Las Vegas Grand Prix: The Sparkly Circus in Sin City!
The final triple header of the 2024 F1 season is kickstarting in none other than Sin City—that’s right, the glitzy Las Vegas! This weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix isn’t just another race; it’s like putting the F1 roster in a brightly lit casino. What’s on the line? For Max Verstappen, it’s a chance to add a fourth world title to his plate. He just needs to keep that rivalry with Lando Norris in his rearview mirror to wrap things up with two races to spare—easy peasy, right?
Now, let’s talk about last season’s Vegas event—if it brought anything, it was a proper dose of American spectacle (and a bit of chaos). The Circus made its first appearance in Nevada back in ’81 and ’82, racing on an absolutely thrilling track… well, actually, it was a car park next to Caesar’s Palace. Talk about underwhelming! The event was as exciting as watching paint dry, which is probably why they pulled the plug after just two years, despite a contract that could’ve gone on until 2024. It’s a bit like signing a lease at a gambling den and then getting kicked out after your first round of blackjack!
Fast forward to more recent times—IndyCar tried to resurrect the afterthought that is Vegas, running both on an oval and a city track that fizzled out faster than a budget firework. And let’s not forget last year’s practice session, which turned into a ‘manhole mishap’ fest when Carlos Sainz floored it. Seriously, never underestimate the sentience of a poorly sealed manhole cover.
The Race Conditions: An Ice-Cold Challenge
This year, the stakes are higher. The race time is set for a thrilling 10 PM local time! It’s practically a midnight sun chase, only without the pleasant irony of a summer festival. But there’s a catch! Weather forecasts are sounding the alarm for a brisk 5-8°C, which isn’t just cool for the spectators—it’s practically Arctic for sensitive F1 tires. Teams may have to make their tires work as if they’re being asked to perform an Olympic high jump in parka coats!
The Route: A Vegas Dining Experience in F1 Form
Let me walk you through the circuit, or should I say buffet platter? The starting straight is the shortest on the grid. From there, it leads to the sharp Turn 1, gracefully inviting drivers to embrace their inner drift kings at a cozy 130 km/h. This little jaunt brings them to the iconic right-handed turn at the Caesar’s Forum. It’s like speeding through the crowded buffet at a wedding—careful not to spill the sauce!
Next, the drivers will encounter the spectacular MSG Sphere—a sight so flashy, it gives the Strip a run for its neon money. At this point, they’ll be saying ‘Hello, glamour!’ faster than the time it takes to decide what to gamble on at a blackjack table. And let’s not skip the feature stretch—Las Vegas Boulevard—a long line of hotels that practically scream, “Place your bets!”
Upon reaching this point, viewers are bound to feel like they’re watching a high-stakes game of poker where every turn is laced with the raw potential for a crash and burn—quite literally!
And to top it all off, they’ll tackle that last acceleration near Planet Hollywood. Just a warning: if you blink, you might miss the drama and all the “I-can’t-believe-they-just-did-that” moments that make F1 what it is—absolute unpredictability!
When to Tune In: TV and Radio Times
If you want to catch the high-octane action, mark your calendars:
Friday 22 November
PL1: 03:30-04:30 live on Sky Sport F1 HD
PL2: 07:00-08:00 live on Sky Sport F1 HD
Saturday 23 November
PL3: 03:30-04:30 live on Sky Sport F1 HD
Q: 07:00-08:00 live on Sky Sport F1 HD / deferred TV8 at 14:00
Sunday 24 November
Race: 07:00-09:00 live on Sky Sport F1 HD / deferred TV8 14:00
Of course, you can always indulge in live radio commentary starting at 06:45 on race day—because, let’s face it, nothing quite beats listening to the engine roars while lying in bed, feeling like a true couch potato spectator!
So, ladies and gentlemen, grab your snacks, place your bets, and let’s get ready for what is sure to be a rollercoaster of a Grand Prix in the dazzling, unpredictable Las Vegas. Because if it’s anything like last year, we’re in for some unexpected twists, turns, and possibly a few “Hold my beer!” moments!
Written by: Nicola Saglia
The final triple header of the 2024 Formula 1 season is set to kick off in the dazzling atmosphere of Sin City, with the spotlight on the highly anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix happening over the weekend. This race will present a significant opportunity for the formidable Max Verstappen, who is poised to secure his fourth consecutive world title; the talented Dutchman only needs to finish ahead of his rival, Lando Norris, to clinch the championship with two races left in the season.
Last season’s event in Las Vegas sparked considerable conversation, largely due to its distinctly “American” flair. The F1 circuit had previously made its way to Nevada in 1981 and 1982, featuring races on an unconventional track that wound through the car park of Caesar’s Palace. Unfortunately, due to lackluster excitement, the event was canceled after two years despite having a contract extending until 2024.
