It is time once again for a detailed look at the layout of the controversial track in Nevada, with F1 taking to the 6.2-kilometre, 17-turn street circuit this weekend.
Prior to last year's rocky return, the Las Vegas Grand Prix was previously held in 1982 in the parking lot of the Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino, but for the modern version of the event, the new track passes through the world-famous landmarks in Sin City similarly.
The circuit was designed by Tilke Engineers & Architects, founded by Hermann Tilke, a former racing driver and legendary circuit designer.
Tilke has designed several F1 circuits, including the Red Bull Ring, Austin's Circuit of the Americas (COTA), and the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore.
However, it is his son, Carsten Tilke, who was the mastermind behind the Las Vegas Strip track design, the construction of which is estimated to have cost around $500 million.
The 6.2-kilometre street circuit provides a thrilling ride, taking drivers through the heart of Sin City.
The circuit runs anticlockwise, featuring 17 corners and a 1.92km straight, making it one of the fastest tracks on the F1 calendar, with the lap record of 1:35.490 set by McLaren star Oscar Piastri at last year's event, the average speed 144.779 miles per hour.
The start/finish line and turns 1 to 4 are situated in a former parking lot that F1 purchased for a whopping $240 million and transformed into a state-of-the-art pit and plaza area.
As drivers exit the area and head to Koval Lane, they will experience a 1km straight from turn 4 until they reach a hard braking zone at Westchester Drive (turn 5).
Turns 6, 7, 8, and 9 will take drivers around the iconic Sphere before accelerating down Sands Avenue to turn 12.
Between turns 12 and 14, the track offers a 1.92km straight that provides drivers with stunning views of Las Vegas Boulevard, including iconic landmarks of the strip; the Venetian, the Mirage, Caesars Palace, the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, and the Bellagio Fountains.
Finally, the circuit will travel along East Harmon Avenue from turns 14 to 17, before the left kink of turn 17 takes it back to the start/finish line.
Track stats
- Number of laps: 50
- Number of corners: 17
- Number of straights: 3
- Number of DRS zones: 2
- Track length: 6.201km
- Race distance: 310.05km
- Top speed: 212mph
Track Construction
The Las Vegas F1 track construction drummed up significant complaints from locals last year, the track taking six months to construct in full. The ongoing disruption was reportedly cut down significantly ahead of this year's race, with the construction only taking three months.
The Bellagio Fountains, one of the most iconic sights in Las Vegas, were especially hard hit this time last year as the trees in front of the fountains had been cut down to make way for grandstands, which completely blocked the view of the fountains for the public.
Both the Bellagio Fountain and the Mirage Volcano shows were closed during the 2023 race weekend, and to add insult to injury, the water in the Venetian was drained to create a 'special platform' for guests to watch the race.
For 2024, the Bellagio will also host the drivers post-race interview following Sunday's night race, before the stars of F1 will then be expected to drive back to the main part of the track for the podium celebrations.
Pedestrian bridges in Las Vegas have caused the majority of the controversy this time around, with a law now reportedly in place that legally stops pedestrians from congregating on the bridges. Regardless of whether fans are allowed to stop and watch the show-stopping event from such platforms, the view from the main pedestrian bridge at the track has been boarded up with metal sheets to prevent viewing the on-track action.
Many Vegas locals expressed frustration over the traffic congestion brought about by the F1 race last year, believing the entire event to be a waste of money, with frustrations spilling over into this year's proceedings, with local businesses continuing to declare that F1's presence on the strip has hurt their earnings.