The unique livery is designed to honor Ferrari’s achievements in America during the 1970s.
The upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix in Formula 1 is generating significant anticipation, marked by both excitement and controversy. Despite differing opinions, the prospect of F1 cars speeding along city streets illuminated by the vibrant lights of the Vegas strip promises to be a spectacular sight. Ferrari, recognizing the significance of the event, has chosen to make a stylish entrance with a special livery for their SF-23.
This unique paint scheme pays homage to Ferrari’s historic triumphs in the United States, drawing inspiration from Mario Andretti’s 1971 312 B and Gilles Villeneuve’s 1978 312 T4. Notable transformations in the SF-23 include converting originally black elements to a striking white, such as the sharkfin graphic, front wing’s leading edge and endplates, numerous sponsor logos, and the entire rear wing. Retro pinstriping details adorn the nose cone, side pods, sharkfin, and rear wing, complementing the vintage-style driver numbers incorporated into Ferrari’s car design this year. While the design aims to capture the essence of the 1970s, observers may also note echoes of the red-and-white Ferraris from the early 2000s—an association that carries its own charm.
In addition to the revamped car, drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will sport special race suits and helmets that harmonize with the new livery. These changes ensure that Ferrari will stand out beneath the dazzling lights of Vegas. However, it’s worth noting that the race itself has stirred up some negative attention.
High-Priced Tickets and Restricted Views
The Las Vegas Grand Prix has stirred discontent among fans due to exorbitant ticket prices, creating a perception that the event caters more to the wealthy than to motorsports enthusiasts. Moreover, reports indicate that Formula 1 has actively restricted views of the circuit for non-paying spectators and charged businesses with circuit views to avoid obstruction. These actions undermine the essence of a city-based race, where the allure lies in providing a visible spectacle to onlookers.
Beyond organizational issues, local residents have voiced complaints about the considerable disruptions caused by the track’s construction to their daily lives and community well-being. The challenges faced by the workers involved in constructing the circuit and its facilities further compound the concerns.
The current situation echoes past difficulties Formula 1 faced in Las Vegas, notably with the Caesars Palace Grand Prix in the 1980s. This event, remembered by fervent F1 fans, had its share of problems, including a flat and repetitive E-shaped layout built in a casino parking lot. The short track, coupled with daytime racing in the scorching Nevada desert, led to extreme temperatures, risking heat exhaustion for drivers and potential car overheating.
The new Las Vegas Grand Prix aspires to rectify past shortcomings with a longer, purpose-built layout in a more desirable city location, and a nighttime schedule to mitigate heat concerns. However, the ultimate success of these improvements remains uncertain until the cars hit the track for FP1 on November 16.