In more recent years, IndyCar has attempted to revive single-seater racing in Las Vegas, first on the oval—where the motorsport community tragically lost Dan Wheldon in 2011—and subsequently on a city circuit that struggled to gain traction, with various sections resembling those that F1 drivers will navigate next weekend. The 2023 race weekend began with chaos when Carlos Sainz encountered a significant incident, ripping apart an incorrectly sealed manhole just minutes into the first practice session.
Among the numerous elements to consider for this upcoming race, one that could play a crucial role is the timing, as the race will commence at 10pm local time. This late start will take place under spectacular lights, adding a captivating visual dimension to the event. However, forecasted temperatures are expected to hover between 5-8°C, which could pose a challenge for tire safety and performance. Teams and drivers will need to devise strategies to adapt their tire management to these near-winter conditions.
The route
The Las Vegas circuit boasts the shortest starting straight of any Formula 1 track, leading immediately into the braking zone for Turn 1, located near the Harbor Island Apartments, which must be navigated in fourth gear at a speed of 130 km/h. Subsequently, drivers will encounter the right-handed Rochelle Avenue Intersection, leading onto the lengthy straight known as Koval Lane, the first designated DRS zone of the circuit.
Crucial braking occurs at the 100-meter mark to maneuver the sharp 90° right turn at Caesar’s Forum. After this, racers will enter one of the circuit’s most visually stunning sections, which nearly encircles The MSG Sphere, a state-of-the-art concert venue. Alongside narrow walls, drivers will experience a layout reminiscent of Singapore’s street circuit, albeit with significantly higher speeds.
Upon exiting the Sphere, competitors will navigate Sands Avenue, passing the iconic Venetian and engaging in a rapid-fire “S” sequence before braking into the left-hand curve at Fashion Show Mall. Following this thrilling maneuver is the crowning jewel of the circuit: a very long straight known as Las Vegas Boulevard, flanked by famed hotel landmarks including Caesar’s Palace, Bellagio, and Flamingo.
After the second DRS zone, competitors face the last fierce braking point near Planet Hollywood, leading into a hazardous variant where barriers loom perilously close to the curbs. Following a final burst of acceleration down the straight, drivers will turn left to cross beneath the checkered flag. Despite its controversial layout and the event’s mixed reception, one thing is certain: entertainment thrives in the heart of Las Vegas.
YEAR OF CONSTRUCTION: 2023
LENGTH: 6.201 km
CURVE: 17
RACE DISTANCE: 310,05 km
THE TIMES OF THE LAS VEGAS GP ON TV AND ON THE WEB
Friday 22 November
PL1: 03.30-04.30 live Sky Sport F1 HD
PL2: 07:00-08:00 diretta Sky Sport F1 HD
Saturday 23 November
PL3: 03.30-04.30 live Sky Sport F1 HD
Q: 07:00-08:00 live Sky Sport F1 HD / deferred TV8 at 2.00 pm / Web news on Livegp.it
Sunday 24 November
Race: 07:00-09:00 live Sky Sport F1 HD / deferred TV8 2:00 pm / Web commentary on Livegp.it
LIVE GP RADIO TIMES
Saturday 23 November
Live qualifying from 06:45
Sunday 24 November
Live GP from 06:45
Nicola Saglia
What challenges do drivers face on the Las Vegas Grand Prix track?
Iety of corners that will test every driver’s skill and nerve. The combination of elevation changes and sharp turns will ensure that no driver can afford to relax, even as they approach the finish line. With the neon lights of the Strip lighting up the track, the final stretch promises to be both visually stunning and thrillingly intense.
When to Watch
Mark your calendars! The Las Vegas Grand Prix is set to ignite the Sin City night with the following schedule:
Friday 22 November
Practice 1: 03:30-04:30 (live on Sky Sports F1 HD)
Practice 2: 07:00-08:00 (live on Sky Sports F1 HD)
Saturday 23 November
Practice 3: 03:30-04:30 (live on Sky Sports F1 HD)
Qualifying: 07:00-08:00 (live on Sky Sports F1 HD / deferred on TV8 at 14:00)
Sunday 24 November
Race: 07:00-09:00 (live on Sky Sports F1 HD / deferred on TV8 at 14:00)
For those who prefer to experience the race with radio commentary, tune in starting at 06:45 on race day, and feel the adrenaline from the comfort of your living room.
Gather your friends, prepare your viewing snacks, and enjoy what promises to be an unforgettable weekend in Las Vegas—where the stakes are high, the speeds even higher, and the drama ready to unfold at every corner!
Written by: Nicola Saglia
Isn’t it hilarious how a race meant for precision and speed can turn into slapstick comedy? It’s like watching a Michelin-star chef suddenly try to deep-fry a turkey on Thanksgiving—expect disaster!