Las Vegas (dpa) – Past the legendary casinos and the huge hotels: Formula 1 will in future be on the Las Vegas Strip.
In order to further conquer the US market, which has been starving for a long time, the premier class of motorsport is even changing processes that have been set in stone for decades: The race will be held on a Saturday evening. From next year in November the time has come. Formula 1 Managing Director Stefano Domenicali spoke of an “incredible moment for Formula 1”.
Whether and which races could be omitted is open. This year alone, until the Russian race was canceled due to the war in Ukraine, 23 Grand Prix were planned, more than ever before. A return from Germany with the Nürburgring and/or the Hockenheimring on the calendar seems even more questionable with a competitor like Las Vegas.
Third race in the USA
The racing series did not announce how long the contract with Las Vegas is valid. It will be the third race in the land of opportunity in 2023 after Austin, after Miami, which celebrates its debut on the racing calendar this May. “There is no better place for a Formula 1 race than the global entertainment capital and we can’t wait to be there next year,” said Domenicali.
The course will be 6.12 kilometers long. The cars should reach a top speed of 342 kilometers per hour. There will be three straights, 14 corners, including a fast corner combination and a chicane. Formula 1 did not initially publish any further details of the planned course.
“Perfect marriage of speed and glamour”
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“Iconic Las Vegas and Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport – a perfect marriage of speed and glamour,” said Managing Director Greg Maffei of Formula 1 owner Liberty Media. Since the American media company took over the management of the premier class in January 2017, it has continued to establish the racing series, especially on the US market. The concept includes the Netflix series “Drive to survive”, which was launched this year with its fourth season.
Formula 1 in Las Vegas is not entirely new. In 1981 and 1982 the Mojave Desert was driven before, but not over the legendary Strip. At that time, the Caesars Palace Grand Prix Circuit was used in the parking lot of the famous hotel.