Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world, has added another gem to its illustrious crown: the return of Formula 1 to the neon-lit streets of the Strip. The Las Vegas Grand Prix is more than just a race; it’s an adrenaline-fueled extravaganza that seamlessly blends the thrill of motorsport with the city's iconic glitz and glamour. Here's why this event is a game-changer for F1 and a must-see for fans.
Las Vegas Strip Circuit
The Las Vegas Strip Circuit is one of the most exciting and unique tracks on the Formula 1 calendar. Located in the heart of the famous Las Vegas Strip, this race combines the allure of the city with the high-speed drama of F1 racing. Spanning 6.12 kilometers (3.8 miles), the circuit features 17 corners, including tight turns and long straights, offering plenty of opportunities for overtaking.
The track winds its way past iconic landmarks like the Bellagio Fountains and the Luxor Pyramid, with the glittering lights of Las Vegas serving as a stunning backdrop. The first-ever Las Vegas Grand Prix on this new circuit was held in 2023, making it a significant milestone in the city's motorsport history.
The race itself is set to take place at night, adding to the city's electric atmosphere. With speeds exceeding 340 km/h (211 mph), the Las Vegas Grand Prix is poised to become one of the most thrilling events in Formula 1.
Why is the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Saturday?
Las Vegas operates in the Pacific Time Zone, which is significantly behind European time. If the race were held on a traditional Sunday evening local time, it would air in Europe during the early hours of Monday morning. For many Europeans, this would mean missing the race due to work or other obligations. By moving the event to Saturday, Formula 1 ensures that the race can be broadcast at a time more accessible to a global audience, without the challenge of competing with Monday morning routines in Europe. By aligning the schedule to optimize viewer convenience, the Las Vegas Grand Prix aims to capture the attention it deserves as a spectacular addition to the racing calendar.
Thursday
Free Practice 1: 18:30
Free Practice 2: 22:00
Friday
Free Practice 3: 18:30
Qualifying: 22:00
Saturday
Grand Prix: 22:0
What time does the Las Vegas Grand Prix start in my time zone?
Check here what time the Grand Prix and qualifying start in your time zone:
- Las Vegas (PST - Pacific Standard Time): 10:00 PM Saturday
- London (GMT - Greenwich Mean Time): 6:00 AM Sunday
- Paris (CET - Central European Time): 7:00 AM Sunday
- Berlin (CET - Central European Time): 7:00 AM Sunday
- Moscow (MSK - Moscow Standard Time): 9:00 AM Sunday
- Dubai (GST - Gulf Standard Time): 10:00 AM Sunday
- Melbourne (AEDT - Australian Eastern Daylight Time): 5:00 PM Sunday
- Tokyo (JST - Japan Standard Time): 3:00 PM Sunday
- Singapore (SGT - Singapore Time): 2:00 PM Sunday
- New York (EST - Eastern Standard Time): 1:00 AM Sunday
Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023: A Historic Debut
The Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023 was a weekend filled with drama, challenges, and breathtaking moments. Held on the new Las Vegas Strip Circuit, the event marked the return of Formula 1 to the city after more than 40 years, and fans were eager for a thrilling race.
A Rocky Start for Las Vegas
The weekend didn’t begin smoothly. During the early practice sessions, the track proved to be a major challenge for drivers. The surface was unexpectedly slippery, leading to several incidents and concerns about the grip levels. Teams struggled to find the right setup, and there was criticism about the condition of the track. This rocky start caused some uncertainty about how the race would unfold, but things improved as the weekend went on.
Carlos Sainz’s Incident
One of the most talked-about moments of the weekend was an incident involving Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz during the first free practice. While pushing hard on the track, Sainz hit a drain cover that was not properly secured, damaging his car’s floor. This caused significant damage, and Sainz was forced to retire from the session early. The incident raised concerns about the safety and quality of the track, but the issue was addressed in time for the rest of the weekend.
Pole Position and Qualifying
Charles Leclerc took pole position, with fellow Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz qualifying second, although Sainz started twelfth due to a grid penalty.
Race Day: Verstappen's Commanding Victory
Race day on November 18, 2023, brought a sense of anticipation as the lights went out for the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Leclerc starts from pole with Verstappen behind him. But after the first corner, Verstappen manages to take the lead.
While there was some excitement in the opening laps, including a few incidents and a safety car, Verstappen’s pace was unmatchable. He controlled the race from start to finish, showcasing his mastery of the track and his team’s perfect strategy. In the end, Max Verstappen took the win with relative ease, securing his 16th victory of the 2023 season.
Max Verstappen 2024 Champion in Las Vegas?
This weekend, Max Verstappen has the chance to secure his fourth Formula 1 World Championship, and it could happen under the dazzling lights of Las Vegas. Heading into the race, Verstappen holds a 62-point lead over his closest rival, Lando Norris.
With only three races remaining, Max Verstappen holds a commanding 62-point lead over his closest competitor, Lando Norris. This sizeable advantage gives Verstappen a golden opportunity to seal the championship during the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
As the season heads to its thrilling conclusion, there are still 86 points available for the taking, leaving Norris with a narrow path to keep his title hopes alive. To stay in contention, the British driver must significantly reduce Verstappen’s lead in Las Vegas. Should Verstappen extend his advantage to 60 points or more, the championship fight will officially end, as it would become mathematically impossible for Norris to catch up.
Breaking it down further: after Las Vegas, only 60 points will be left to compete for:
- 34 points during the Qatar sprint weekend (25 for the race, 8 from the sprint, and 1 for the fastest lap).
- 26 points at the season finale in Abu Dhabi (25 for the race win and 1 for the fastest lap).
For Norris to maintain a fighting chance, he must gain at least 3 points on Verstappen in Las Vegas. If he falls 60 points or more behind, Verstappen will be crowned champion early. Even in the unlikely scenario of a tie on points at the end of the season, Verstappen’s superior number of race victories would guarantee him the championship.
What is the Future of the Las Vegas Grand Prix?
In 2023, the Las Vegas Grand Prix was held for the first time on the new Strip Circuit. Did everything go smoothly? Not exactly. During the first practice session, Carlos Sainz's car was severely damaged after hitting a loose manhole cover. This incident caused a bit of a setback, and the initial hype surrounding the Grand Prix was dampened. People began to worry about how the weekend would progress. Additionally, the ticket prices in this American city are far from affordable. The tickets are extremely expensive, and even with pricey passes, not everyone had a great view of the action.
Is the Las Vegas Grand Prix just a short-lived hype, or can it prove itself? So far, they have a contract through 2025, which means they still have this weekend and next year to secure their place on the F1 calendar.
Las Vegas GP Ticket Prices and What You Can Expect
The Las Vegas Grand Prix, one of the most anticipated events in the Formula 1 calendar, offers fans a chance to experience the thrill of motorsport against the glittering backdrop of the Las Vegas Strip. However, this unforgettable experience comes with a hefty price tag, reflecting both the exclusivity of the event and its unique location.
For general admission, ticket prices for the weekend (Thursday to Saturday) started at approximately $927 for a three-day pass (source: GPFans). For those who prefer to attend a single day, prices varied from $118 for Thursday’s practice sessions to around $729 for the main event on Saturday (source: GPFans).
For those seeking the ultimate luxury experience, the costs can escalate dramatically. The Bellagio Fountain Club, which provides a prime view of the action, could cost up to $11,247 per person (source: Sporting News). Meanwhile, the highly exclusive Paddock Club offers access to the pit lanes, F1 team areas, and more, with ticket prices reaching upwards of $15,000 (source: GPFans).
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