What Is The Route Of The F1 Race In Vegas?

The F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix takes place on a street circuit that winds through the iconic Las Vegas Strip. The 6.201 km (3.8 mile) track features 17 corners and incorporates famous landmarks like Caesars Palace and the Bellagio. Drivers navigate a challenging mix of high-speed straights and tight turns.

The circuit layout promises excitement for both racers and spectators. With three long straights, cars can reach top speeds over 340 km/h (211 mph). The track’s design encourages overtaking, potentially leading to thrilling wheel-to-wheel action between competitors like Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and Lando Norris.

At 50 laps, the race covers a total distance of 310 km (192.6 miles). The combination of fast sections and technical corners tests drivers’ skills and car setups. As one of the fastest tracks on the F1 calendar, the Las Vegas circuit joins legendary venues like Monza in showcasing Formula 1’s raw speed and power.

With expert analysis from High Roller, let’s take a spin around this electrifying circuit and uncover the twists and turns that make the Las Vegas Grand Prix a must-watch event on the F1 calendar.

The Las Vegas Strip Circuit – An Overview

The Las Vegas Strip Circuit is a 6.201-kilometer street track designed for Formula 1 racing. It features 17 turns and runs counterclockwise through iconic locations in Las Vegas.

The circuit boasts three notable straights, with the longest measuring 1.92 kilometers along Las Vegas Boulevard. This stretch offers drivers views of famous landmarks like the Venetian, Mirage, and Bellagio Fountains.

F1 transformed a former parking lot into the pit and paddock area, which houses the start/finish line and the first four turns. From there, drivers speed down Koval Lane before navigating around the MSG Sphere.

The track layout incorporates parts of Sands Avenue and East Harmon Avenue. It passes by several well-known casinos and hotels, including Caesars Palace and Paris Las Vegas with its Eiffel Tower replica.

With high average speeds expected, the Las Vegas Strip Circuit promises exciting racing action. Its design aims to showcase the city’s glamour while providing a challenging course for F1 drivers.

Turn 1

Turn 1 of the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit is a tight hairpin located 218 yards (200 meters) from the starting grid. This corner played a pivotal role in the 2023 race, setting the stage for intense action right from the start.

Max Verstappen of Red Bull seized the lead from pole-sitter Charles Leclerc as they entered Turn 1. Both drivers pushed the limits, running wide through the corner in their battle for position.

The hairpin’s challenging nature sparked incidents throughout the field. Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin spun in the middle of the pack, while a collision occurred between Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez.

Carlos Sainz added to the drama, spinning his Ferrari after contact with Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes. These events highlighted Turn 1’s significance as a crucial point for overtaking attempts and potential race-altering moments.

Turns 2-4

Turns 2-4 form a challenging sequence on the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit. The section begins with Turn 2, a left-hand bend on East Harmon Avenue. Drivers rapidly accelerate from 100 to 145 mph as they navigate this portion of the track.

Turn 3, known as Club, is a right-hand curve that immediately follows. This quick change of direction tests drivers’ reflexes and car control. The sequence requires rapid gear changes, with drivers shifting from third to sixth gear in quick succession.

Turn 4 completes this trio of corners, leading onto a short straight along Koval Lane. This area proved eventful in the previous race, with Lewis Hamilton making a bold overtaking move on Yuki Tsunoda’s AlphaTauri around the outside.

After exiting Turn 4, drivers encounter the first DRS zone of the circuit. This activation area runs past the South Koval Zone by Heineken® and the Flamingo Zone by Caesars Rewards, offering potential overtaking opportunities on the following straight.

Turn 5G

Turn 5G marks a critical point on the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit. Drivers approach this corner at high speed after the Koval Straightaway, requiring a sharp deceleration. The right-hander demands precision, with cars slowing to around 65 mph (104 kph) to navigate the second-gear turn.

This corner sits within the vibrant T-Mobile Zone at Sphere, offering spectators a prime viewing location. In 2023, fans witnessed drama as Alex Albon’s collision with the wall during Free Practice 3 brought out the red flag.

Turn 5G presents an opportunity for brave overtaking maneuvers. The 2023 race saw Oscar Piastri showcase his skill, executing a daring pass on Pierre Gasly’s Alpine to claim third position following a Safety Car restart on lap 29.

The corner’s layout and positioning make it a focal point for both drivers and fans. Its technical nature, combined with the festive atmosphere, adds an extra layer of excitement to the Las Vegas street circuit.

Turns 6-8

The F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit features a thrilling sequence from Turns 6 to 8. As cars exit Sands Avenue, they accelerate rapidly towards Turn 6. This long left-hander sees drivers reaching eighth gear, with speeds nearing 160 mph (257 kph).

The action intensifies at the Turn 7-8 chicane. This slow-speed complex challenges drivers’ precision and timing. Braking points are hard to spot, leading to frequent errors.

One notable moment occurred during the race when Esteban Ocon executed a skillful overtake. He passed Logan Sargeant on the inside of this chicane, moving up to sixth place on lap 14.

The T-Mobile Zone at Sphere offers fans an excellent vantage point. Spectators can witness cars accelerating into Turn 6 and navigating the tricky chicane that follows.

This section of the track demands a mix of high-speed courage and technical finesse from drivers. It’s a critical area where time can be gained or lost in qualifying and races.

