Formula 1 is back in the United States and resonates with speed thrills for the second time in a row. It is one of the most exciting and unique races on the Formula 1 calendar. The F1 race is held on a street circuit in Las Vegas, Nevada. The track delights fans with a night race that dazzles with a glittering Las Vegas strip circuit. In this article, you will find everything you need to know about the history, stats and records of the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Las Vegas Grand Prix History
Caesars Palace (1981)
In the world of Formula 1 motor racing, Las Vegas is not a new venue that is ideal for racing. The first perception to host a race as the Las Vegas Grand Prix first emerged in the 1980s. This proposal was stated to increase the tourism of the place and also capitalize the nation as an entertainment hub. The first race in Las Vegas was held in 1981. This race was held at a temporary street circuit around the Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino. However, it was not a commercial success, and the race was discontinued after 1982.
From 1981 to 1982, only for two years, the Las Vegas Grand Prix was held, and for the third season, the idea to host an event in Las Vegas was canceled. This cancellation was made due to the irregular design and layout of the racing circuit. After a long hiatus, the Las Vegas Grand Prix returned in 2023 as a part of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. The new race circuit was made on a modern, glamorous, and high-speed street circuit through the Las Vegas Strip, with modern changes and improved safety features from the previous generation racing circuit.
Las Vegas GP, 2023
The first inaugural Las Vegas GP took place on November 18, 2023, held in Paradise, Nevada, in the United States. This event marked the first F1 race in Las Vegas after the 1982 Caesars Palace Grand Prix. Las Vegas GP became the third F1 Grand Prix event hosted in the United States after Miami and the United States GP.
Las Vegas GP Stats: Las Vegas Strip Circuit
Las Vegas Strip Circuit Stats (pic credit: F1 Chronicles )
The Las Vegas Strip Circuit is one of the fastest street circuits in the United States. The street circuit moves around the sections of the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada. It was designed by the F1 trak designer, Carsten Tilke, son of the famous F1 circuit designer Hermann Tilke. The track is located at the heart of the Las Vegas gambling strip, famous for its royal hotels and casinos.
The new track is 6.2 kilometers long, with 17 turns passing through the exotic locations of the Caesars Palace, the Bellagio, and the Venetian. With 17 turns, it guarantees different challenges. Some chicane at Turns 7, 8, and 9 are isolated for drivers to see the cars slow down to speeds as low as 100 kilometers per hour. Similarly, Turn 17 will be tackled at full throttle, reaching speeds close to 320 kilometers per hour.
Circuit Name | Las Vegas Strip Cifcuit |
Circuit Length | 6.201 KM |
Race Distance | 309.958 KM |
No. Of Laps | 50 |
Turns | 17 |
First Grand Prix | 1981 (Caesars Grand Prix) |
Last Grand Prix | 2023 |
DRS Zones | 2 |
Turn 6 and Turn 7 are two of the toughest breaking zones throughout the circuit. This time the race event would be special as the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix will be the 1,123rd World Championship racing event in Formula 1 history.
Las Vegas Grand Prix Records
Max Verstappen
Las Vegas is one of the fastest and shortest F1 street circuits on the calendar. The track has been aligned with the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip. The track is also covered with the new improved safety standards and infrastructure. Let us take a look at some honourable mentions that made at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
Most Grand Prix Wins: Max Verstappen (1) won the race's inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix event.
Most Pole Position: Charles Leclerc
Fastest Lap Record: Oscar Piastri (McLaren, 1:35.490 s)
Most Podiums: Max Verstappen (1)
Team With Most Grand Prix Win: Red Bull Racing (1)
Las Vegas Grand Prix Will Be On F1 Calendar By The End Of 2025
Yes, your famous Nevada street circuit renewed its contract to host the F1 race until the 2025 season. What are your favourite F1 moments from the Las Vegas Grand Prix? Do let us know in the comments below.
