History of Formula 1 Las Vegas: The Rich History of Formula 1 in Las Vegas

The Las Vegas Grand Prix is set to return to its former glory in 2023 after decades away. Formula 1 racing has a long and storied history on the iconic Las Vegas Strip dating back to the early days of the sport. As excitement builds for F1's big comeback, let's look back at the fascinating story of the pinnacle of motorsports in Sin City.

The Caesars Palace Grand Prix - Las Vegas' First Taste of F1

Las Vegas' first-ever F1 race took place in 1981 and 1982 in the parking lot of the famous Caesars Palace hotel. These original races were known as the Caesars Palace Grand Prix.

The 3.65-mile circuit wound its way through the Caesars Palace property, providing viewers with a quintessential Vegas backdrop. The track layout was surprisingly technical for a makeshift course, favoring driver skill over outright power.

The inaugural 1981 race produced a epic duel between world champions Alan Jones and Carlos Reutemann, with Jones ultimately prevailing in his Williams. The 1982 running saw Michele Alboreto capture victory for Tyrrell after a spirited drive.

The Caesars Palace GP drew rave reviews and established F1 racing's viability in Las Vegas. Huge crowds packed grandstands near the paddock at Caesars, and the city welcomed the influx of European fans. The race put Vegas on the global motorsports map.

Logistical Challenges Force F1's Departure After 1982

Despite the Caesars Palace Grand Prix successfully showcasing Formula 1 in Las Vegas, logistical hurdles forced its premature departure after just two runnings.

Several factors contributed to ending the Vegas race:

• Soaring costs to construct the temporary circuit each year
• Disruptions to Caesars Palace guests and operations
• Limited track time due to quick build requirements
• Scorching heat in the June race dates
• Sub-optimal TV coverage due to Vegas not being a permanent track

The massive costs and infrastructural needs ultimately rendered the race economically unfeasible to continue. But the city had gotten its first adrenaline-pumping taste of Formula 1 action.

IndyCar Emerges for Series of Races in the 1990s

Following a decade-long absence, major open-wheel racing returned to Las Vegas in the form of IndyCar in the late 1980s through mid 1990s.

The Las Vegas Hilton GP ran from 1983 to 1984, while the Caesars Palace Grand Prix was revived from 1983 to 1985. These early races took place in parking lots similar to F1.

In 1994, a new purpose-built oval track was constructed near Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This hosted CART IndyCar from 1996 to 2000 under various names.

Al Unser Jr. and Arie Luyendyk were among the biggest IndyCar stars to shine in Vegas during this era. Luyendyk set a blazing track record of 237.498 mph in his qualifying run.

Though popular at the time, the expense of the oval course meant IndyCar couldn't sustain long-term success in Las Vegas either. But the series helped maintain interest in top-level open-wheel racing in the city through the 1990s.

Formula 1 Returns to a Transformed Vegas in 2023

After IndyCar's departure in 2000, Las Vegas went over two decades without a major race. But tremendous growth and investment in the city's tourism industry during this period helped pave the way for Formula 1's upcoming return.

Key factors in F1 coming back to Vegas:

• Las Vegas added thousands more hotel rooms and amenities
• The Strip expanded and modernized through properties like CityCenter
• Huge new venues were built like Allegiant Stadium and T-Mobile Arena
• Changing perceptions of Vegas as a more family-friendly destination
• Massive population growth in the Southwest US providing a bigger fan base

The excitement and momentum of F1's surging US popularity convinced executives that the time was right for Vegas to have a second chance at the pinnacle of racing.

The city looks vastly different from F1's first go-round 40 years ago. With the Strip now prepared to host a massive spectacle like a Grand Prix, everything is aligned for an electrifying return in 2023.

The 2023 Race - A New Era for Formula 1 in Las Vegas

The 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix will open an exciting new chapter of F1 in Sin City. The 3.8-mile street circuit passing the Bellagio, Caesars Palace and the Venetian will provide a visually stunning backdrop under the lights.

State-of-the-art racetrack construction, lessons learned from past Vegas races, and F1's skyrocketing popularity will ensure this November event launches successfully. The 2023 Vegas GP is expected to be the hottest ticket in motorsports.

If the excitement levels continue for the return event, don't be surprised if Formula 1 in Las Vegas becomes a permanent mainstay for decades to come. The green flag in 2023 will commence a new generation of racing on the legendary Strip!

5 Key Moments in Las Vegas' F1 History

1. 1981 - Alan Jones wins a thrilling duel against Carlos Reutemann in the first Caesars Palace GP.
2. 1994 - Las Vegas Motor Speedway opens a new purpose-built oval for IndyCar.
3. 1996 - IndyCar holds its first race on the new LVMS oval.
4. 2000 - CART IndyCar races in Vegas for the last time before a long absence.
5. 2023 - Formula 1 returns to Las Vegas after 40 years away with an all-new street circuit.

5 Interesting Facts About Past F1 Races in Las Vegas

1. The Caesars Palace circuit had an elevator that lifted cars to trackside!
2. Janet Guthrie was the first woman to compete in the Caesars Palace Grand Prix.
3. The track crossed over a public road behind Caesars Palace.
4. Arie Luyendyk set an IndyCar qualifying record of 237 mph at Las Vegas.
5. Danny Sullivan once spun and recovered to win an IndyCar race in Vegas.

5 Key Drivers From Vegas' Racing History

1. Mario Andretti - The legend won IndyCar in Las Vegas in 1984.
2. Emerson Fittipaldi - The F1 champ dominated IndyCar races in Vegas.
3. Michael Andretti - Mario's son won back-to-back IndyCar races in 1993-94.
4. Al Unser Jr. - The two-time Indy 500 winner triumphed in Vegas in 1995.
5. Arie Luyendyk - Set the Vegas IndyCar qualifying record that still stands.