn’t the only card in the deck for Formula 1’s venture in Vegas. No. It was 1981 and 1982 that were announced as the Caesars Palace Grand Prix, held under the glinting of the sun. This time, the Grand Prix is held at night, taking advantage of the city’s vibrant lights.
As the circuit begins at an old car lot, it features tight hairpin turns, fast turns, and a 1.9 kilometre straight along Las Vegas Boulevard that passes landmarks such as Caesar’s Palace and the Bellagio Fountains. An important overtaking point occurs at a 90-degree left-hander, followed by a chicane and a final sweeping left before going down a small bank, reaching the finish line.
Since the track was made last season, the FIA nor the organisers have felt the need to carry out and track changes to the circuit.
Track Layout
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Las Vegas Strip Circuit, to give its full name, is a 6.2-kilometre rollercoaster of adrenaline, jam-packed with 17 turns: 11 to the left and six to the right. The drivers will blast around this circuit for 50 laps, equalling 305 kilometres of on-track action.
And the adrenaline can’t pump without the need to overtake, as the Las Vegas Strip Circuit consists of two DRS Zones. The first DRS zone comes after Turn 4 heading down Koval Lane, and the final DRS zone is located on the 1.9 kilometre straight, Las Vegas Boulevard or The Strip for short.
Iconic Features
Embed from Getty ImagesAt the Las Vegas Strip Circuit, every corner and straight creates its unique feel. Passing avenues and hotels, including the Strip, is 1.9 kilometres straight. So if you are under a second before Treasure Island (Turn 12), the chances are you’ll be overtaken before City Centre Plaza (Turn 15).
More noticeable features include the MSG Sphere. MSG meaning Madison Square Garden is a huge sphere poking out of the circuit, which also depicts the music and entertainment sphere—flashing up images and videos.
Was Last Season’s Las Vegas Grand Prix Good?
Embed from Getty ImagesFormula 1’s return to Las Vegas became a pivotal moment for the growth of motorsport in Nevada.
Commercially, the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix was a success, and it did not shy away from its on-track action—from start to finish.
For the start, Charles Leclerc (the star driver of the night) lined up on pole ahead of Max Verstappen. As the lights went out, Verstappen attempted to move into Turn 1, but both drivers ran wide into the run-off area. But the Flying Dutchman’s manoeuvre was deemed illegal, and he was handed a five-second penalty.
As the race progressed, Verstappen led, but Leclerc eventually overtook him. With a well-timed pit stop under the Safety Car, Sergio Perez briefly gained the advantage over both. Despite Leclerc’s return to the lead, Verstappen closed in, and the world champion regained control to take the victory.
In Las Vegas, Verstappen won, but Leclerc fought valiantly until the very end. On the final lap, the Monegasque boldly moved to take second place after running third behind Perez. Heading down The Strip, Leclerc, from a long way back, dived inside Turn 14.
In a race full of drama and a duel between two Red Bull’s and a Ferrari, the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix did not disappoint.
Live Timings – British Standard Time (BST)
Embed from Getty ImagesFriday (22nd of November)
2:00 am – Las Vegas Grand Prix Practice One – (Session begins at 2:30 am)
5:45 am – Las Vegas Grand Prix Practice Two – (Session begins at 6:00 am)
Saturday (23rd of November)
2:15 am – Las Vegas Grand Prix Practice Three – (Session begins at 2:30 am)
5:00 am – Las Vegas Grand Prix Qualifying – (Session begins at 6:00 am)
Sunday (24th of November)
4:30 am – Las Vegas Grand Prix – (Session begins at 6:00 am)
If you would like to learn more news about the world of Formula 1? Then why not check out “The Ultimate Vegas Showdown: Who’s Ready to Risk It All?” or “Fastest-Lap Point To Be Dropped From 2025 Indefinitely!”