Turn 9

Turn 9 marks a crucial point on the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit. Drivers exit this corner onto Sands Avenue, accelerating rapidly. The massive Exosphere looms overhead, providing a spectacular backdrop. In 2023, it displayed a checkered flag animation on the final lap, adding to the visual spectacle.

This turn saw some notable action during the inaugural race. Lewis Hamilton overtook Alex Albon here in an exciting battle for 11th position. Albon struggled through the corner, allowing Hamilton to make his move.

The area around Turn 9 combines high-speed racing with the glitz of Las Vegas. Drivers must navigate the corner precisely before unleashing their cars’ power on the straight. This section of track demands focus and skill from competitors as they vie for position.

Turns 10-11

The F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit features a high-speed section at Turns 10 and 11. These corners form a chicane on Westchester Drive, challenging drivers with rapid direction changes.

Drivers approach this sequence at full throttle in eighth gear. The cars snake between two famous Las Vegas landmarks – Wynn Las Vegas and The Venetian.

At the apex of Turn 11, vehicles reach speeds of approximately 180 mph (289 kph). This flat-out section demands precision and confidence from drivers as they navigate the quick left-right combination.

Immediately after Turn 11, drivers face a heavy braking zone for the upcoming left-hander at Turn 12. This transition leads racers onto the renowned Las Vegas Boulevard, a highlight of the circuit.

The layout of Turns 10-11 showcases the blend of speed and technical skill required in Formula 1 racing. It also highlights how the track incorporates iconic Vegas sights into its design.

Turn 12

Turn 12 is a quick left-hander on the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit. It played a significant role in the 2023 race, witnessing two major incidents that led to Safety Car deployments.

Lando Norris lost control of his McLaren at this corner after just three racing laps. His mistake triggered the first Safety Car period of the event.

Later in the race, Turn 12 saw another dramatic moment. Max Verstappen and George Russell collided here, necessitating another Safety Car deployment.

The corner’s importance extends beyond its potential for incidents. Drivers must nail their exit from Turn 12 to maximize speed on the subsequent long straight down The Strip.

This left-hander presents a challenging balance of risk and reward. Pushing too hard can lead to mistakes, while a cautious approach may cost valuable time on the following straight.

Turn 13

Turn 13 presents a high-speed kink on the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit. It sits about a third of the way along the iconic Strip, preceding the track’s second DRS activation zone.

After navigating this turn, drivers rocket down a straight adorned with dazzling Las Vegas landmarks. The Flamingo, Bellagio’s famous fountains, and the Paris hotel provide a glittering backdrop.

Spectators at the Caesars Palace Experience grandstand are treated to the fastest section of the entire track here. F1 cars blast past at blistering speeds, often surpassing 210 mph (337 kph). This stretch showcases the raw power and speed of Formula 1 machinery against Vegas’s neon-lit cityscape.

Turn 14

Turn 14 played a pivotal role in the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix. This corner saw multiple lead changes that kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout the race.

On lap 16, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc made a bold move at Turn 14, overtaking Max Verstappen to claim first place. The battle continued as the race progressed, with Sergio Perez seizing the lead from Leclerc on lap 32.

The drama didn’t end there. Leclerc fought back, reclaiming the top spot just three laps later. However, Verstappen wouldn’t be denied, as he powered past Leclerc on lap 37 to secure victory in the race.

Turn 14 had one final surprise in store. On the last lap, Leclerc executed a thrilling pass on Sergio Perez to capture second place. This daring maneuver, subjecting Leclerc to 7G of deceleration force, earned him the 2023 Overtake of the Year award.

The action at Turn 14 exemplified the excitement and competitiveness of Formula 1 racing on the Las Vegas street circuit.

Turns 15-16

Turns 15 and 16 form a challenging sequence on the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit. These corners require precise steering and braking control from drivers as they navigate the final sector.

Turn 15 is a right-hander that leads into the left-hand Turn 16. This section demands careful throttle application to maintain speed while avoiding oversteer.

Drivers must position their cars accurately for a smooth transition through both apexes. The racing line here is critical for carrying momentum onto the following straight.

In 2023, this area saw notable incidents. Lewis Hamilton and Oscar Piastri collided, resulting in tire punctures for both drivers. The proximity to the pit lane entrance adds an extra layer of strategy and risk.

Piastri’s attempt to pit after the contact led to a dramatic shower of sparks along the track. This incident highlighted the potential for last-minute decisions to impact race outcomes in this section.

The West Harmon Grandstand offers spectators a prime view of these turns and any pit lane drama that may unfold.

Turn 17

Turn 17 marks the final corner of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit. It’s a high-speed left-hander that drivers tackle at full throttle. Cars reach speeds of 195 mph (313 kph) through this flat-out turn.

The corner follows the 1.92km straight, one of the longest on the F1 calendar. This allows drivers to build up significant momentum before entering Turn 17.

Lewis Hamilton showcased the overtaking potential of this corner during the race. He executed a bold move on Pierre Gasly’s Alpine, going side-by-side through the apex. This gutsy maneuver secured Hamilton ninth place with just five laps remaining.

Turn 17’s layout encourages close racing and last-minute passing attempts. Its high-speed nature demands precision and bravery from drivers as they battle for position in the final moments of the Grand Prix.

Las Vegas Strip Circuit Track Map