Las Vegas hosts Formula 1 launch party ahead of return to calendar

Las Vegas returns to the Formula 1 calendar in 2023 and on Saturday the famous Strip was closed down to host a glitzy launch party, one year before the grand prix will take place in the ‘city that never sleeps’.

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes team-mate George Russell were joined by Red Bull’s Sergio Perez and Williams’ Alex Albon to kick things off, with demo runs up and down the Strip, plus the painting of the starting line, fan activities and much more.

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali was joined on stage by Liberty Media’s Greg Maffei to start the countdown to the launch party which was hosted at Caesars Palace – location of the most recent F1 race in Las Vegas.

The drivers were on hand to wow the crowds with demo laps as the sun set on the Strip. Both Hamilton and Russell got behind the wheel, completing donuts and high-speed runs between Caesars Palace and Planet Hollywood – part of which will make up the circuit next year.

There were plenty of fans there to witness the action, which did not disappoint.

A drone show lit up the night sky. Hundreds of drones formed the track layout before morphing into an F1 car.

The start/finish line was officially painted ahead of the launch party, marking the start of what will be a 14-corner, 6.12km circuit taking in some of Las Vegas’ most iconic landmarks and casinos. The race takes place on Saturday, November 18th next year.