Las Vegas Grand Prix: Strip Circuit Guide, History and Records

The Las Vegas Grand Prix returns from Thursday 19 November to Saturday 21 November 2026, bringing Formula 1 back to the illuminated streets surrounding the Las Vegas Strip. The race takes place on Saturday night rather than Sunday, with the entire competitive programme moved one day earlier than the schedule used at most Grands Prix.

The Las Vegas Strip Circuit is one of Formula 1’s fastest street tracks. Its 6.201-kilometre layout combines slow corners and heavy braking zones with an approximately 1.9-kilometre run along Las Vegas Boulevard, where the cars pass some of the city’s most recognisable resorts and reach exceptionally high speeds.

Late-November desert conditions create a technical challenge that is very different from the heat normally associated with Las Vegas. Temperatures can fall considerably after sunset, making tyre preparation, surface grip and brake performance central to the weekend.

The 2026 Las Vegas Grand Prix is scheduled as Round 21 of the Formula 1 World Championship. It follows the traditional format of three practice sessions and qualifying, although all Formula 1 running takes place from Thursday to Saturday.

Ferrari has not yet won the modern Las Vegas Grand Prix, but the Scuderia has demonstrated strong performance at the circuit. Charles Leclerc claimed pole position and finished second at the inaugural race in 2023, while Carlos Sainz added another podium for Ferrari in 2024.

Follow the latest Ferrari news, technical analysis and results from the 2026 Las Vegas Grand Prix.

2026 Las Vegas Grand Prix at a glance

2026 Las Vegas Grand Prix schedule

The Las Vegas weekend follows a Thursday-to-Saturday timetable. Practice begins on Thursday afternoon, qualifying takes place on Friday night and the Grand Prix starts at 20:00 local time on Saturday.

All sessions are shown in local Las Vegas time and remain subject to timetable changes by Formula 1, the FIA or the event organiser.

You can also consult the complete 2026 Formula 1 schedule and race results, the latest Formula 1 driver standings and the current constructor standings.

Why is the Las Vegas Grand Prix held on Saturday?

The Las Vegas Grand Prix is organised around an unusual Thursday-to-Saturday programme. This allows the main race to take place beneath the lights on Saturday evening, when the Strip’s hotels, casinos and entertainment venues provide their most distinctive backdrop.

Moving the programme forward by one day means the first two practice sessions take place on Thursday. Final practice and qualifying follow on Friday before the weekend concludes with Saturday night’s race. The timetable can be confusing for international viewers because the Grand Prix takes place during the early hours of Sunday morning in many European countries. However, the official local date remains Saturday 21 November.

Las Vegas is not a Sprint weekend in 2026. Drivers have three practice sessions before qualifying, giving teams more time to understand tyre temperatures, grip levels, ride height and the changing street surface.

Why cold conditions are so important in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is located in the Mojave Desert, but the Grand Prix takes place late at night in November rather than during the heat of summer. Air and track temperatures can therefore be much lower than teams normally experience at desert races.

Cold asphalt makes it more difficult to generate tyre temperature. Drivers may struggle for immediate grip when leaving the pits, following a Safety Car or beginning a qualifying lap.

Front-wheel locking is a recurring danger because the tyres may not provide their expected level of grip during the opening braking events. The slow corners can also make it difficult to place sufficient energy through the tyres before the cars reach the long straights.

Low temperatures may encourage graining. This occurs when the tyre surface slides across the asphalt before reaching the correct operating range, creating small pieces of rubber that reduce contact and grip.

Teams must avoid overreacting by raising pressures or using an excessively aggressive setup. A solution that improves warm-up over one lap could cause overheating or degradation during a longer race stint.

Track temperature can continue to fall as the night develops. Conditions during the afternoon practice sessions may therefore be less representative than the sessions held at 20:00.

What happened at the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix?

Max Verstappen won the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix for Red Bull after taking the lead at the opening corner. Pole-sitter Lando Norris ran wide at Turn 1, allowing Verstappen to move ahead and control the remainder of the race.

Norris originally finished second, with George Russell third and Oscar Piastri fourth. However, both McLaren drivers were disqualified after post-race inspections found that the rearmost skid wear on their cars was below the minimum thickness permitted by the technical regulations.

The disqualifications promoted Russell to second and Kimi Antonelli to third. Antonelli had started 17th and received a five-second penalty for a false start, but his race pace was sufficient to retain a podium position in the revised classification.

Charles Leclerc finished fourth for Ferrari, only 0.190 seconds behind Antonelli before the Italian’s penalty was applied and 0.100 seconds behind him in the final classification. Leclerc had started ninth after a wet qualifying session.

