Photo: Ethan Miller - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images
Formula 1 is back in Las Vegas after four decades.
On Thursday, the racing organization officiallyannouncedthat it’s adding the Las Vegas Grand Prix to its calendar for the 2023 season. The street race will take place on a Saturday night next November, a change from the typical race schedule of Sunday morning races.
With the expansion of the sport to Las Vegas, F1 now has three American events. They include Florida’sMiami Grand Prix, which was announced last April, and the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.
“Being able to add a third U.S. race to the F1 calendar is a great sign of the huge rise in popularity the sport has enjoyed in the country over recent years, and what better place to bring the sport to than Las Vegas,” F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali tells PEOPLE of the announcement.
Ethan Miller - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images
“As the global entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas has all the ingredients for the perfect F1 venue as we embark on this exciting new era of the sport,” Domenicali tells PEOPLE. “We have already seen how excited the drivers and fans are about going to Vegas, and with the racetrack winding through the iconic Strip, it’s easy to see why.”
“We can’t wait to get started here in 2023, experience the brand-new circuit and bring the huge benefits to the local communities that come with an F1 event,” he adds.
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This time around, the circuit will take place on Las Vegas' streets, with over a mile going through the Strip.
Mercedes-AMG driverLewis Hamiltoncalled the move “pretty hardcore” in a video with F1.
“Knowing it’s a real party city, it’s difficult for a racing driver to focus that weekend,” he said while laughing. “There’s going to be so much going on.”
Added Hamilton’s teammate, George Russell: “I cannot imagine what it’s going to be like, it’s going to be absolutely madness — let’s go!”
source: people.com
