The New Flagship Grand Prix

While speculated for a long time and known by many of us as the worst kept secret in Formula 1, the Las Vegas Grand Prix is officially coming to a race calendar in November 2023.

The world-famous neon lights of Las Vegas will provide the backdrop to Formula 1’s newest race when the American city hosts a night event from 2023, for at least three years.

The Las Vegas Grand Prix will take place on a Saturday next November and be one of three races in the United States, joining Miami and Austin.

It will be the first Saturday night race in F1 since the 1985 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami.

Las Vegas hosted races in 1981 and 1982 but this will be the first time F1 cars will race on the iconic Las Vegas Strip, with the circuit sweeping past famous hotels and casinos.

The 14-turn track will run for 3.8 miles (6.12km) with top speeds expected to hit around 212mph (342km/h).

The design features three straights, a high-speed cornering sequence, and a single chicane section, with the Grand Prix to be run over 50 laps.

F1 and Liberty Media will work together to promote the race in partnership with Live Nation Entertainment and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), as well as Founding Partners Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, and Wynn Las Vegas and Presenting Partners MSG Sphere, Resorts World Las Vegas and The Venetian Resort.

Unlike other races on the calendar, this race is promoted by F1 and Liberty Media itself.

Promotion will be handled by F1, Liberty Media, in conjunction with Live Nation (a Liberty Media property). Being able to find a promoter was never going to be an easy task.

Without a promoter, all revenue funnels back to F1. They also take on all the risks.

However, with all that said, I truly believe that this will be the flagship race in Formula 1 very soon.

And the economic impact this race will create is staggering.

The news was announced at a glittering event in Las Vegas on Wednesday evening, with Liberty Media President and CEO Greg Maffei and F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali in attendance.

They were joined by local stakeholders including Nevada Governor, Steve Sisolak, CEO and President of the LVCVA, Steve Hill, and President and CEO of Live Nation Entertainment, Michael Rapino.

“Iconic Las Vegas and Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport, is the perfect marriage of speed and glamour,” said Maffei. “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 1 has been well demonstrated over the last several seasons and the Las Vegas GP will only take it to the next level.”

What Else Is Going on in Las Vegas?

Oak View Group purchased 25 acres in Las Vegas for a $3 billion entertainment campus — including a $1 billion, 20,000-seat arena — that aims to attract new events and professional sports teams to Sin City.

Plans include an amphitheater, hotel, and a casino for which Oak View Group would bring in a gaming partner to help with operations. Oak View Group is well-equipped to run event centers.

• The company redeveloped and operates Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle.

• It partnered on building and operating UBS Arena on Long Island.

• Next month, it opens the Moody Center in Texas.

The NHL’s Golden Knights moved to Las Vegas in 2017, the NFL’s Raiders arrived in 2020, and now Formula 1 is coming to Vegas in 2023.

Ciao for now 👋

The F1 Guy Merch

I partnered up with the folks at BreakingT to launch a Formula 1 line of apparel. The goal is simple: make cool stuff you actually want to wear that doesn’t break the bank. The collection is growing, be sure you get yours and wear the moment.