Formula 1 is to return to Las Vegas in 2023 after a 40-year hiatus after announcing the iconic Vegas strip will host a Saturday night street race next November.
F1 is known to have held talks with promoters over bringing the series to Las Vegas for some time, with F1’s growth surging in the US more than ever before.
The city’s addition to the F1 calendar next year will see three races in the United States for the first time since 1982, the year Las Vegas last hosted a grand prix.
The circuit will run for 3.8 miles, featuring 14 corners and a long straight that will see cars reach speeds of over 200mph.
Next year’s event will see F1 divert from its traditional weekend format, with the grand prix being to be held on a Saturday for the first time since 1985.
“This is an incredible moment for Formula 1 that demonstrates the huge appeal and growth of our sport with a third race in the US,” said F1 CEO and president Stefano Domenicali.
“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 1 to race than in the global entertainment capital of the world and we cannot wait to be here next year.”
F1 previously held two races in Las Vegas in 1981 and 1982 on a temporary circuit around a car park by the Caesers Palace Casino, which proved widely unpopular.
Ahead of its addition to the calendar, F1 says will work with work with a variety of casinos and resorts in Las Vegas to help promote the event.
“We eagerly anticipate the moment when the history, energy and momentum of Formula 1 will culminate in an unforgettable Saturday night on the Las Vegas Strip,” said president and CEO of the LVCVA Steve Hill.
“Spectators will experience the unrivaled thrill of watching these world-class drivers race through what is sure to become one of the most iconic racetracks in the world.
“Formula 1 and Liberty Media have been incredible partners, and we look forward to November 2023 when we once again showcase that Las Vegas is ‘The Greatest Arena on Earth.’”
With Las Vegas joining the schedule next year, and Qatar and China already confirmed to be returning, it means F1 will go beyond its limit of 24 races in a season as per the current Concorde Agreement.
This puts some of the current races at risk of being dropped, with Domenicali recently revealing the current level of interest is enough to expand to as many as 30 races per year.
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