5 Best Moments in Formula 1’s Las Vegas Grand Prix History
The excitement is palpable as the 2024 Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix approaches. Racing fans are eager to see the spectacle return to the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit. The 2023 event was a dazzling showcase, but it’s not the first time Formula 1 has captured the imagination of Las Vegas. From the Caesars Palace parking lot in the early 1980s to the modern-day spectacle, Formula 1 in Sin City has produced unforgettable moments shaping the sport’s history. Let’s revisit five iconic moments from Las Vegas’s Formula 1 legacy.
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1. Alan Jones Wins the 1981 Caesars Palace Grand Prix
The inaugural Caesars Palace Grand Prix in 1981 was as unique as it was challenging. The circuit, built in the parking lot of Caesars Palace, was unconventional and required incredible skill to navigate its tight turns and flat layout.
This race was the season’s final event, with the championship on the line. While Nelson Piquet claimed his first Drivers’ Championship that day, the race belonged to Alan Jones. In what turned out to be his last career victory, the Australian driver delivered a flawless performance for Williams. Leading from the start, Jones dominated the field, showcasing his expertise and determination. His victory cemented the 1981 Caesars Palace Grand Prix as a historic chapter in Formula 1 lore.
2. Michele Alboreto’s First Career Win (1982)
The 1982 Caesars Palace Grand Prix was a high-stakes race that capped off one of the most chaotic and competitive seasons in Formula 1 history. With 11 winners across 16 races, the championship saw Alain Prost and Keke Rosberg battle fiercely until the end.
Michele Alboreto, driving for Tyrrell-Ford, shocked the paddock by claiming his first-ever Formula 1 victory. Starting fourth on the grid, the young Italian showed maturity beyond his years, maintaining composure and executing a well-timed strategy to outmaneuver the more experienced drivers. Alboreto’s win was a defining moment in his career and added another layer of unpredictability to the 1982 season.
3. Formula 1 Returns with the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix
After a 41-year absence, Formula 1 returned to Las Vegas in 2023, and it did so in style. The Las Vegas Grand Prix was unlike anything the sport had seen before. Held under the dazzling neon lights of the Strip, the race took place on a purpose-built street circuit featuring long straights, tight corners, and an atmosphere that only Las Vegas could deliver.
The event was a celebration of speed and spectacle. Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, showcased his dominance yet again. Despite facing a five-second penalty for a racing incident, Verstappen surged back through the field to claim victory. His win epitomized the resilience and grit that has defined his career.
The race was also a masterclass in fan engagement, with the city hosting concerts, parties, and celebrity-studded events throughout the weekend. This began a new chapter for Formula 1 in the United States.
4. Charles Leclerc’s Daring Last-Lap Overtake (2023)
While Verstappen may have taken the 2023 win, the moment fans couldn’t stop talking about was Charles Leclerc’s audacious last-lap overtake on Sergio Pérez. Leclerc’s move to claim second place in a race filled with drama was nothing short of spectacular.
As the race reached its climax, Leclerc’s Ferrari was locked in a fierce battle with Pérez’s Red Bull. Leclerc seized an opening on the final lap and boldly maneuvered, breathtakingly overtaking Pérez. This moment highlighted Leclerc’s tenacity and skill, adding to the excitement of an already unforgettable race.
5. Max Verstappen’s Triumph at the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix
After a hiatus of over four decades, Formula 1 returned to Las Vegas in 2023 with a spectacular night race on the Las Vegas Strip Circuit. The event was highly anticipated, and it did not disappoint. Max Verstappen, driving for Red Bull Racing, clinched victory in a race filled with drama and excitement. Starting from second on the grid, Verstappen faced stiff competition from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and teammate Sergio Pérez. Despite a five-second penalty for an early incident, Verstappen regained the lead and secured the win, marking a significant moment in his illustrious career.024
As the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix draws near, expectations are sky-high. With a race format designed to maximize excitement and a venue that embodies the pinnacle of luxury and entertainment, it promises to be another unforgettable chapter in Formula 1 history. From the Caesars Palace days to the modern-day spectacle, Las Vegas has become a unique and vital part of the Formula 1 story.
Will 2024 deliver another iconic moment to join this illustrious list? One thing is sure: the world will be watching, and Las Vegas will deliver.
