The Las Vegas Grand Prix is just around the corner! For the second year, F1 drivers will race on the iconic Strip in the only night race alongside Singapore and Qatar. But a night in ‘Sin City’ is no ordinary night… We present you with the 5 biggest challenges that drivers face in Las Vegas. From dazzling neon lights to cool night temperatures to… Even the most experienced F1 stars are on their toes!
1. Dazzling Neon Lights
Casinos, hotels, shops: the glow of neon lights is everywhere in Las Vegas. And the chaos doesn’t stop there! From flickering billboards to illuminated storefronts and hotels, the entire city becomes one big light show in the dark. This can be quite distracting for the drivers. Add to that the reflections on the asphalt disrupting their focus, especially at high speeds. Racing almost becomes a video game!
2. Artificial Lighting: A Different Beast
Corners that suddenly seem darker due to the stark contrasts of artificial light. And braking points that are less visible. For drivers accustomed to daylight and natural shadows, racing under artificial light requires a completely different approach. Utmost concentration, ultimate adaptability.
3. Cool Nights, Different Tyres
Did you know that Las Vegas is located in a desert? That’s why the race is held at night: to avoid the intense desert heat during the day. But this brings challenges! It affects the tyres: colder asphalt means less grip and a greater chance of slipping. Teams must therefore think extra carefully and differently about tyre management.
4. Close to Hotels and Barriers
The Las Vegas GP is a street circuit, which means that drivers have little room for error. They drive close to the barriers, without the usual run-off areas found on other circuits. Any small mistake can result in a crash or retirement. It therefore requires a high degree of precision from the drivers.
5. Night Owl or Day Person?
The race in Las Vegas starts at 22:00 local time – a very different rhythm from most other GPs. For the drivers, the challenge is that the body normally goes into rest mode at this time. This requires not only physical, but also mental adjustment. Even the most experienced drivers must stay alert to avoid making a mistake.
