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

©Formula1

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!"

Formula 1 confirms Saturday night race in Las Vegas in 2023!

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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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.