Formula One have confirmed that a Las Vegas Grand Prix will take place, starting from 2023.
A race in the city has been rumoured for some time, but this announcement reveals the extent to which Liberty Media and the FIA are pushing an audience within the United States of America.
This news means there will be three Grands Prix taking place in the USA from 2023 onwards, with Las Vegas joining Austin and Miami in hosting a race.
The greatest show on Earth is coming to town in 2023! ✨#F1 #LasVegasGP @Vegas pic.twitter.com/XypYDddzJB
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 31, 2022
The race in Austin, which is known as the United States Grand Prix, has been an ever-present on the F1 calendar since 2012, while it has been joined by a new track around the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami this year. The Las Vegas Grand Prix marks the second consecutive year in which an American race has been added to the schedule.
Multiple circuits have been used as the American Grand Prix track over the years, with Watkins Glen, Phoenix and Indianapolis among the circuits to hold a race.
However, the addition of Las Vegas to the calendar signals F1’s focus on an American audience, which follows the success of Netflix’s Drive to Survive series in bringing fans from the country into the sport.
The 50-lap race on the 3.8 mile circuit will include racing that will take place down the famous Las Vegas strip at night-time. Incidentally, the race will take place on Saturday night local time, but due to the time-difference it will be broadcast in the morning for a European audience.
F1 have revealed information about the track, saying it will “sweep past some of the world’s most legendary landmarks, hotels and casinos.” The track will have “three main straights and 14 corners, including a high-speed cornering sequence and a single chicane section.”
It is also expected that top speeds will hit around 212mph (342km/h).
Formula 1’s president Stefano Domenicali is excited about the prospect of a third Grand Prix in the USA. He said: “This is an incredible moment for F1 that demonstrates the huge appeal and growth of our sport with a third race in the US,” while Liberty Media President and CEO Greg Maffei echoed these thoughts.
In an official statement Maffei added: “Iconic Las Vegas and Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport, is the perfect marriage of speed and glamour. Our confidence in this unique opportunity is evident in our decision to assume the promoter role for the Las Vegas Grand Prix in partnership with Live Nation.”
He continued: “We could not be more excited to work with our local partners to create a marquee event. The potential of Formula 1 has been well demonstrated over the last several seasons and the Las Vegas GP will only take it to the next level.”
The Las Vegas Prix will take place in November next year.
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