Formula 1 Adds Third U.S. Race; Announces Saturday Night Race In Las Vegas For 2023

Formula 1 racing is coming to the Strip in Las Vegas.

The announcement that was made Wednesday night at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Sin City by Formula 1, and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) will see the global racing series host its first race in 2023. To add to the visuals the race will take place on a Saturday night in November.

The press conference featured Liberty Media President and CEO, Greg Maffei and Formula 1 President and CEO, Stefano Domenicali along with local stakeholders including Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak, CEO and President of the LVCVA, Steve Hill, and President and CEO of Live Nation Entertainment, Michael Rapino.

The race sees a number of key Las Vegas partners along with F1 and their ownership, Liberty Media, including promoter Live Nation Entertainment, Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, and Wynn Las Vegas, and presenting partners MSG Sphere, Resorts World Las Vegas, and The Venetian Resort.

“This is an incredible moment for Formula 1 that demonstrates the huge appeal and growth of our sport with a third race in the US”, said Domenicali. “Las Vegas is a destination known around the world for its excitement, hospitality, thrills, and of course, the famous Strip. There is no better place for Formula 1 to race than in the global entertainment capital of the world and we cannot wait to be here next year. I want to thank everyone who helped deliver this event, especially Governor Sisolak, the Clark County Commission, Steve Hill at the LVCVA, and our local partners.”

The track layout will be an eye-popping display of neon, fountains, and landmark casinos. The 3.8 miles (6.12km) long circuit from start to finish will see top speeds estimated to be over 212 mph (342 km/h) meaning it will run nearly the entire sweeping length of the Strip passing the fountains at the Bellagio and Eiffel Tower of Paris, Paris. Formula 1 informs that it will be a 50-lap race with three main straights and 14 corners, including a high-speed cornering sequence and a single chicane section that appears to be just past the Cosmopolitan hotel.

Other landmarks that the track will highlight are turn 6 (MSG Sphere), and turns 8 and 9 (Venetian, Wynn, and Treasure Island).

Not yet revealed is where the pits will be located, but given it is normally near the start/finish line the expectation is it will be in the sweep on the Strip. In addition, a new section of the track will need to be built off East Harmon Ave and Koval Lane that sees turns 1, 2, 3, and 4 where it’s currently empty.

Renderings provided by Formula 1 show several grandstands that will be positioned throughout the circuit including ones next to the Wynn, Ceasar’s Palace, and Bellagio, with suites near the Mirage.

The addition of Las Vegas to the schedule shows the rapid interest in F1 in the U.S. through Netflix’s Drive To Survive docuseries and ESPN’s carriage of the schedule. Miami was added to the 2022 schedule on top of the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). Now, Formula 1 will see Las Vegas.

Clearly, Las Vegas hotels and casinos that will sit trackside will see a huge lift as fans jostle for rooms that face the circuit.

“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,” said Steve Hill President and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. “Spectators will experience the unrivaled 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.’”

Source: Forbes