After a three-week break since the emotional Brazilian Grand Prix, Formula 1 roars back this weekend, marking its fourth visit to the dazzling city of Las Vegas. This Saturday night could witness the crowning of the 2024 season champion.
Las Vegas last hosted F1 on a circuit built around the Caesars Palace hotel-casino in 1981 and 1982. The event returned last year with a new, iconic street circuit incorporating a section of the famous Las Vegas Strip, making it one of the most anticipated races on the calendar.
A High-Speed Spectacle
As the third American Grand Prix of the year—following Miami and Austin—the Las Vegas GP is one of the longest tracks, second only to Spa-Francorchamps. The 6.201 km circuit, featuring 17 corners and three long straights, will challenge drivers over 50 laps, with top speeds reaching 350 km/h at turn 14. Its high-speed nature ensures plenty of overtaking opportunities.
Night Race under Mojave Skies
All sessions will take place under the lights of Las Vegas, creating a magical atmosphere. However, unlike other night races in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, or Abu Dhabi, Las Vegas’ desert climate presents a unique challenge. November’s cooler temperatures, dropping to 10°C, mean reduced grip and slower tire heating, making tire management crucial.
Pirelli’s Tire Strategy
For the Las Vegas GP, Pirelli has selected the softest tire compounds—C3 Hard (white), C4 Medium (yellow), and C5 Soft (red). The key challenge lies in managing tire temperatures, especially during qualifying and long stints.
- Low temperatures increase tire degradation, favoring two-stop strategies, the most popular choice last year.
- Drivers must avoid overworking their tires, particularly underbraking on long straights, to prevent lock-ups.
Undercutting opponents may not be effective due to the time needed to heat up fresh tires. Instead, longer initial stints could offer a better advantage.
Teams and Drivers: Lessons from 2023
The inaugural race last year provided teams and Pirelli with a wealth of data on grip and tire wear, helping refine strategies for this year. Thursday practice sessions will be vital in assessing track conditions and tire behavior.
Expect red flags and safety cars, a common occurrence on street circuits. Last year, Max Verstappen claimed victory, with Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez rounding out the podium. Medium and hard tires were favored, with the medium compound being the optimal starting choice for most drivers.
F1 History in the U.S.
The Las Vegas GP is the 79th Formula 1 race in the U.S., tying the country with Germany and the U.K. for second-most Grand Prix events, behind Italy’s 107 races.
Notable stats:
- Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen lead with six wins each on American soil.
- Ferrari holds the record for most victories in the U.S. with 14 wins, following Charles Leclerc’s triumph in Austin.
Ferrari’s Weekend Extravaganza
Beyond Formula 1, Ferrari will host the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli North America series, featuring 35 drivers competing in the Ferrari 296 Challenge. This event, also powered by Pirelli tires, adds another layer of excitement to the Las Vegas spectacle.
Anticipation Builds
As the countdown begins, the Las Vegas GP promises a weekend full of thrills, strategic battles, and potentially a new champion. Will Red Bull seize the spotlight and celebrate their dominance, or will surprises shake up the standings?
