IMAGE SOURCE: depositphotos.com
Formula One is the most popular motorsport in the world. It attracts millions of fans from every corner of the planet all of whom tune in or travel to watch their favorite drivers race in high-performance vehicles.
Last year, news broke that left motorsports fans incredibly excited: F1 would be heading to Las Vegas. Why exactly are fans so excited about this? After all, F1 visits cities across the globe. What makes Vegas so special? Read on to find out.
The History of F1 in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is without a doubt one of the world’s most famous cities. It attracts millions of visitors every year, who flock to the desert city to enjoy the fantastic attractions and entertainment.
Las Vegas has a long and storied history with sports, particularly things like boxing. However, it might come as a surprise to learn that F1 hasn’t been to Vegas in four decades. The last F1 event in Las Vegas was the Caesars Palace Grand Prix, which was held all the way back in 1982.
This 75-lap race covered 2.268 miles of the city and saw the top three podium spots claimed by Michele Alboreto, John Watson and Eddie Cheever. It has gone down in Vegas folklore and helped bolster what was an already booming economy.
This is why there has been so much excitement about F1’s return to Vegas. It’s a legendary city – a place to which nowhere else on earth, not even the most renowned gambling spots, can compare. The flash and pizazz of Vegas combined with, well, the flash and pizazz of F1 is just a promise too good to turn down.
When Will F1 Return to Vegas?
By and large, most people visit Vegas to gamble. While online gambling is booming, with more and more people searching for a guide for top US casino platforms, there is still something to be said for visiting that in person.
However, tourists who are heading to Vegas this November won’t just be limited to gambling; those who want to can also check out the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which is scheduled to be held on Saturday the 19th.
November might seem like a bit of a cold month to hold such an outdoor event, but this is what makes Vegas the perfect location. Even in November, temperatures rarely drop below 20 degrees Celsius during the day, ideal for spectators to relax and enjoy the race.
What’s in Store for Fans?
The beauty of F1 is that every race is different. This is what makes the sport so exciting and what keeps fans engaged throughout the season.
The circuit for the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix has been designed to encompass all of the city's most iconic sights. The counter-clockwise track covers 3.8 miles, with a 1.18-mile straight section and 17 corners.
Racers will go past the Las Vegas Sphere, a new venue that features thousands of interior and exterior screens, allowing it to project visuals across the city skyline. From there, the track will race down the famous Las Vegas Strip, passing some of the city's most famous hotels.
F1 fans will get to spot some of the sport’s most famous stars, including Max Verstappen, Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris. These drivers are among the world’s most celebrated sportsmen and bring droves of adoring fans wherever they go.
As well as the race itself, fans will also be able to enjoy a special opening event. Held at Caesars Palace, this event will host performances from global stars including Swedish House Mafia and Steve Aoki.
What Does the Future Hold for F1?
F1 has never been so popular. As the sport reaches a wider global audience, it is bringing in new fans and followers who tune in regularly to watch the action.
F1’s return to Las Vegas may seem like the sport is looking to the past, but it is in fact a clear indication that the sport is also looking to further establish its global brand. Las Vegas is transforming itself, with the Las Vegas Sphere we mentioned above one example of how the city is changing to attract new tourists. F1 is certainly aware of this and has planned a return just as the city is unveiling a new look to wow visitors.
The sport itself is changing too. The climate crisis is forcing F1 to change its approach to car design, with a focus on renewable fuels and sustainable materials to lessen the impact on the environment.
Conclusion
The long-awaited return of F1 to the streets of Las Vegas has made headline news around the world, and rightly so. The event promises to be one of the biggest in the F1 calendar and will give the city of Las Vegas itself an enormous boost. It’s little wonder fans are so excited about this incredible upcoming event, and it could spell the beginning of a new relationship between F1 and Las Vegas that may see many more events in the future.