Lewis Hamilton started 20th after being eliminated in Q1 but recovered to finish eighth. Ferrari therefore scored 16 points despite a difficult qualifying session.

2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix qualifying

2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix result

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were disqualified from the final classification for technical infringements involving skid wear.

Las Vegas Grand Prix winners

The modern Las Vegas Grand Prix began in 2023. The Formula 1 races held in the city in 1981 and 1982 were officially called the Caesars Palace Grand Prix and form a separate chapter in the city’s motor-racing history.

Las Vegas Strip Circuit information

What makes the Las Vegas Strip Circuit unique?

The Las Vegas Strip Circuit uses public roads including Las Vegas Boulevard, Koval Lane, Sands Avenue and Harmon Avenue. The route passes several of the city’s best-known resorts and entertainment landmarks.

At 6.201 kilometres, the circuit is one of the longest on the Formula 1 calendar. Much of the lap is spent accelerating or travelling at high speed, creating average speeds more commonly associated with permanent circuits than conventional street tracks.

The approximately 1.9-kilometre section along Las Vegas Boulevard is the defining part of the lap. Drivers accelerate past the Bellagio, Caesars Palace and other major resorts before braking heavily for Turn 14.

The circuit also passes close to the Sphere, whose illuminated exterior has become another recognisable feature of the Formula 1 weekend. Despite the long straights, Las Vegas contains several slow corners that require mechanical grip and strong traction. The contrast forces teams to reduce drag without making the car too difficult to control through the technical sections.

The road surface evolves substantially during the weekend. Public streets begin with relatively little rubber, but grip increases as Formula 1 and the support categories complete more laps.

A lap of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit

Start-finish straight and Turn 1

The starting grid is located beside the permanent pit and paddock complex. Drivers have only approximately 112 metres between pole position and the first braking zone, making the run to Turn 1 unusually short.

Turn 1 is a slow left-hander where contact and front-wheel locking are possible, particularly on the opening lap. The circuit quickly changes direction afterwards, so drivers must avoid compromising their line through the following corners.

The short approach reduces the slipstream opportunity compared with circuits that have a long run to the first corner. Reaction time and initial traction are therefore especially important.

Turns 2 to 4

Turns 2, 3 and 4 create a faster sequence in which the cars build speed before entering the Koval straight.

A strong exit from Turn 4 is essential because acceleration affects performance throughout the following section. Drivers must use the available road without allowing the car to become unsettled over changes in surface or kerbs.

Cold tyres can make the rear axle unpredictable when the driver applies the throttle, particularly during the first lap after leaving the pits.

Koval straight and Turn 5

The cars accelerate along Koval Lane before braking heavily for Turn 5. The slow right-hander is one of the circuit’s principal braking challenges.

Drivers must reduce speed substantially while keeping the front tyres below the locking threshold. The generous run-off provides some protection, but missing the braking point costs considerable time.

Turn 5 also places emphasis on traction because the exit begins the approach towards the Sphere section.

Turns 6 to 8 and the Sphere

The circuit passes the Sphere through a technical sequence beginning with the faster Turn 6 and continuing into the slower Turns 7 and 8.

The entry to the chicane is difficult to judge because drivers brake while the car is still turning. Carrying too much speed can force a car across the kerbs or beyond the defined track limits.

Mechanical grip is particularly important, while the illuminated surroundings create unusual visual references compared with a conventional permanent circuit.

Turn 9 and Sands Avenue

Turn 9 is a slow left-hander where drivers need to rotate the car precisely before accelerating onto Sands Avenue.

The barriers remain close, and a small slide can result in contact with the outside wall. The corner can become especially difficult when the tyres are below their optimal temperature.

Turns 10 and 11

Turns 10 and 11 are taken at high speed as the circuit passes between major Las Vegas resorts.

The cars approach approximately 300 km/h before the braking zone for Turn 12. Drivers need a stable aerodynamic platform because any movement through the fast section affects confidence under braking.

Turn 12 and entry to the Strip

Turn 12 is a slow left-hander that begins the circuit’s most famous section. Drivers must prioritise exit speed because the corner leads onto the long Las Vegas Boulevard straight. A poor exit creates a significant disadvantage. The car remains at full throttle for an extended period, allowing even a small initial speed difference to grow before the next braking zone.

Rear-wheel spin is particularly costly, while cold tyres can make it difficult to apply full power immediately.

