The FIA has confirmed that Las Vegas will remain on the Formula 1 calendar through the 2032 season based on the growing popularity in America.
As reported by Joe Pompliano, Clark County Commissioners held a vote to determine the future of the Grand Prix. The vote also makes sure the strip will be available for the Grand Prix for the next ten seasons. Accompanied by off-track facilities that will be built to fit the needs to host a Formula 1 race.
F1 has been trying to get a foothold in the United States for decades. In this renewed push, with two street circuits in Miami and Las Vegas, Liberty media aims to bring F1 to the masses. F1’s popularity in the States appears to be firmly on the rise. Especially the Netflix series Drive to Survive has captured the attention.
Las Vegas has approved plans for the Grand Prix to be staged on the city's iconic Strip for the next 10 years 🏁🇺🇸https://t.co/ny3gS39ML6
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) February 8, 2023
Three US Grands Prix
Just like in 1982, the Formula 1 calendar will feature three US Grand Prix. Back then, Long Beach hosted the United States Grand Prix west, Detroit hosted the Detroit Grand Prix, and Las Vegas hosted the Caesars Palace Grand Prix. In 2023, the calendar will feature the Miami Grand Prix, the United States Grand Prix at COTA in Austin, TX, and the debut of the new, aforementioned Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Miami Grand Prix
Last season, the inaugural Miami Grand Prix was held on a street circuit around Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium. One of the features that caught the attention of social media was a “fake marina” for the guests. The racetrack itself is a mix of long straights and technical sections. The 2022 race was won by Max Verstappen, but the Grand Prix suffered to produce numerous overtaking zones beyond the long back straight. Formula 1 is keen to make the Miami Grand Prix a staple of the calendar, as the contract runs until 2031, and will continue to modify the circuit.
United States Grand Prix (COTA)
Since 2012, the United States Grand Prix has been held at the Circuit of the Americas. The track has received strong approval from fans for creating an incredible challenge for drivers. The first race was won by Lewis Hamilton, and since then the venue has seen many great races. In 2022, it was confirmed that the track agreed to a new 4-year deal to host the United States Grand Prix until 2026.
Las Vegas Grand Prix
The first Formula 1 race in Las Vegas since 1982 is set for November 2023. Certainly, with this news, the event seems set until at least 2032. The race will be on a street course on the iconic Strip. The track will be a fast-paced street circuit like the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Besides being held at an iconic venue, the event schedule will feature a novelty as the race will be held on a Saturday instead of a Sunday to fit prime-time American TV on the West Coast. Although the Grand Prix time is sure to meet criticism as the race approaches in the fall. The unique start time (10 pm PST), means the race will begin at 1 am on the East Coast of the United States ending around 3 am in the morning. The time fits with the local venue and works well with the Asian market while allowing Europe to wake up early for a morning race.
Construction is currently underway on the pitlane and paddock area. James Gibbson, the Clark County Commissioner, stated:
“This will open the pathway to be able to do it for at least 10 years. And then beyond that, I’m sure that those who succeed us will see the value in what we’ve done and continue doing it forever.”
After a unanimous decision, a green light was given for Las Vegas to remain on the calendar till 2032.
