Las Vegas set for 2023 F1 return

F1 is set to add a third race in the United States to its 2023 calendar with the return of Las Vegas, GPFans can confirm.

The sport's growing popularity under US owners Liberty Media has resulted in lengthy discussions over the past 12 months with officials from the Nevada city who are keen to take advantage of the momentum.

This year the Miami Grand Prix joins F1's burgeoning calendar on a 10-year contract, helping swell the programme to a record 23 races that includes the United States GP in Austin, Texas.

With Las Vegas due to be confirmed before the start of this season, and with Qatar also embarking on its own 10-year deal from next year, that would push the calendar to its limit of 25 mandated under the current Concorde Agreement.

The exact logistics of the event are currently being finalised, with all parties keen on using Las Vegas' famous Strip as part of the circuit.

Involved in the talks are Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority president and CEO Steve Hill, along with the Nevada state governor Steve Sisolak.

The nature of the track is seen as crucial to the hoped-for success of an event that was derided when F1 last visited the city for two races in 1981 and 1982.

Run under the banner of the 'Caesars Palace Grand Prix', a temporary circuit was set up in the parking lot of the renowned hotel.

The race, however, lacked spectacle and due to small crowds ran at a significant loss over the two years, leading to its swift withdrawal.

Forty years later, F1 is a very different organisation, particularly under Liberty Media that has revamped the business model since it took over from Bernie Ecclestone in early 2017.

That has resulted in a clamour from countries around the world queueing up to join the bandwagon and play host.

F1 has long targeted the United States, however, and with three races in the country next year, its wish will be fulfilled.

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