The Las Vegas Strip Circuit burst onto the calendar in 2023, bringing all the glitz and glamour of show-business along with it.
Circuit Stats
| Track Length | 6.201 km |
| Number of Laps | 50 |
| Race Lap Record | 1:35.490 (Oscar Piastri – 2023) |
| Qualifying Lap Record | 1:32.726 (Charles Leclerc – 2023) |
| First Grand Prix | 2023 |
| First Race Winner | Max Verstappen |
| 2023 Race Winner | Max Verstappen |
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Circuit History
In 1981 and 1982, Las Vegas hosted the Caesars Palace Grand Prix. Its parking-lot location and repetitive nature made it extremely unpopular with the drivers. It was so unpopular that it was described as “one of the worst circuits Formula 1 has ever visited”.
It disappeared from the Formula 1 calendar, seemingly never to return. However, in 2023, Las Vegas burst back onto the scene with a brand new, all-singing, all-dancing street circuit.
The new 6.201 km (3.8 mile) circuit was designed by Carsten Tilke, son of legendary circuit designer Hermann Tilke. Weaving its way through the city, it showcases some of the most iconic landmarks the city has to offer. This includes Caesars Palace, Paris Las Vegas, Bellagio and the Sphere.
Building and infrastructure work began in March 2022. Somewhat ironically, given the location of the 1981 & 1982 Grand Prixs, the paddock and pits are built on a former parking lot. Formula 1 purchased the land for a cool $240million (£186 million). On 16th November, the Las Vegas Strip Circuit opened its gates to the public.
The layout incorporates the famous Las Vegas Strip. The race itself is held at night under the full illuminations that have become synonymous with the city. It features 17 high-speed turns and two DRS zones. The circuit runs counter-clockwise and sees cars reaching speeds of approximately 346 km/h (215 mph).
The return of Las Vegas divided fans. Some welcomed the return of Formula 1 to the city. Others were unhappy at the prospect of not only another race in the USA, but also another street circuit. Regardless, Formula 1 have rolled the dice, and have permission to use the roads required for 10 years. However, the current race contract is due to expire at the end of 2025.
Alleged Interference
On 5th March 2024, allegations came to light that FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, had tried to pressure race officials into not certifying the circuit in time for its first race. Just one day prior, Sulayem had been accused of allegedly persuading stewards to overturn a penalty given to Fernando Alonso at the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. On 20th March 2024, the FIA cleared Sulayem of any wrongdoing.
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Iconic Moment
The record books will always show Max Verstappen as the winner of the first Las Vegas Grand Prix. However, it was Charles Leclerc would steal the show in the closing moments of the race.
The Monegasque had been battling it out with Sergio Perez through the latter stages of the race. On the final lap, Leclerc made a daring lunge down the inside of Perez’s Red Bull through the Turns 14, 15 and 16 complex to steal P2.
The overtake was so impressive that it won the Overtake of the Month award for November. It also earned Leclerc the 2023 Overtake of the Year award.
What’s your iconic Las Vegas Grand Prix Moment? Let us know in the comments!