Nearly two weeks after reports surfaced that Formula 1 would, indeed, be adding a Las Vegas race, the event is official as Formula 1 announced the Las Vegas Grand Prix Wednesday evening. The event will come to Sin City in November of 2023.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix, previously held in 1981 and 1982, will race for 50 laps around a 3.8 mile track at speeds up to 212 miles per hour. The new route is expected to speed by the famous Las Vegas strip.
“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. Las Vegas is a destination known around the world for its excitement, hospitality, thrills, and of course, the famous Strip," F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said during the official press conference that included the governor of Nevada and key stakeholders.
This is the third race that will be held in the United States as interest in the sport continues to grow, due in large part to the Netflix series "Drive to Survive." Earlier this year, Formula 1 renewed its contract with the Circuit of the Americas to race in Austin for the United States Grand Prix through 2026. The sport also will hold the first-ever Miami Grand Prix in May.
Formula 1 also increased its ties to the United States as Williams Racing welcomed Logan Sargeant to its academy last year. There are also reports that another American team will join the grid sooner or later as the Andretti Family continues to express interest in fielding a team.
Rumors had circulated that Las Vegas would serve as a replacement race when F1 canceled the Russian Grand Prix due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Haas terminated its contract with lead sponsor Uralkali and let go of driver Nikita Mazepin due to their ties to Russia. Mazepin was replaced by Kevin Magnussen.
The 2022 F1 season, marking a new era for the sport, has featured Ferrari at the top with the Scuderia getting a double podium in the first two races. Charles LeClerc won the Bahrain Grand Prix while defending champion Red Bull driver Max Verstappen got his first win of the year at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The season resumes the weekend of April 8-10 for the Australian Grand Prix, which was canceled the past two seasons due to the coronavirus pandemic and is making its return.
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