F1 has been in discussions with promoters about a potential Las Vegas Grand Prix for some time, but confirmed on Tuesday night that the race will be added to the calendar starting next year. The United States will host three grand prix beginning next year, with Las Vegas joining the Miami Grand Prix and the United States Grand Prix in Austin on the calendar.
The 3.8-mile street circuit will have 14 corners and a long straight, allowing drivers to reach speeds of over 210 mph during the 50-lap race. F1 will hold a grand prix on a Saturday for the first time since 1985, breaking with its traditional weekend format to secure a primetime slot for the US audience.
“This is an incredible moment for Formula 1 that demonstrates the huge appeal and growth of our sport with a third race in the US,” said F1 CEO and president Stefano Domenicali. “Las Vegas is a destination known around the world for its excitement, hospitality, thrills, and of course, the famous Strip. There is no better place for Formula 1 to race than in the global entertainment capital of the world and we cannot wait to be here next year.”
F1 makes a big return to Las Vegas, Nevada
F1 previously raced in Las Vegas in 1981 and 1982, building a temporary circuit around the parking lot of the Caesars Palace casino, a venue that was widely panned and poorly attended by fans. According to F1, it will collaborate with many of the casinos and resorts in the Las Vegas area, as well as the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, to promote the race.
In addition to adding Las Vegas to the calendar for next year, F1 has already confirmed its return to Qatar and has secured a contract for the Chinese Grand Prix, which has not been held since 2019.
Although F1 boss Domenicali recently stated that there is enough interest for up to 30 races per year, the Concorde Agreement limits the number of events to 24 per season.
It means that some of the existing races on the calendar are at risk of being dropped, and may only return on a rotating basis in the future as F1 attempts to balance the number of markets in which it races.
Marca
