Las Vegas GP - Las Vegas Street Circuit - A grand combination of motorsport and entertainment

The circuit in Las Vegas gives everyone a spectacular return to the entertainment capital of the world. The 6.1 km-long circuit weaves through the iconic Las Vegas strip, bringing the high-speed racing past the famous landscapes like Bellagio Fountains, Caesars Palace, and the Sphere. Unlike the daytime races, the Las Vegas Grand Prix stands out for its night race with cars driving under the neon lights defining the city’s skyline. 

The Strip: Racing Through Las Vegas's Glittering Heart 

How is the Las Vegas Street Circuit entertaining and extraordinary? 

The track consists of 18 corners and includes a 2 km straight along Las Vegas Boulevard, with each car reaching speeds technically above 340 kmph. The challenge between Turns 5-9 demands precise and perfect technical driving from the racers, as it allows competitors to navigate the twisting section past the Sphere entertainment venue. 

The most distinctive feature is the high-speed race past the illuminated casino resorts with their choreographed light shows continuing throughout the Grand Prix weekend. The circuit’s surface presents unique challenges for the racers. The cold desert night temperatures significantly affect the performance of tires and grips. It also creates strategic complications for teams as they balance tire warm-up against degradation under the unusual conditions. 

The combination of long straights and tight corners generates multiple overtaking zones, particularly into the heavy braking area at Turn 14.

Las Vegas Grand Prix: Merging Entertainment and Motorsport 

Despite being new to the modern era of Formula 1, the Las Vegas Street Circuit has embraced the sport with extravagance. The event was deliberately scheduled as qualifying and racing sessions past midnight to maximize global viewing audiences and to create a primetime spectacle for American viewers. Their inaugural race in 2023 faced criticism over ticket prices and track concerns but changed the narrative and quickly became one of the most anticipated events on the racing calendar. 

The race presentation blends motorsport tradition with Las Vegas’ entertainment expertise with an elaborate opening ceremony and unprecedented integration with the city’s hospitality ecosystem. The pit and paddock complex, which is built-to-purpose, underlines the investment in infrastructure commitment. With its unique night-race format, spectacular setting, and the challenges of desert racing conditions, the Las Vegas Street Circuit delivers an F1 experience unlike any other on the championship calendar.