Four decades later, Formula 1 returns to Las Vegas for a new grand prix in the 2023 season. This was announced by the highest category of motorsport through a statement issued at dawn in Europe, confirming that the United States will have three appointments in the schedule of the Great Circus starting next year.
It is no secret that the sport is expanding throughout the planet and, as the CEO of Formula 1 himself, Stefano Domenicali , stated a few weeks ago, they could have 30 races in a single course, exceeding by 5 the limit that imposed in the so-called Agreement of Concord which, in theory, is in force until the end of 2025.
However, the Italian himself clarified that it was not about adding more appointments to the calendar, but that the global interest in the category has made dozens of organizers want to have a test of the Great Circus in their territory.
The F1 Las Vegas GP in 2023 will not run on Sunday, but on Saturday
Las Vegas will hold the race at an unusual time, as the single-seaters will see the traffic lights go out on Saturday (local time), all to benefit the audience, since in Europe it will be early morning on Sunday, while in Asia it will be Sunday morning itself.
The 6.1km street circuit will feature 14 corners and a long straight that will see drivers reach speeds of over 330km/h during the 50 laps they will complete in the race.
“This is an incredible moment for F1, demonstrating the enormous appeal and growth of our sport with a third race in the United States,” said CEO and President Stefano Domenicali .
“Las Vegas is a destination known the world over for its excitement, hospitality and of course the famous Strip. There is no better place for Formula 1 to race than the entertainment capital of the world, and we can’t wait to be here next year,” said the Italian.
The organizers have also pulled out all the stops to make this possible, as Steve Hill , President and CEO of the LVCVA said: “We look forward to the moment when the history, energy and momentum of Formula 1 culminates in a unforgettable Saturday night on the Las Vegas Strip.
“Spectators will experience the unrivaled thrill of watching these world-class drivers race around what is sure to become one of the most iconic circuits in the world,” he said.
“Formula 1 and Liberty Media have been incredible partners, and we’re looking forward to November 2023, when we once again prove that Las Vegas is ‘The Best Stadium in the World.'”
With the launch of Drive to Survive, the Netflix series about every season of Formula 1 since 2018, the American public experienced an exponential increase, so it is logical that the sights of the category are focused on this nation, something that also will be seen at the premiere of the Miami Grand Prix in May.
Now, with the confirmation of the Las Vegas Grand Prix , the sport will see how the North American market continues to rise, since, along with the United States GP at the Circuit of the Americas, there will be three races that fans will be able to enjoy at the country of Liberty Media , the company that owns control of Formula 1.
Formula 1 has already raced in Las Vegas in the past
The last time Formula 1 raced in Las Vegas was in 1982 , and it was the final test of the season. In that event, the pilots had to do 75 laps around Caesar Palace, and the winner was Michele Alboreto with the Tyrrel-Ford, so it was the first time that the Italian climbed to the top of a podium.
It would also be the farewell to ground effect in the highest category, something that has returned this season with the radical change in regulations, as well as the only American world champion, Mario Andretti .
