Set to become one of the most iconic racetracks in the world, Las Vegas returns to the F1 calendar as the backdrop to a stirring night race from 2023.

On 31 March 2022, Formula One unveiled news that Las Vegas will be hosting its night race from 2023. The Las Vegas Grand Prix will take place next November on a Saturday, and is one of the three races staging in the United States — joining Austin and Miami.

Known for its casinos and world-class entertainment, Vegas hosted races in 1981 and 1982. Next year, it will be the first time F1 cars race on the iconic Las Vegas Strip, winding around landmarks like Caesars Palace, the Bellagio and the Venetian.

The 6.12km track is the second longest street track on the F1 calendar behind the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, and the third-longest overall behind Belgium’s Spa Francorchamps. The design layout reveals fourteen turns and three main straights with a 2 km stretch down the central Vegas Strip.

With the Grand Prix lasting 50 laps, the design features a high-speed cornering sequence and a single chicane section. Top speeds of around 342 km/h are expected, similar to those found at the Temple of Speed Monza, according to F1’s data

As drivers fight for position around the 12-15m-wide streets, the end of the main stretch may serve as the best overtakes. Meanwhile, a 180-degree corner at turn one might prove to be the biggest challenge.

When the world-class drivers found out of the hotly-anticipated Vegas circuit, seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton said it would be “a pretty hardcore event”. AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly summed up several of the drivers’ responses by saying: “That’s going to be insane”.

F1 and Liberty Media join hands in promoting the race — in partnership with Live Nation Entertainment, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), Founding Partners Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, Wynn Las Vegas, Presenting Partners MSG Sphere, Resorts World Las Vegas and The Venetian Resort.

The news was delivered at a glittering event, where the unification of iconic Vegas and the pinnacle of motorsport was described as “the perfect marriage of speed and glamour”.

“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,” said Greg Maffei, President and CEO of Liberty Media.