A Corner-by-Corner Guide to the Las Vegas Strip Circuit

 

The Formula 1 season is preparing for its most dazzling and unique spectacle: the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

This is more than just a race; it's a monumental fusion of high-speed motorsport and the glamour of the world's entertainment capital.

At 6.201 kilometres (3.853 miles) and featuring 17 corners, the Las Vegas Strip Circuit is one of the longest street circuits on the calendar.

It’s a low-downforce, high-speed test, with cars hitting speeds comparable to the "Temple of Speed," Monza, all while battling the cold November desert air under a spectacular neon glow.

Let's take a virtual lap, dissecting each key section of this high-stakes, Saturday-night showdown.

Sector 1: The Pit Straight and the Hairpin

• Start/Finish Straight & Turn 1: The action begins outside the massive permanent Pit Building facility. The distance from pole to Turn 1 is incredibly short (just 200 meters), leading into a sharp, low-speed hairpin. This is a crucial overtaking spot where drama, as seen in the inaugural race, is almost guaranteed.

• Turns 2, 3, & 4: Accelerating out of the hairpin, the track weaves left, then right, then left, transitioning from the permanent paddock area onto the city streets (Koval Lane). This sequence is taken at increasing speed and sets up the car for the first long blast.

Sector 2: The Sphere and the Slow Dance

• Turn 5G: At the end of the Koval Straightaway, drivers brake sharply for this tricky, second-gear right-hander, which is often challenging due to the cold temperatures and low grip. This corner brings the cars into the incredible view of the T-Mobile Zone at Sphere.

• Turns 6, 7, 8, & 9 (The Sphere Complex): The drivers accelerate into the long left-hander of Turn 6... before braking for the slow-speed Turns 7-8 chicane.

• This sequence wraps around the iconic Sphere, offering spectators a breathtaking, stadium-like view. The final turn (T9) slingshots the car onto Sands Avenue.

• Turns 10 & 11: These are taken flat-out, a swift sequence snaking between famous resorts like Wynn and The Venetian. Speeds here approach 180 mph (290 kph).

Sector 3: The Strip and the Final Straight

• Turn 12: Drivers brake hard for this left-hander, the key corner before turning onto the Las Vegas Boulevard, known simply as The Strip. It’s a prime overtaking spot and critical for gaining momentum.

• Turns 13 & 14 (The Strip): This is the ultimate showcase. Cars blast down the iconic Las Vegas Strip for nearly 2 kilometres (1.2 miles), passing the Bellagio, Caesars Palace, and the Paris Hotel. It’s a pure, high-speed section where the focus is on achieving maximum velocity. This massive straight features the central DRS zone.

• Turns 15, 16, & 17 (Harmon Complex): At the end of The Strip, drivers brake hard into a complex series of turns along East Harmon Avenue. 

• This section is all about precision and controlling the car's entry speed before the final burst. The final slight left kink (T17) takes the vehicle back to the start/finish line.

The Vegas Challenge: Cold and Fast

The Las Vegas Grand Prix is unique because it's held in November, often at night, and frequently features ambient temperatures that drop significantly. This makes tyre warm-up and graining a significant challenge.

The long straights demand a low-downforce setup, yet the 17 corners require high mechanical grip. 

This balance—the core paradox of the circuit—ensures the Vegas Grand Prix is a chaotic, thrilling, and unmissable spectacle.

And as always, when the lights go out and the drama unfolds, here at Senate Grand Prix, there is only one winner, and that's you, the race fans!