Wolff warns Mercedes crews: 'Stay away from the casinos!’

©Mercedes

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Toto Wolff has warned members of the Mercedes team that Las Vegas’ casinos will be off limits as he ensures that everyone remains focused on the job at hand this week.

Formula 1 has set up shop in the City of Lights and is ready to dazzle race fans with perhaps the greatest spectacle Vegas has ever enjoyed.

As drivers tackle the vibrant 6.2km street circuit, they will speed down the city’s famous Strip and past iconic landmarks such as Caesars Palace, the Bellagio Fountains, MSG Sphere, and the Mirage.

The event is an enticing opportunity for fans who can immerse themselves in the allure of Sin City, savoring its glitz, glamour, and gambling scene while witnessing thrilling high-speed action.

Read also: Mercedes prepping for ‘immense’ on and off-track effort in Vegas

But as far Wolff is concerned, it will be business as usual next weekend, meaning everyone must approach the weekend with the same level of diligence, dedication and focus that they apply at any other venue.

For good measure, the Austrian has implemented a strict policy prohibiting team members from engaging in any form of gambling within the hotels.

“I've never been to Las Vegas, but we'll do our best to make sure everyone in the team stays away from the casinos,” Wolff said. “I don't gamble and I'll make sure no one else gambles either!”

©Mercedes

Beyond Vegas’ extraneous influences, Wolff is looking forward to this week’s show, although the Mercedes boss is expecting to deal with a few logistical issues.

"I think everyone is looking forward to the Las Vegas race,” he added. “Racing in this city is comparable to climbing Everest, hats off to Liberty Media for organising this race.

“I don't think I'm the only one in Formula 1 who has never been to this city, which is quite difficult to get around.

“We don't know how to get from the hotel to the circuit and back, but I'm sure we'll find a solution. I'm looking forward to the race.”

©Mercedes

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was also a bit apprehensive about the weekend’s logistics.

"I just don't understand how we're gonna move around that place, I don't even understand how we're gonna get from the track to the hotel," he told Sky Sports.

"It's going to be such a compact spot with so many people, but it's gonna be a wild experience.

“The best thing is just to go with an open mind and not have any pre-determined ideas of what it's going to be like and just take it all in when you get there.

“Driving in the nightlights I'm going to feel like I'm in the Casino movie! It’s pretty cool.”

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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.