The city that never sleeps is about to get a whole lot noisier as Formula 1 returns to light up the Vegas Strip!
In a thrilling revival after a 40-year hiatus, the world of Formula 1 racing is set to make a triumphant return to the dazzling streets of Las Vegas.
From November 16th to 18th, the iconic Las Vegas Strip will be temporarily transformed into an electrifying racetrack for the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix. Buckle up for an exhilarating ride through the world of Formula 1 and the excitement that awaits.
Formula 1 Unveiled
Formula 1, or F1 for short, stands as the epitome of international auto racing, offering a high-octane spectacle that spans the entire calendar year. The 2023 Formula 1 season promises an astonishing 23 races, concluding with the grand finale in Abu Dhabi on November 26th.
A Formula 1 race is not just an event; it’s a three-day extravaganza. Two days are dedicated to intense practice sessions and nail-biting qualifiers that determine the starting positions of each driver on the dynamic track.
Look at the hospitality rendering, this is why Vegas is a good idea for F1!
Each F1 race boasts a grid of ten teams, each comprising two drivers. The number of laps raced on the track varies from circuit to circuit.
Take the Las Vegas track, for instance, which stretches over 6.201 kilometres. Drivers will navigate this circuit by completing 50 laps, resulting in a heart-pounding race distance of 310.05 kilometres.
Here is a preview of what the track looks like:
Formula 1 is known for its diversity, with racetracks offering distinct challenges.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit, currently under construction, is set to weave through a section of the legendary Las Vegas Boulevard, famously recognized as the Strip, offering race cars a breathtaking journey through the city’s vibrant heart. It’s going to be an incredible spectacle!
F1 vs. NASCAR: A Clash of Racing Worlds
You might be wondering what the difference is with Nascar. It’s like night and day.
While NASCAR is deeply rooted in American soil, Formula 1 boasts an international presence, with unique rules and characteristics that set it apart.
In the world of F1, open-wheel racing takes the center stage, with cars featuring exposed wheels outside the primary body and typically accommodating just a single driver.
NASCAR, on the other hand, deploys racing vehicles designed for competition but retaining the basic structure of production models.
Moreover, the racing circuits themselves are worlds apart. NASCAR predominantly takes to oval tracks, while Formula 1 showcases circuits with irregular shapes, each reflecting the essence of its unique location.
Notably, Formula 1 has been steadily capturing the imagination of the American audience, and part of its growth can be attributed to the resounding success of the Netflix documentary series “Drive to Survive,” which first aired in 2019. For me, that’s the best sports documentary I have seen in a long time. If you have not watched it yet, you are missing out.
Snagging Tickets for the Las Vegas Grand Prix
The race enthusiasts’ paradise is Las Vegas, and while general admission tickets have flown off the shelves, you can still secure your spot in the grandstand seating or premium club seats, available for purchase on the official race website.
Ticket prices for Practice 1 and 2 kick off at $218, with race day tickets starting at $1,300.
For those planning to visit Las Vegas in the vibrant months of October and November 2023, be prepared for potential road closures as highlighted on the race’s official website. I was there last week and it took me a lot of stamina not to just get off my taxi and walk.
If attending the event in person isn’t in the cards, fret not; you can catch all the adrenaline-pumping action on your television screens.
ESPN holds the exclusive broadcasting rights for Formula 1 and will provide coverage for every session of this season’s races, including the scintillating Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The Unmissable Schedule
The grand spectacle commences with the opening ceremony on Wednesday, November 15th, at 7:30 p.m. Pacific time, as per the official F1 calendar.
Thursday, November 16th, sees the action revving up with Practice 1 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., followed by Practice 2, taking place from midnight to 1 a.m.
On Friday, November 17th, it’s Practice 3’s turn to roar to life, spanning from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Friday night comes alive with the heart-pounding qualifying sessions, running from midnight to 1 a.m.
And the moment fans have been waiting for, the Las Vegas Grand Prix, will roar to life at 10 p.m. on Saturday, November 18th.
