Formula 1 to add Las Vegas Grand Prix to calendar from next year

F1 is heading to Vegas

F1 has confirmed it will hold a Grand Prix in Las Vegas in 2023 - the third race to take place in the United States next year. A 3.8-mile track, which will partly run along the city's iconic Strip, was unveiled as part of the announcement, which was made in the early hours of Thursday morning. https://twitter.com/F1/status/1509358902420598785

Las Vegas Grand Prix to take place at night

The 50-lap race will take place on a Saturday night in November, meaning viewers in the UK and the rest of Europe will be able to watch live early on a Sunday morning due to the eight-hour time difference. F1 organisers have long been trying to arrange a race in Las Vegas that incorporates part of the Strip, so the announcement marks a significant moment for the sport's owners, Liberty Media.

F1 president on Las Vegas Grand Prix announcement

"This is an incredible moment for F1 that demonstrates the huge appeal and growth of our sport with a third race in the US," said F1 president Stefano Domenicali.

"Las Vegas is a destination known around the world for its excitement, hospitality, thrills, and of course, the famous Strip," he added.

"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."

Domenicali was in Vegas for the announcement along with Liberty Media chairman and chief executive officer Greg Maffei.

Third Grand Prix in the US in 2023

The addition of the Las Vegas Grand Prix means there will now be three races taking place on US soil next year. The US Grand Prix will take place in Austin, Texas, while another new race in Miami, scheduled to make its debut in May, is also on the cards.

F1 drivers react to the announcement

As part of the announcement, F1 posted video of the moment they broke the news to some of the drivers. "Knowing that it's a real part city, it's going to be difficult for a racing driver to focus that weekend," joked Lewis Hamilton. "There's going to be so much going on." https://twitter.com/F1/status/1509373402347601925