Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, explained that holding the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix on a Saturday night represents the “perfect time” and is certain that another F1 event in the United States will only increase the sport’s popularity. Last week, the series officially announced that next year they will be racing in Las Vegas, with the famous Strip forming a unique backdrop for a street race which will see cars speed past the sights at around 212mph.
With a different schedule as compared to the usual Sunday race day tradition, the Grand Prix will take place on a Saturday night in November, at 10pm local time.
“I think that is a perfect time and a perfect slot for that event in this context,” – former Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali explained.
This timetable means a potential 5 or 6am start time for British fans, despite the fact that Stefano Domenicali insisted having the race at a more normal start time of 3pm “would be a total mistake” given the appeal of a race under lights in Vegas.
“Formula 1 cannot be static,” said the F1 CEO , with the 10pm start time set to make it F1’s latest event – “To have a race on Saturday at 3pm, that would be a total mistake. That is the reason why we are flexible, we are showing that’s the right moment to have the best show in this context.I don’t see any problem on that. And if you think actually in terms of timing in Europe, the race time we have on Saturday is 10pm, Saturday night is perfect because also that audience will be connected.” – he continued.
Next season’s race will put an end to a 39-year drought for an event in Las Vegas, with the city previously hosting the Caesars Palace Grand Prix in 1984 on a circuit in the car park of the casino. Formula 1’s return sees the combination of “real racing in an incredible context” and “is the perfect combination of what Formula 1 stands for today” – Stefano Domenicali added – “It’s emotion, it’s passion, it’s a business, it’s relationships, it’s culture and it’s intensity. And this is the reason why this is the perfect place to be.”
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In 2023, the United States will be the only country with more than two Formula 1 races on the calendar, as Las Vegas is added to the United States GP in Austin, Texas and the Miami Grand Prix, which debuts later this season around the Hard Rock Stadium: “We do believe, without being arrogant, that Formula 1 will be something that the American fans will love to be involved even more. We do believe this is a very important market in developing the love of our sport.” – the former Ferrari boss concluded.
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