Formula 1 will host three races in the US from next year after announcing plans for a grand prix on the iconic Las Vegas Strip.
F1 and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) said the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix will take place at night on a Saturday in November 2023. The track will sweep past some of the Strip’s most famous landmarks, hotels and casinos.
F1 said the addition of a third race in the US highlights the “huge enthusiasm and excitement” for the series in the country. F1 and parent company Liberty Media will work together to promote the race in partnership with Live Nation Entertainment and the LVCVA as part of a reported three-year deal.
Founding partners for the event will include Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts International and Wynn Las Vegas. MSG Sphere, a planned new arena in Las Vegas that is scheduled to open next year, will serve as a presenting partner alongside Resorts World Las Vegas and The Venetian Resort.
The track design for the Las Vegas Grand Prix is 3.8 miles long from start to finish, with top speeds estimated to be over 212mph. The race is set to be 50 laps long with three main straights and 14 corners.
Greg Maffei, president and chief executive of Liberty Media, said: “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.
“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 chief executive of the LVCVA, 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.’”
Las Vegas previously hosted an F1 race in 1981 and 1982. Next year’s race will mark the first time since 1985 that F1 has staged a grand prix on a Saturday.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix will join races in Austin and Miami on the F1 calendar from next season. Austin’s Circuit of the Americas has hosted a grand prix since 2012, while Miami will make its F1 debut in May with a track that will incorporate Hard Rock Stadium, home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.
The announcement of the Las Vegas Grand Prix comes after Oak View Group, the global venue development, advisory and investment company, yesterday (Wednesday) announced plans for a $3bn (£2.28bn/€2.69bn) retail and entertainment district in the city that will be anchored by a $1bn arena.
The district, located south of the Las Vegas Strip, will include a 20,000-seat arena, casino, hotel, and additional entertainment amphitheatre. OVG intends to break ground on the privately financed project next year, with a view to completion in 2026.
Image: Formula 1
