Las Vegas Grand Prix: Find Out The Full Track Layout

06-11-2024

Image Source: Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix

So, this isn't F1's first rodeo in Vegas. Back in '81 and '82, they raced in the parking lot at Caesars Palace. But this time, it's a whole new ball game with a track that takes the drivers down some of the city's most iconic streets. You'll see cars zooming under pedestrian bridges, past monorail tracks, and right by the big casinos on the Strip, all on newly resurfaced roads that are smooth as glass and wide enough for some serious wheel-to-wheel action. They went through over 30 designs before settling on this final layout, and it took more than a year to set up all the infrastructure, including a brand-new permanent pit and paddock. So, will it be worth it? We think so. Here's a sneak peek at what the lap will look like.

Las Vegas Strip Circuit Track Info

Image Source: Reddit

• Top speed: 212mph
• Race distance: 310.05km
• Track length: 6.201km
• DRS zones: 2
• Straights: 3
• Corners: 17
• Laps: 50

Las Vegas Circuit Construction

The construction for the Las Vegas F1 track has really been a drag for the locals. The Strip has basically turned into one big construction zone. The Bellagio Fountains, a major Vegas landmark, have taken a hit. They had to cut down trees in front of the fountains to make space for grandstands, totally blocking the view for the public. Both the Bellagio Fountain and the Mirage Volcano will be shut down during the F1 event. To make things worse, they've drained the water at the Venetian to build a 'special platform' for guests to watch the race. Pedestrian bridges now have barriers and films for safety, but some folks think its just to stop people from getting a free view of the race.

Three temporary pedestrian bridges have been put up to help people get around, but they're not much comfort considering the huge disruption caused by the GP. A lot of locals are fed up with the traffic chaos and think the whole event is a waste of money. They can't wait for everything to go back to normal.

Track Layout Details

Image Source: Motor Sport Magazine

The track is a 6.201-kilometer street circuit that winds through the heart of Sin City, and it's all about that neon vibe. It's an anticlockwise circuit with 17 corners and a 1.92km straight, making it one of the fastest on the F1 calendar, with speeds similar to Italy's Monza. The start/finish line and the first few turns (1 to 4) are in a former parking lot that F1 bought for $240 million and turned into a high-tech pit and paddock area.

After that, drivers head to Koval Lane, experiencing a 1km straight from turn 4 to a hard braking zone at Westchester Drive (turn 5). Turns 6 to 9 take them around the new MSG Sphere, then they speed down Sands Avenue to turn 12. Between turns 12 and 14, there's a 1.92km straight with awesome views of the Las Vegas Strip, including spots like the Venetian, the Mirage, Caesars Palace, the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas, and the Bellagio Fountains. Finally, the track goes along East Harmon Avenue from turns 14 to 17, and then a left kink at turn 17 brings it back to the start/finish line.

Turns 1 and 2: Grandstand Gateway

The racetrack kicks off where an old car park used to be. But don't let that fool you it's now an entertainment hub packed with grandstands and a $500m pit and paddock complex, complete with the iconic F1 sign and the swanky Paddock Club for the ultimate race experience. The first corner is a tight left turn right after the short start-finish straight. Cars will be lined up all the way back to turn 17 on the grid, making for a quick dash to the entry point and plenty of action on the first lap. On a flying lap, cars will zoom through turn 17 and hit the start-finish line at nearly top speed, with a long DRS zone adding to the excitement for some bold overtaking moves. After the tight first corner, the track opens up into a wider second turn, giving off a double apex vibe. With grandstands all around, fans will get a close-up view, and drivers might even hear the crowd from inside their cars.

Turns 3 and 4: Sweeping Acceleration

Continuing through this section, the next two right-handers effectively combine into one long, sweeping curve. This configuration allows for a fluid transition, with drivers accelerating smoothly out onto Koval Lane. This 1 km straight is one of the longest on the F1 calendar, providing ample opportunity for high speeds and strategic overtakes. The combination of these turns into a single, continuous arc will test drivers' skill in maintaining speed and positioning as they prepare for the long straight ahead.