Las Vegas Boulevard and Turn 13

The cars race along approximately 1.9 kilometres of Las Vegas Boulevard, passing some of the city’s most recognisable buildings. Turn 13 is a high-speed kink rather than a conventional braking corner. Drivers remain at full throttle as they use the slipstream and prepare for an overtake before Turn 14.

The combination of the tow, DRS and low-drag setups can produce some of the highest speeds seen during the Formula 1 season.

Turn 14 braking zone

Turn 14 is one of the strongest overtaking opportunities on the circuit. Drivers brake from very high speed for a slow left-hander after the long run along the Strip. The wide approach allows several possible lines. A driver can attack on the inside, while the defending car may attempt to remain alongside through the sequence that follows.

Brake temperature and tyre grip must be managed carefully. A front-wheel lock-up can send the car beyond the corner and destroy the tyre surface.

Turns 15 and 16

After Turn 14, drivers negotiate a right-left sequence before accelerating along Harmon Avenue.

Traction is important because the car can become unstable as the driver increases throttle over the exit kerbs. In wet or particularly cold conditions, this area becomes one of the most difficult places on the lap.

Turn 17

The final corner is a fast left-hand bend normally taken at full throttle. Formula 1 cars can negotiate it at more than 300 km/h before returning to the start-finish straight.

The pit-lane entrance is located on the inside of the corner, requiring drivers entering the pits to move away from the normal racing line.

A clean final corner completes the lap and provides the speed needed to defend or attack into Turn 1.

Las Vegas setup and technical demands

Las Vegas generally requires a low-downforce aerodynamic configuration. Reducing drag is essential because the circuit contains several high-speed sections and an exceptionally long straight along the Strip.

Teams may use rear wings similar to those selected for Monza or Baku, although the final specification must still provide enough stability under braking and sufficient grip through the slower corners. Mechanical traction is central to performance. Turns 5, 9, 12 and 14 are followed by important acceleration zones, and wheelspin can cost time while damaging the rear tyres.

Braking stability is another priority. Drivers repeatedly slow the car from high speed, with Turns 5, 12 and 14 placing substantial energy through the braking system. The cool air helps control some component temperatures, but teams must prevent the brakes from becoming too cold along the longest straights. Brake temperatures need to remain high enough to provide consistent stopping performance.

Ride height and suspension compliance must account for the street surface, road joins and temporary kerbs. Running the car too stiff may reduce mechanical grip and make it difficult to maintain tyre contact.

Teams must also consider plank and floor wear. Street-circuit bumps and compression can cause the floor to strike the asphalt, while raising the car excessively reduces aerodynamic performance.

Explore our Ferrari technical analysis archive for updates on the SF-26 rear wing, floor, suspension, brake configuration and tyre behaviour during the Las Vegas weekend.

Tyres and strategy at the Las Vegas Grand Prix

Tyre warm-up is one of the defining strategic issues in Las Vegas. Drivers may require several corners or even an entire lap to bring a new set into its ideal operating range.

This can weaken the conventional undercut. A driver who makes an early pit stop may lose time while warming the new tyres, allowing a rival on an older but hotter set to remain ahead. The overcut may become effective when degradation is limited and the existing tyres retain sufficient grip. However, remaining on track for too long can expose a driver to a sudden loss of performance or a Safety Car.

Graining is possible when the tyre surface remains too cold and slides across the asphalt. Drivers must avoid aggressive steering inputs that tear the rubber before the internal temperature has increased. The long straights help the tyres cool between corners. A driver may begin a braking zone with less grip than expected, particularly after following the Safety Car at reduced speed.

Las Vegas provides genuine overtaking opportunities, reducing the need to protect track position at all costs. Teams can consider alternative strategies if fresh tyres produce enough speed to pass along the Strip.

Safety Cars remain a significant possibility because the barriers restrict access for recovering damaged or stopped cars. An interruption can reduce the relative cost of a pit stop and change the outcome of the race.

Formula 1 history in Las Vegas

Formula 1 first raced in Las Vegas during the early 1980s. Those events were held on a temporary circuit constructed in the car park of the Caesars Palace hotel and casino.

The 1981 Caesars Palace Grand Prix

The first Formula 1 race in Las Vegas took place in 1981 and served as the season finale. Alan Jones won for Williams, but the Drivers’ Championship was decided behind him.

Nelson Piquet finished fifth and secured his first World Championship by one point over Carlos Reutemann.

The flat, repetitive layout and extreme physical demands received criticism from drivers, but the event returned for a second season.

