Ricciardo: 'I was going to retire – I will not no more!'

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F1 drivers have reacted with overwhelming enthusiasm to the news that they will be racing in Las Vegas in 2023, with McLaren's Daniel Ricciardo joking that the event has forced him to push back his retirement.

Formula 1 will set up shop along Vegas' famous Strip in November of next year, the sport returning to Sin City 41 years after its unsuccessful attempt to establish a race in the gambling capital of the world.

Las Vegas will sit alongside Miami and Austin on Grand Prix racing's calendar as a third race hosted by the United States.

In a first for F1, the race will take place on Saturday night which will only add to the the glittering and sparkling excitement.

"It's going to be a pretty hardcore event," said seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. "Knowing that it's a rea party city, it's difficult for a racing driver. How are we going to focus that weekend?"

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen reckons a few drivers might wake up on race day the worse for wear.

"I think a few drivers might not wake up for the race itself," said the Red Bull charger. "Let's not do a back-to-back for this one. Let's give it like two weeks break before and after!"

Valtteri Bottas has promised to be on his best behaviour in the neon city next year, contrary to his last visit.

"I've been once to Vegas," said the Finn. When I left I said 'never again'. But I'm coming back, and I might to behave better than I did last time".

AlphaTauri's Pierre Gasly said that he can't wait to blast down the strip, insisting "that gonna be insaaaane!"

Lando Norris isn't dismissing hitting the roulette tables and throwing a few chips on his favourite number: "Red and black, baby! All my earnings will be going on number 4."

And Ricciardo says racing in Las Vegas is a career-changing event as far as he is concerned.

"I was going to retire, said the Aussie. "I will not no more!"

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