Poll: Official 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix Thread - The Strip, Las Vegas - Round 22

[chrismscotland]

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Las Vegas​

When was the track built?​

The 2023 Formula 1 season sees drivers tackle an all-new circuit in Las Vegas, encompassing the very best the City of Lights has to offer – including the famous Strip.

When was its first Grand Prix?​

Las Vegas previously staged two F1 races – under the Caesars Palace Grand Prix moniker – in 1981 and 1982. It played host to the season finale on both occasions, with Williams driver Alan Jones winning the 1981 race and Michele Alboreto taking his maiden F1 victory for Tyrrell at the 1982 encounter. Meanwhile, Nelson Piquet and Keke Rosberg clinched the title in ’81 and ’82 respectively with fifth-place finishes.

What’s the circuit like?​

Located in the heart of Las Vegas, the new 6.2km, 17-turn street circuit winds its way past iconic locations like Caesars Palace, the Bellagio and the Venetian. With average speeds expected to match Monza, otherwise known as F1’s ‘Temple of Speed’, there promises to be plenty of action and overtaking.

Why go?​

There’s already a huge buzz building around the Las Vegas Grand Prix, fuelled by a 2022 launch event that gave drivers and fans a glimpse of what’s to come. With the party atmosphere the resort city is famous for, a Saturday night race under the lights and entertainment off track to match the action on it, this will be one the events to attend in 2023.

Where is the best place to watch?​

A host of ticketing options are available for the Las Vegas weekend, ranging from VIP packages to grandstand seating and general admission. But whatever you go for, a spectacular experience awaits – as cars blast around a high-speed circuit set against one of the most vibrant backdrops F1 has ever seen.

Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023 - Schedule Information & TV Broadcast Times​

Channel 4 Highlights - Broadcast Times​

Saturday 18th November - Las Vegas Grand Prix Qualifying Highlights - 11:40
Sunday 19th November - Las Vegas Grand Prix Race Highlights - 12:30

Weekend Weather Forecast​

Track Diagram & Information​

Previous Race Highlights​

• Last Time F1 raced in Las Vegas.... 1982 Caesars Palace Grand Prix

Drivers Championship​

Constructors Championship​

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[chrismscotland]

Thanks Chris, looking forward to the spectacle of this race and everything surrounding it.

Oh I think it'll be interesting... probably more for off-track cringe than actually racing!

 

[chrismscotland]

Confirmed they're closing all fan areas at 01:30..... 30 minutes before FP2 due is due to start.
Not a good look for the sport

 

[chrismscotland]

The Sky F1 presenters look like they're standing in the car park of a shopping centre at closing time

 

[chrismscotland]

Even Indycar doesn't race on the streets of Vegas, and they love a poorly put together street circuit

 

[chrismscotland]

What a mess. I hope Liberty media learn from this and don't add more stupid street circuits in the future. There are so many amazing proper race circuits around the world that we don't get to see, while they parade this kind of farce.

Simple answer - Money.

I'd rather see Mugello, Nurburgring, Hockenheim, Portimao, Spa, Istanbul, Malaysia year in year out but it doesn't make enough money

 

[chrismscotland]

Potential Grid Penalty for Sainz, frankly that's a joke

 

[chrismscotland]

Sainz back in the car, that's good news at least. Thought they might struggle to get that ready.

They've had plenty of time to wait!

 

[chrismscotland]

Why on earth a 10 place drop was not waived is beyond reasoning. Especially as the organisers are responsible for the track…

Its the rules apparently, something needs looking at really.

 

[chrismscotland]

To be honest, hype aside I'm not really seeing what this race is adding that's massively different to other street tracks like Jeddah, Baku or even Valencia

 

[chrismscotland]

When tickets are 25k instead of 5k for monaco its mental. Wonder if anyone paying for this will even watch

That's because Monaco respects and treasures its racing history and doesn't view it as a way to simply trouser everyone's money, LV and Miami are just gouging gullible American fans for as much as they can

 

[chrismscotland]

Imagine paying that much money and not knowing it wasn't a race. Jeez.

Bungled by FIA, obviously, but as I understand it they couldn't simply pay more money, it was down to rules beyond their control.

As I understand it was pretty hard and fast Union rules that meant the security staff had to be done at a certain time with no flexiblity.
I'm not surprised, I think even bellhops and valet parking attendants have a union in Vegas!

 

[chrismscotland]

Hoping a change to regulations for incidents like Carlos’ damage will come after this.

They won't. It's happened before and it'll happen again and they've never changed the rules for it. Although I think it's unfair.

I’ve said it before, gotta love the consistency of these regs. McLaren went directly from fighting for P1 to practically plum last? Such a lottery.

Let’s hope they can give some entertainment carving through the field at least. Hamilton too.

I'd be interested to see how McLaren would have been all season with their current car. A couple of off races is often normal when a car just plain doesn't suit a particular track style. We've seen it before with all conquering cars, they find their kryptonite somewhere.

 

[chrismscotland]

Should be an interesting with this grid. I'd also be stunned if no one bins it at some point so a safety car feels almost inevitable.

Sargent at turn 1....

 

[chrismscotland]

I do think Max is genuinely one of the most passionate about the sport and like a lot of the fans is seeing the way its going under Liberty at this point, frankly after a period where many top drivers wouldn't say anything its nice to see someone prominent speaking up.

 

[chrismscotland]

George says incident with Verstappen was his fault.

"George Russell admitting fault for something" must be the unlikeliest thing I've seen all season

 

[chrismscotland]

I hope another team can challenge next year, would probably prefer it to be McLaren because they seem to be pretty good on strategy generally as well, Ferrari may have a quick car but ultimately they seem unable to mount any kind of decent challenge and seem to just throw results away due to their race team being unable to function properly.

Would love Aston (well Alonso) to be up there but honestly happy to see Merc struggling, they've had plenty of success in the last decade, although would love to see the top drivers in Max, Lewis, Leclerc, Alonso and Norris all fighting it out.

I do wonder though if next year Mercedes remain nowhere at what point the Merc management back in Stuttgart decide they've had enough and sell their 1/3 stake in the team, I'd imagine they may well be happy enough to keep the badge in F1 via the engine supply, especially if other manufacturers (Audi) decide not to enter as is being much speculated.