The 1982 Caesars Palace Grand Prix

Michele Alboreto won the 1982 race for Tyrrell, claiming the first Formula 1 victory of his career. Alboreto later became a Ferrari driver and challenged for the 1985 World Championship with the Scuderia.

Keke Rosberg finished fifth and secured the 1982 Drivers’ Championship for Williams.

Formula 1 did not return to Las Vegas the following year, and the city remained absent from the calendar for more than four decades.

The creation of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit

The modern Las Vegas project adopted a completely different concept. Rather than using a casino car park, Formula 1 created a street circuit passing through the heart of the city and along Las Vegas Boulevard.

A permanent pit and paddock complex was constructed close to Harmon Avenue, while the remainder of the route uses public roads that are prepared and closed for the event.

The inaugural modern Las Vegas Grand Prix took place in November 2023. The event established a Saturday-night format that has remained a defining part of the race.

Formula 1 announced a new long-term extension in 2026, securing the Las Vegas Grand Prix through the 2037 season.

Memorable Las Vegas Grand Prix moments

The drain-cover incident in 2023

The first practice session of the modern Las Vegas era was stopped after Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari struck a damaged water-valve cover. The impact caused extensive damage to the car.

Officials inspected and secured the covers around the circuit before track activity resumed. The second practice session was delayed while the work was completed.

Sainz also received a grid penalty because Ferrari had to replace damaged power-unit components, despite the incident being caused by the circuit infrastructure.

Charles Leclerc claims the first modern Las Vegas pole

Charles Leclerc delivered Ferrari pole position for the inaugural modern Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2023. Carlos Sainz recorded the second-fastest qualifying time, although his penalty moved him down the starting grid.

Leclerc led parts of the race and fought Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez throughout the 50 laps.

Leclerc passes Perez on the final lap

Max Verstappen won the 2023 Grand Prix, but Charles Leclerc produced one of the race’s most memorable moves behind him.

The Ferrari driver used the slipstream along the Strip and passed Sergio Perez under braking for Turn 14 on the final lap, securing second place.

Mercedes dominates in 2024

George Russell secured pole position and controlled the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton recovered from tenth on the grid to finish second, giving Mercedes a one-two result.

Carlos Sainz finished third for Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc fourth.

Max Verstappen secures his fourth title

Max Verstappen finished fifth in the 2024 race, which was sufficient to secure his fourth consecutive Formula 1 World Championship.

The Dutch driver finished ahead of title rival Lando Norris and mathematically ended the championship contest with two races remaining.

Wet qualifying transforms the 2025 grid

Rain created extremely low-grip conditions during qualifying for the 2025 event. Lando Norris secured pole position ahead of Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz.

Charles Leclerc reached Q3 but qualified ninth, while Lewis Hamilton was eliminated in Q1 and started last.

McLaren’s double disqualification in 2025

Max Verstappen won the race after taking the lead at Turn 1. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri initially finished second and fourth but were later removed from the classification.

The rear skid wear on both McLaren cars was found to be below the permitted minimum thickness. Their disqualification promoted George Russell and Kimi Antonelli onto the podium and moved Charles Leclerc to fourth.

Ferrari’s history at the Las Vegas Grand Prix

Ferrari has not yet won the modern Las Vegas Grand Prix, but the Scuderia has achieved one pole position and two podium finishes during the event’s first three editions.

Ferrari locks out the front row on pace in 2023

Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz set the two fastest times in qualifying for the inaugural modern Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Leclerc officially started from pole, while Sainz was moved down the grid by the penalty resulting from the components damaged during the practice incident.

Charles Leclerc challenges for victory

Leclerc led portions of the 2023 race and remained in contention throughout the final stint. Max Verstappen ultimately moved ahead, but Leclerc’s final-lap pass on Sergio Perez secured second place.

The result remains Ferrari’s best finish at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit.

Carlos Sainz returns Ferrari to the podium in 2024

Carlos Sainz qualified second and finished third in 2024. Charles Leclerc started fourth and briefly moved into second position before tyre management affected his challenge.

Leclerc eventually finished fourth, giving Ferrari a combined total of 27 points from the race.

Ferrari recovers after difficult 2025 qualifying

Neither Ferrari driver began the 2025 race from a competitive grid position. Charles Leclerc started ninth and Lewis Hamilton 20th following the wet qualifying session.

Leclerc fought through the field to finish fourth, while Hamilton recovered to eighth. The result maintained Ferrari’s record of scoring points at every modern Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Ferrari searches for its first Las Vegas victory

The circuit’s low-drag demands have generally suited Ferrari’s straight-line performance, but tyre warm-up and race management have prevented the team from converting its opportunities into a victory.

