Racing Drama and High Stakes Light Up the Strip
The Las Vegas Grand Prix is back, delivering its signature spectacle under the neon glow of the Strip. While the inaugural 2023 race dazzled with its A-list crowd, great on-track battles and a manhole, 2024 promises even more drama, including a new Race Director, evolving team dynamics, and an electrifying fight for the constructors’ championship.
Reflecting on 2023’s Drama
Last year’s debut was a showstopper, with Max Verstappen clinching victory after a nail-biting duel against Charles Leclerc and Sergio Pérez. The high-speed course along Las Vegas Boulevard punished errors with unforgiving walls but rewarded bold overtakes. Off the track, the event’s entertainment value set a new standard, making it the most talked-about race of the season.
Changes for 2024
This season, Rui Marques steps in as the new Race Director, succeeding Niels Wittich. Marques, known for his experience in F2 and F3, takes charge of the challenging Las Vegas circuit, a venue notorious for its complex overtaking zones and technical demands. With drivers closely watching Marques’ debut, tensions are already high.
Constructors’ Championship Showdown
The team battle is fierce, with McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull in a three-way fight for the constructors’ title. McLaren holds a slim 36-point lead, but Ferrari and Red Bull remain within striking distance. Further down the field, Alpine’s recent double podium in Brazil adds intrigue to the battle for sixth place, with Williams aiming to replicate their strong Las Vegas showing from last year.
Drivers’ Futures in Flux
Gabriel Bortoleto’s confirmed Sauber seat for 2025 has left current drivers scrambling for opportunities. Meanwhile, Williams and Haas remain locked in critical fights, adding personal stakes to an already high-pressure weekend.
The 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix combines edge-of-your-seat racing, strategic stakes, and Vegas-style entertainment. Will it surpass its dramatic debut? One thing’s certain—this is a must-watch race weekend
Fast Facts (Courtesy of formula1.com)
- First Grand Prix – 2023
- Track Length – 6.201km
- Lap record – 1m 35.490s, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, 2023
- Most pole positions – Charles Leclerc (1)
- Most wins – Max Verstappen (1)
- Trivia – F1 previously staged two races in Las Vegas in the early 1980s under the Caesars Palace Grand Prix moniker
- Pole run to Turn 1 braking point – 150 metres
- Safety Car probability – 100%
- Pit stop time loss – 20.5 seconds (including 2.5s stop)
Weekend Schedule
F1 Las Vegas GP
👉 Qualifying: Saturday, November 23rd at 1:00 am EST
👉 Race: Sunday, November 24th at 1:00 am EST
IMAGES: F1
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