Las Vegas, the city of sins, plays host to the most high-octane and lucrative sport in the world, Formula 1, this weekend. Twenty superhuman drivers will be jostling for the coverted 1st place trophy in state-of-the-art, million-dollar machinery around the iconic Strip this Sunday.
This weekend marks a highly anticipated second edition of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The shimmering neon lights of the Strip provide an unforgettable backdrop to one of the most spectacular and high-stakes races in the world. However, the road to Las Vegas becoming a permanent fixture on the F1 calendar is filled with a fascinating history that spans decades, marked by both triumphs and challenges.
A Shaky Start: The Caesars Palace Grand Prix
Formula 1 first attempted to bring its thrilling action to the US in the early 1980s with the Caesars Palace Grand Prix in Las Vegas. Held in 1981 and 1982, these early races were far from the glitzy spectacle we see today. The event was met with skepticism from the drivers, who were dismayed at the organizers’ decision to shy away from established race tracks in the country like Watkins Glen or the IndyCar street circuit in Long Beach. The track was instead created in the parking lot of the Caesars Palace casino located at the Strip.
The track itself was a 14-turn, 2.2-mile layout, winding through a small plot of land situated between the Strip and Interstate 15. It was a difficult, lacklustre and twisty circuit that left little room for rest, testing the limits of drivers in intense heat. In fact, the 1982 race saw temperatures soar to nearly 99°F (37°C), causing significant mechanical failures. The desert heat took a toll on the cars, and the event itself suffered from a lackluster atmosphere — the race was held during the day, far removed from the iconic nighttime neon glow that Las Vegas is famous for.
In 1981, Michele Alboreto claimed victory for Tyrrell-Ford, marking the team’s first win since 1978. However, the overall impression left by the Caesars Palace Grand Prix was one of missed potential. After two years, Formula 1’s brief fling with Las Vegas ended, and it would take 41 years for F1 to return to the city.
A Grand Return: The Las Vegas Strip Circuit
Fast forward to 2023, and Formula 1’s re-entry into Las Vegas was a much different affair. The Las Vegas Strip Circuit, a temporary 6.2-kilometer, 17-turn layout, was unveiled as part of a five-year planning process. It takes drivers on a high-speed journey past some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Bellagio fountains and the Eiffel Tower replica.
Unlike the lacklustre, sun-drenched afternoons of the 1980s races, the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix brought the city’s electric nighttime energy into the fold. The race was held on a Saturday night, making use of the dazzling neon lights that Las Vegas is famous for, and the event quickly established itself as one of the most exciting in the Formula 1 calendar. In fact, the first race saw a record 99 overtakes, the most in a dry Grand Prix since 2016.
Despite early concerns — including questions about how the tires would handle the chilly desert night and the disruption caused to the local community by construction — the inaugural race was a success. There were hiccups along the way, including a dramatic incident where a loose water valve cover hit Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari, damaging it and two others. This led to the cancellation of the first practice session after just eight minutes, but the spectacle of the race itself was undeniable.
Max Verstappen won and cemented his dominance in the 2023 season, while a star-studded opening ceremony added to the glamour and excitement surrounding the event. This was a far cry from the days of the Caesars Palace Grand Prix, which failed to capture the same level of fanfare or excitement.
The Formula 1 Experience in Las Vegas
Las Vegas Grand Prix has become a must-attend event for both racing enthusiasts and those looking to experience the spectacle of F1 in one of the world’s most iconic cities. The combination of high-speed racing, off-track entertainment, and the unrivaled atmosphere of Las Vegas makes it a truly unique event on the calendar.
In 2024, the race promises to be even more thrilling thanks to close Championship battle between the reigning champion Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Mclaren’s Lando Norris. Formula 1 also continues to embrace the city’s vibrant culture. The Strip Circuit, while technically challenging, offers stunning visuals with the Las Vegas skyline and iconic landmarks creating a truly mesmerizing backdrop for the race.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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