Las Vegas' F1 History

As Formula One gears up to make its way to Las Vegas, it's important to remember that the city has hosted F1 races before. In 1981 and 1982, Las Vegas was home to two races. However, the sport's presence in the city was short-lived and unsuccessful.

A Track in a Car Park

The old F1 track was built on the car park of Caesar's Palace, a well-known casino in Las Vegas. The track's limited space forced drivers to navigate a twisty layout, resembling paper clips. Despite its unconventional design, spectators had a good view of most of the 1.125-mile-long course.

Challenges and Criticism

The Caesar's Palace Circuit faced numerous challenges and was considered the "least appealing" Grand Prix circuit by many drivers. The flat ground and three-foot high concrete barriers made it difficult for racers to gauge their surroundings. Former racer John Watson described the track as lacking reference points and unappealing.

Alan Jones and Michele Alboreto's Victories

Although the track received criticism, it did produce exciting races. Alan Jones claimed victory in 1981, while Michele Alboreto emerged as the winner in 1982. However, despite these thrilling moments, the attendance at the races did not rise, leading to a parting of ways between Caesar's Palace and F1.

From F1 to Indycar

Following the end of F1 races in Las Vegas, the track was transformed into an oval circuit for Indycar racing. However, this venture also had a short lifespan, with the track hosting its last race in 1984. The track was subsequently demolished to make way for a Polynesian-themed Mirage casino resort and a shopping centre.

The New Track and Wedding Opportunities

While the old track may be a thing of the past, Las Vegas is now preparing for a new F1 track, located on the other side of the Las Vegas Boulevard. The new track is considerably longer, spanning 3.8 miles, and will soon host the likes of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. Additionally, fans will have the unique opportunity to get married at the Las Vegas GP, with a chapel named 'Race To The Altar' featuring an F1 show car and a flower-adorned wall.