The 2026 event gives Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton another opportunity to deliver Ferrari’s first Formula 1 win in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas Grand Prix records and statistics

• First Formula 1 race in Las Vegas: 1981 Caesars Palace Grand Prix.
• Second Caesars Palace Grand Prix: 1982.
• First modern Las Vegas Grand Prix: 2023.
• Modern circuit length: 6.201 kilometres.
• Number of corners: 17.
• Race laps: 50.
• Race distance: 309.958 kilometres.
• Longest straight: approximately 1.9 kilometres along Las Vegas Boulevard.
• Official race lap record: Max Verstappen, 1:33.365 in 2025.
• Fastest qualifying lap: George Russell, 1:32.312 in 2024.
• Highest recorded race speed: Alexander Albon, 368.9 km/h in 2024.
• Most modern Las Vegas GP victories: Max Verstappen, with two.
• Most successful constructor: Red Bull, with two victories.
• Modern Las Vegas pole-sitters: Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Lando Norris.
• Ferrari victories: none.
• Ferrari pole positions: one.
• Ferrari podium finishes: two.
• Best Ferrari result: Charles Leclerc, second in 2023.
• Most recent winner: Max Verstappen in 2025.
• Current Formula 1 agreement: through 2037.

Frequently asked questions about the Las Vegas Grand Prix

When is the 2026 Las Vegas Grand Prix?

The event will take place from Thursday 19 November to Saturday 21 November 2026. The race is scheduled to begin at 20:00 local Las Vegas time on Saturday.

Why is the Las Vegas Grand Prix held on Saturday?

The event uses a Thursday-to-Saturday schedule so the Grand Prix can take place on Saturday night. Practice begins on Thursday and qualifying is held on Friday.

Is the 2026 Las Vegas Grand Prix a Sprint weekend?

No. The event uses the standard Formula 1 format with three practice sessions, qualifying and the Grand Prix.

Where is the Las Vegas Grand Prix held?

The race takes place on the Las Vegas Strip Circuit, a temporary street track using Las Vegas Boulevard, Koval Lane, Sands Avenue and Harmon Avenue.

How long is the Las Vegas Strip Circuit?

The circuit measures 6.201 kilometres. The Grand Prix covers 50 laps and an official race distance of 309.958 kilometres.

How many corners does the Las Vegas circuit have?

The track contains 17 corners, comprising 11 left-hand turns and six right-hand turns.

Is Las Vegas a night race?

Yes. Qualifying and the Grand Prix begin at 20:00 local time beneath the circuit’s floodlights and the illuminated Las Vegas skyline.

Why is tyre warm-up difficult in Las Vegas?

The Grand Prix takes place during late-November nights, when air and asphalt temperatures can be low. The long straights also allow the tyres to lose temperature between corners.

How long is the Las Vegas Strip straight?

The section of Las Vegas Boulevard between Turns 12 and 14 measures approximately 1.9 kilometres.

What is the highest speed recorded at the circuit?

Alexander Albon reached 368.9 km/h during the 2024 Grand Prix, the highest race speed recorded at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit.

Who has won the Las Vegas Grand Prix most often?

Max Verstappen has won twice, taking victory in 2023 and 2025. George Russell won the 2024 edition.

Has Ferrari won the Las Vegas Grand Prix?

No. Ferrari’s best result is Charles Leclerc’s second place in 2023.

Has Ferrari taken pole position in Las Vegas?

Yes. Charles Leclerc secured pole position for the inaugural modern Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2023.

Who holds the Las Vegas race lap record?

Max Verstappen holds the official race lap record with a 1:33.365 set during the 2025 Grand Prix.

What is the fastest qualifying lap in Las Vegas?

George Russell recorded a 1:32.312 for Mercedes during qualifying for the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Did Formula 1 race in Las Vegas before 2023?

Yes. The city hosted the Caesars Palace Grand Prix in 1981 and 1982 on a temporary circuit built in the hotel’s car park.

How long will Formula 1 continue racing in Las Vegas?

The current long-term agreement keeps the Las Vegas Grand Prix on the Formula 1 calendar through the 2037 season.

Follow Ferrari at the 2026 Las Vegas Grand Prix

ScuderiaFans will provide complete coverage of Ferrari’s 2026 Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend, including practice reports, qualifying analysis, race results, tyre warm-up developments, low-drag setup choices, strategy assessments and reactions from Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and the Maranello team.

Visit our dedicated 2026 Las Vegas Grand Prix archive for the latest Ferrari news from the Strip Circuit.