After a 41-year absence, the Las Vegas street circuit will return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2023. The new circuit in the world’s gambling capital is 6.12 kilometers long, has seventeen turns, three straight stretches, and two DRS zones. In the world’s gambling capital, spectacle is guaranteed, both off and on the track. Max Verstappen wins the race in 2023.
A spectacular part of the circuit is the straight stretch over the famous Strip, where all the major hotels and casinos are located. On the Strip, a tourist attraction that attracts millions of tourists annually, the drivers are expected to reach speeds of over 340 kilometers per hour. They race past famous hotels like MGM, The Venetian, Bellagio, The Wynn, The Mirage, and Ceasars Palace. The Formula 1 and the race organizers are working closely with the hotels and casinos to promote the race and especially Las Vegas itself.
Key Facts about the Las Vegas Grand Prix:
- Opening: 2023
- First F1 race: 1981
- Location: Las Vegas
- Length: 6.120 km
- Number of turns: 14
- Most victories: Alan Jones, Michele Alboreto & Max Verstappen (1)
- Lap record: Michele Alboreto (1.19,639 in 1982)
Recent Winners of the Las Vegas Grand Prix:
- 2023: Max Verstappen
- 1982: Michele Alboreto
- 1981: Alan Jones
The Red Bull Racing and Mercedes teams already put on a spectacular demo on The Strip in November 2022. The Las Vegas Grand Prix was previously on the calendar twice, in 1981 and 1982, under the name Ceasars Palace Grand Prix. Those races, held in the parking lot of the world-famous resort, were won by Alan Jones and Michele Alboreto respectively.
Las Vegas Also Has a Permanent Circuit Mainly Used for NASCAR Races
Las Vegas also has an official permanent circuit: Las Vegas Motor Speedway. It is an Oval, mainly used for NASCAR races. The Las Vegas Grand Prix is a night race. The race will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at 10:00 PM local time and Sunday, November 19, at 07:00 AM Dutch time. It is Thanksgiving weekend in the United States.
A Grand Spectacle
The first street race in Las Vegas brought quite a show. Within ten minutes of the first free practice, a manhole cover came loose after Carlos Sainz drove over it. This led to the cancellation of the practice, and fans had to wait until late at night for the postponed second free practice. The failed Friday, however, was not a harbinger for the rest of the weekend. The Las Vegas race brought many surprising overtaking maneuvers. In the end, Verstappen took the win. Charles Leclerc, just in time, crossed the finish line second. He surprised Sergio Pérez in the last lap, securing a spot between both Red Bulls.
Schedule for the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix
Friday, November 22
03.30 – 04.30: 1st free practice
07.00 – 08.00: 2nd free practice
Saturday, November 23
03.30 –04.30: 3rd free practice
07.00 – 08.00: qualification
Sunday, November 24
07.00 – 09.00: race