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Turn 5: Koval Lane Showcase

Here's where the new Las Vegas racetrack really shows off. Drivers will speed down Koval Lane toward this 90-degree turn, with the massive 112m-tall Sphere covered in LED lights coming into view a real challenge to stay focused. The corner itself is a classic 90-degree street track turn, leading into the second stadium-like complex on the circuit. This area has the cheapest tickets available, though they still cost a cool $500 for the weekend.

Turn 6, 7, 8, and 9: Sphere Complex

This part was supposed to be a big, smooth 180-degree corner, kinda like Turn 3 in Sochi. But now there's a chicane, so the track goes around the Sphere. Turn 6 flows into a sharp left-right, then a short straight into a tight left at Turn 9. After that, it's out of the complex and onto Sands Avenue, with the Sphere always in sight and the monorail tracks popping up on the right at the exit.

Turns 10 and 11: Sands Avenue Surge

As the cars accelerate down Sands Avenue, this flowing section of track sweeps right and then left, guiding drivers past the back of the Venetian resort. The backdrop for this segment is the curved Wynn Casino hotel, shimmering in gold and providing a striking visual as drivers navigate this dynamic part of the circuit. The sequence of turns requires precise handling to maintain speed while setting up for the critical upcoming corners that lead onto the Strip.

Turn 12: Strip Entry

This slow left-hander brings cars onto Las Vegas Boulevard, also known as The Strip, running alongside Treasure Island Hotel's famous pirate ship. This corner is pivotal as it sets the stage for one of the circuit's longest straights. Its width allows for multiple racing lines, making it a hotspot for strategic maneuvers. Drivers will aim to exit Turn 12 with optimal speed to maximize their acceleration onto the main straight, making this turn a crucial element in the overall race strategy.

Turn 13: Las Vegas Boulevard Sprint

This is the main event, with cars racing side-by-side down the Strip at full throttle on a nearly 2km stretch through the city. Turn 13 has a gentle curve that drivers will probably take flat out, hitting around 342kph. There might even be a DRS zone here. The views will be incredible, with neon lights and landmarks like the Venetian gondoliers, Eiffel Tower, Paris balloon on the left, and Bellagio Fountains and Mirage volcano on the right.

Turns 14, 15, and 16: Chicane Challenge

The Strip wraps up between Planet Hollywood and the Cosmopolitan, and this spot is going to be a hotspot for overtakes. Unlike the wide-open entry, this junction will have a chicane to really slow the cars down. Drivers will need to drop their speed fast to handle this tight section: a 90-degree left turn that quickly leads into a right and left kink, then back out onto East Harmon Avenue, where they'll floor it again on another straight.

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Turn 17: Harmon Avenue Finale

East Harmon Avenue, almost as long as Koval Lane will quickly see drivers back up to top speeds. The gentle left-hander at Turn 17 is unlikely to require significant deceleration, allowing cars to maintain momentum as they approach the start-finish line. This section is critical as it sets up the transition back into Turn 1 for another lap. The combination of high speed and the subtlety of the turn makes it a test of precision, ensuring that drivers can seamlessly flow into the next lap with minimal speed loss.

Conclusion

The Las Vegas Grand Prix promises an exhilarating addition to the F1 calendar, combining the glitz and glamour of Sin City with the high-octane thrill of Formula 1 racing. From the grandstand-filled entertainment zone at Turns 1 and 2 to the sweeping acceleration of Turns 3 and 4, each segment of the track has been meticulously designed to challenge drivers and captivate fans. With its unique blend of challenging turns, long straights, and breathtaking scenery, the Las Vegas Grand Prix is set to be a standout event. Whether you're a racing enthusiast or a casual observer, the race through the heart of Las Vegas will be an unforgettable spectacle, showcasing the very best of what Formula 1 and this iconic city have to offer.