Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has shared his perplexity about one aspect of the Las Vegas Grand Prix track. Speaking on Sky Sports F1’s YouTube channel in anticipation of the highly awaited race, Hamilton discussed the unique elements of the new track, which promises to bring added excitement to Formula 1.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix will be a Saturday event, a departure from the usual schedule, reminiscent of the last occurrence in 1985 when Nigel Mansell emerged victorious in South Africa. Although the race timing poses challenges for UK viewers, the anticipation remains high, with hopes that off-track events won’t overshadow the on-track spectacle.
Racing in a major city always presents logistical challenges, a situation well-handled by Formula 1 in Monaco and Singapore. However, Hamilton acknowledged that the track layout in Las Vegas raises some questions in his mind. The necessity to shut down the city before, during, and after each session poses potential disruptions for residents and tourists alike.
While acknowledging the logistical hurdles, Formula 1 aims to offset concerns by generating revenue from the race and leveraging the excitement it brings to the local population. The Las Vegas Grand Prix is poised to be a groundbreaking event in the Formula 1 calendar, introducing a new dynamic to the racing landscape.
Hamilton shares what baffles him about the Las Vegas GP track
Addressing the layout of the circuit, Hamilton remarked, “I just don’t understand how we’re going to move around that place. I don’t know how we’re going to get from the track to the hotel!”
“It’s going to be such a compact spot with so many people, but I think it’s going to be a wild experience.
“I think the best thing is just to go in with an open mind, 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 under those lights is going to feel like I’m in a casino movie, it’s pretty cool!”
The Las Vegas track presents numerous uncertainties for Hamilton and his fellow competitors. Speculation surrounds the impact of track temperature on the race, with the team that can generate heat in their tires quickly likely to gain an advantage.
Given the challenges Mercedes faced in Brazil with the car overheating, they are optimistic that the cooler temperatures at night during the Las Vegas Grand Prix will work in their favor this weekend. The variable of track temperature adds an additional layer of complexity to the strategic considerations for the teams participating in this high-stakes race.
