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Las Vegas takes big step towards 'lifetime partnership' with F1

A Las Vegas county commission has adopted a resolution that recognizes the city's F1 circuit layout along the Strip and the event itself for a period of ten years, or until 2032

Next November, Las Vegas will host the 22nd round of the 2023 F1 World Championship and the first race in Sin City since 1982.

But this time around, instead of racing on a makeshift track laid out in the parking lot of the Caesar's Palace Hotel, Formula 1 will compete on a proper circuit developed by Tilke GmbH, the sport's resident architects, that will feature a portion of Vegas' famous Strip.

The gambling capital of the world is contracted to Formula 1 for a period of three years, but both parties are eager to extend that partnership to a ten-year period.

The first step towards such an accord was taken on Tuesday, when Vegas' Clark County Commission unanimously approved recognizing the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix as an annual event for at least 10 years.

©Formula1

"We anticipate a lifetime together in partnership," commission Chairman Jim Gibson said.

"This will open the pathway to be able to do it for at least 10 years. Beyond that I’m sure those who succeed us will see the volume in what we’ve done and continue it forever."

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The resolution also included an ordonnance that will allow the race to use public and private ways in Vegas as well as the Strip between Sahara and Tropicana avenues during days and times not normally allowed by the city, due to traffic issues that would occur as a result.

Clark County has committed to working with race officials to set up the race each year. Circuit work will unfold over five days, from the Wednesday to the Sunday before race week.

The building site of the Las Vegas GP's paddock and pit complex.

The build-out will include a vast 300,000 square-foot paddock and hospitality area located at Harmon and Koval Lane where the track's pits and start-finish line will also be situated.

"The clock is ticking and the months are flipping by on the calendar," commented Terry Miller, the project manager for the Las Vegas Grand Prix. "We’re on schedule and expect an exciting event in November.

"We’re very proud of what we’re doing. This obviously provides labour for construction, but also for the operation of the event itself.

"The impact the Las Vegas Grand Prix brings to our community is very significant."

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.