Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix event guide

One of the most hyped and unconventional Formula 1 Grands Prix has arrived with the sport taking to the streets of Las Vegas.

Unlike the previous time Formula 1 raced in the desert was 40 years ago when cars crawled around a car park, the 6.2km track is situated in the heart of Sin City.

The track has been designed with speed in mind as cars will fly past the lights of the famous Strip that is expected to rival Monza in terms of speed.

The Sphere will light up the streets of Las Vegas. Photo by Glenn Dunbar / LAT Images

It is promised to be a race like never before taking place under lights on a Saturday night with a TV on top of the brand-new pit building, an LED ball, an opening ceremony featuring Kylie Minogue just some of the attractions, while on track action goes beyond midnight local time.

The track itself opens with a stadium section in front of the purpose built pit building before a heavy braking left-handed hairpin.

Once the field flows through the following double right-hander they will charge down towards the Sphere where the opening DRS zone lies.

In front of the LED ball is a 90-degree right hander which is followed by a tight and technical chicane section.

From there, two sweepers and a tight left-hander brings drivers onto the iconic Strip where cars will go flat out for the best part of 2km.

All is set for the first ever Las Vegas Grand Prix. Image: Kevin Janson

In the distance lies a three-part chicane to complete the lap.

Everything points towards a spectacle as crazy as Monaco, so can the racing deliver?

As usual Max Verstappen is in winning form, having commenced yet another winning streak since falling short in the Singapore Grand Prix.

He has won the last five races since but did encounter some resistance from McLaren’s Lando Norris.

Norris hopes to continue his momentum to snatch fourth in the standings from Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin, who are rejuvenated from a famous, fighting podium in Interlagos.

The last time Formula 1 raced in Las Vegas was a slightly less spectacular setting in the Caesar’s Palace car park. Image: LAT Photographic

Just three points separate the pair in a battle that’s hotting up.

One driver who needs to make a big move is Lewis Hamilton. His pursuit of stealing second from Sergio Pérez took a major hit when the Mercedes went missing on Sunday in Brazil.

With racing to take place as the clock approaches midnight, track conditions will be frosty dipping to 10-13 degrees celsius.

This will present a challenge to drivers and engineers alike, while to negate this Pirelli has brought its softest compounds.

The coldest race ever remains the 1978 Canadian Grand Prix which dropped to as low as five degrees.

Download the full Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix event guide HERE with track stats and facts and a full event schedule, plus our extensive driver profiles.

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