Formula 1 has officially confirmed a deal to stage a night race on the famous Las Vegas strip starting with the 2023 Formula 1 season. The Las Vegas Grand Prix, a major coup for the sport’s American owners’ Liberty Media, joins the calendar in 2023 on what is believed to be an initial three-year contract.
Las Vegas will host its event on a Saturday night in November, a rarity in an F1 calendar featuring grand prix events on Sundays. The event will feature some of the city’s most famous landmarks, hotels and casinos in what is a multiyear deal with Formula 1. The 3.8 mile (6.2km) track will see cars flash by Caesars Palace, Bellagio Fountain and Mandalay Bay, as well as the ball-shaped MSG Sphere, which is currently under construction and set for completion next year.
The announcement comes as a welcome boost to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali after the sport controversially pressed ahead with last weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix despite fierce opposition from drivers due to a missile strike 12 miles east of the Jeddah circuit which took place during Friday practice:
“This is an incredible moment for Formula One that demonstrates the huge appeal and growth of our sport with a third race in the US,” Stefano Domenicali explained. The former Ferrari boss was joined by Liberty Media president and CEO Greg Maffei in Las Vegas for Wednesday’s announcement.
“Las Vegas is a destination known around the world for its excitement, hospitality, thrills, and of course, the famous Strip. There is no better place for Formula One to race than in the global entertainment capital of the world and we cannot wait to be here next year.”
In an unusual step, Formula 1 and Liberty Media, rather than a local organiser, have decided to promote the Grand Prix with American global entertainment company Live Nation.
“Iconic Las Vegas and Formula One, the pinnacle of motorsport, is the perfect marriage of speed and glamour,” Greg Maffei said – “Our confidence in this unique opportunity is evident in our decision to assume the promoter role for the Las Vegas Grand Prix in partnership with Live Nation. We could not be more excited to work with our local partners to create a marquee event. The potential of Formula One has been well demonstrated over the last several seasons and the Las Vegas GP will only take it to the next level.” – he concluded.
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