Las Vegas GP to join F1 calendar as third US race in 2023
After months of speculation and negotiations, F1 finally confirmed Las Vegas' eagerly-anticipated arrival on the calendar, which will see it become the third race to be held in the United Sates.
While no exact date has been laid out, F1 has confirmed that the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix will take place at night on a Saturday in November 2023. It has been reported that the event will be held on November 25th to coincide with Thanksgiving weekend.
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The 6.12km track will incorporate the famous Las Vegas Strip with F1 cars set to race past landmark casinos like the Bellagio and Caesar’s Palace.
The circuit will comprise of 14 corners featuring a single chicane section, with the grand prix distance totalling 50 laps. F1 estimates that top speeds will be in excess of 212mph (342km/h).
A grand prix on the streets of Las Vegas has been a long-held ambition of F1 and aligns with the sports owners Liberty Media's target of boosting the world championship’s presence in the US.
Vegas will join the United States Grand Prix at COTA in Austin, Texas, and the Miami Grand Prix in Florida, as one of three American races on the 2023 F1 calendar.
“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.
“I want to thank everyone who helped deliver this event, especially Governor Sisolak, the Clark County Commission, Steve Hill at the LVCVA, and our local partners.”
Las Vegas GP will ‘take F1 to the next level’
F1’s profile in the US has already enjoyed huge growth, partly thanks to the success of its popular documentary series Drive to Survive on Netflix.
Last year’s United States Grand Prix saw a sellout crowd of 380,000 fans attend across the weekend as F1 welcomed back spectators in large attendances after the COVID-19 pandemic had forced much of the 2020 season to be staged behind closed doors.
“Iconic Las Vegas and Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport, is the perfect marriage of speed and glamour,” said Libery Media president and CEO Greg Maffei.
“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. 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.”
Steve Hill, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, added: “We eagerly anticipate the moment when the history, energy and momentum of Formula 1 will culminate in an unforgettable Saturday night on the Las Vegas Strip.
"Spectators will experience the unrivalled thrill of watching these world-class drivers race through what is sure to become one of the most iconic racetracks in the world.
"Formula 1 and Liberty Media have been incredible partners, and we look forward to November 2023 when we once again showcase that Las Vegas is ‘The Greatest Arena on Earth.’”
F1 previously staged two world championship races in Las Vegas with the Caesars Palace Grand Prix being held in 1981 and 1982.
