Image: Liberty Media / Formula 1
After weeks of rumours, Formula 1 has finally confirmed it will be racing in Las Vegas in November 2023. The night race will start on Saturday evening at 10 p.m. on site. And yes – that makes three Grands Prix in America in 2023.
The 3.8 mile circuit will have 14 corners and long straights and will include a portion of the legendary Las Vegas Strip that can only look stunning on TV. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali noted that drivers can reach speeds of 210mph on the long straights and the race should last around 50 laps.
Image: Liberty Media / Formula 1
Perhaps the biggest news value here is the prioritization of a US timeslot. The race takes place in prime time here in America, while for viewers in the UK it gets underway at 6am on Sunday. There has been some backlash from European audiences for precisely this reason – but the fact that F1 is starting so late to give overseas audiences a chance to tune in, including Australian and Japanese audiences.
More specific details about the event have yet to be released, including the exact date in November when the race will take place. Traditionally, F1 moves to venues in the US, Mexico, Brazil and Abu Dhabi in late October and November. However, current rumors suggest the race is set to take place over Thanksgiving weekend, perhaps to attract the holiday crowds.
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Anyway it will be an interesting addition to the F1 calendar. Las Vegas as a venue for Formula 1’s excesses just makes sense, but the sudden bloating of an American race to three in as many years will be fascinating growth to watch. Is America actually ready to make the best of three events? And is Formula 1 ready to bring out the best in the American crowd?