Has there ever been a Formula 1 Grand Prix race in Las Vegas before?

We started in Bahrain in March and now arrive at the penultimate race of the Formula 1 season in Las Vegas. ‘Sin City,’ will be the third Grand Prix of 2023 to be staged in the United States - after Miami in May and Austin in October - but many are asking if the roar of these F1 engines have ever been heard before here. The answer is, yes, and more than once.

Las Vegas Grand Prix part three

The Las Vegas Grand Prix takes place November 16-18, where drivers will navigate this thrilling street circuit against the backdrop of one of the world’s most famous cities. But although this time is set to be rather different, it is not the first time we’ve been here. Yes, Formula One’s return to Las Vegas in 2023 marks a significant moment, but a look back in the sport’s history reveals that an initial venture took place in 1981 and 1982, offering a glimpse into the challenges that can arise when F1 and Las Vegas join forces.

In 1981, F1 arrived in the Nevada desert with high expectations. The season finale was positioned as a star-studded spectacle, capitalizing on Las Vegas’s glitzy appeal. However, excitement waned when the race details emerged. Unlike traditional tracks, the Caesars Palace Grand Prix took place on a makeshift course in a parking lot adjacent to the famous casino. This compromise led to a 14-turn, 2.2-mile circuit with no elevation changes, resulting in a physically demanding and aesthetically uninspiring race.

Drivers faced scorching temperatures and challenging conditions, with the circuit lacking the iconic backdrop expected of a Las Vegas event. Despite efforts to attract high rollers, support within the city was muted, and after just two years, F1 bid farewell to Las Vegas. Read more about it from Jordan Bianchi.

Now, over four decades later, F1 returns to the city with the new Las Vegas Grand Prix. The revamped event has garnered strong support from the state and local government, featuring a night race on a neon-lit circuit with an anticipated crowd of up to 100,000 attendees each day. A stark contrast to the challenges faced by the Caesars Palace Grand Prix, the new Las Vegas Grand Prix aims to establish a more enduring legacy in the world of Formula One. We will see.

What is the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit?

In the heart of downtown Las Vegas in 2023, drivers will tackle a 6.12km/3.8-mile, 17-turn street circuit. Winding past iconic landmarks like Caesars Palace, the Bellagio, and the Venetian, this unique course features three straights and two DRS zones, promising a challenging experience.

In terms of speed, the track is poised to rival Formula 1′s legendary ‘Temple of Speed,’ Autodromo Nazionale Monza in Italy, with an anticipated top speed of 212mph/342kmh. This high-speed nature will require a strategic approach from drivers and teams. To maximise performance and capitalise on the renowned Las Vegas Strip, teams are likely to opt for a low-downforce setup.

How do I get tickets for 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix?

According to Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak, Las Vegas expects “170,000 visitors on race weekend to account for 400,000 nights of hotel rooms and an estimated economic impact of half a billion dollars.” With that in mind, you can probably guess that ticket demand is at an all-time high.

The starting price for General Admission tickets is $500, which includes “all-inclusive food and non-alcoholic beverages.” In case you’re wondering, the General Admission area is located within the MSG Sphere section of the circuit, which offers a view of turns 5-9. Additionally, reports have indicated that depending on ticket demand, there may be official “Fan Zones” located elsewhere in the city, where fans who do not have tickets to the race can gather to watch the action unfold on a large-screen television. Here’s a breakdown of what the total range prices look like:

East Harmon Zone (VIP)

The Skybox Shared Hospitality in the East Harmon Zone includes the start/finish straight and Turns 1-4 at the Las Vegas Street Circuit.

MSG Sphere Zone