Lewis Hamilton has addressed his concerns about the new Las Vegas GP. It has been confirmed that F1 will host three races in the US in 2023, with the introduction of a race in Sin City, along with the Texas and Miami Grand Prix events.
The world-renowned settings of the Las Vegas Strip, featuring its many famous hotels, casinos and known for it's party-like atmosphere, will be hosting a night race starting next season. Fans were busy posting their reactions to the announcement on social media, while F1 used their social media account to post a video of the current line-up providing their thoughts.
Seven-time champion Hamilton, joked he won’t be able to focus on the race with Las Vegas with all the extra-curricular activities going on around him. "Knowing that it's a real party city, it's difficult for a racing driver! How am I going to focus that weekend? There's going to be so much going on," the seven-time champion said.
Hamilton also expressed what most of his rivals on the grid will be thinking, saying: "It's going to be pretty hardcore." McLaren star Daniel Ricciardo has claimed that he was planning to "retire" from F1 before finding out a race in Las Vegas will be added to the sport's calendar.
"I was gonna retire, I will not no more," Ricciardo said, with it unclear whether or not he was joking about walking away later this year. The Las Vegas Grand Prix occurred in 1981 and 1982, but 2023 will be the first time the drivers will race along the Las Vegas Strip in the 50-lap outing.
The track will run for 3.8 miles while featuring three straights, a high-speed cornering sequence and a single chicane section. The 14-turn track should help those across the grid reach eye-watering speeds of around 212mph. F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali is delighted F1 will be expanding its market in the States.
"This is an incredible moment for Formula 1 that demonstrates the huge appeal and growth of our sport with a third race in the US," he gushed. "Las Vegas is a destination known around the world for its excitement, hospitality, thrills, and of course, the famous Strip.
"There is no better place for Formula 1 to race than in the global entertainment capital of the world and we cannot wait to be here next year. I want to thank everyone who helped deliver this event, especially Governor Sisolak, the Clark County Commission, Steve Hill at the LVCVA, and our local partners."
