More than an open secret, it was a tune, a hum that was repeated in the subconscious through the voice of Elvis Presley, the real one, or any of his imitators in white suits and generous sideburns: “Long live Vegas!” Formula 1 officially confirmed this Wednesday night, Thursday already in European time, that it will run in the casino city of Nevada in 2023. Perhaps the untimely announcement is another good way of explaining this historic grand prix that is on its way: the race, possibly the penultimate on the next calendar, will be held at night on a Saturday in November, so the fan Old continent will have to stay up late in the purest NBA style. Sleep will be for cowards.
Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, personally traveled to Las Vegas for the presentation event that the championship was responsible for enlivening in the previous hours. The circuit will be urban, again, any resemblance to the one that hosted two grand prizes in 1981 and 1982 in front of Caesars Palace will be purely coincidental, although it will tour the most iconic casinos. At first glance, it reminds of projects like Sochi. It is signed by Tilke. Three straights, 14 corners, 3.8 miles of course (6.12 kilometres, one of the longest on the calendar) and tops of 340 kilometers per hour.
“There is no better place for F1 than the entertainment capital of the world”
The 2023 Las Vegas GP, as AS reported three weeks ago, will be the third race on North American soil next year after the Miami GP (which comes in May 2022) and the United States GP in Austin. Among the novelties, it will be Formula 1 itself who, through Live Nation (linked to Liberty Media), exercises the functions of promoter of the grand prize. There will not be a third party directly managing the organization of the event, as is the case with the other twenty grand prizes on the calendar. A calendar that, by the way, is dangerously close to the 24 races agreed as a limit, so there will be casualties. Spain is guaranteed its presence until 2026.
Domenicali said: “This is an incredible moment for F1 that demonstrates its enormous appeal and the growth of our sport. Las Vegas is a destination renowned around the world for excitement and hospitality, There is no better place for F1 than the entertainment capital of the world.” Greg Maffei, President of Liberty Media, picks up the gauntlet: “Las Vegas and F1 are the perfect marriage of freedom and glamour. Our confidence in this unique opportunity is evident, which is why we decided to take on the role of promoter of the Las Vegas GP alongside with Live Nation. We couldn’t be more excited.” Let Monaco tremble. Long live Vegas!