The Las Vegas Grand Prix holds a significant place in the 2024 F1 season as it marks round 22. This race runs on a Tilke-designed street circuit known as the Las Vegas Strip Circuit, setting it apart from the usual Sunday settings. The 2024 Formula 1 World Championship arrives in Las Vegas this weekend, being the third to last race of the season.

First-Time Las Vegas Grand Prix and Its History

Last year saw the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix, although there were prior F1 races in Sin City. The Las Vegas Strip Circuit, designed by Hermann Tilke and his son Carsten, features a 17-corner, 3.85-mile long track. It is second only to Spa-Francorchamps in length and captures the city's famous landmarks like the Sphere in its backdrop. The fact that the race is held at night allows for the beautiful sight of many neon lights.The circuit's layout starts with a short run to the first corner, followed by a tight left-hander and a series of flowing corners leading to the first DRS zone. In the second sector, drivers accelerate out of Turn 9 into a sharp left onto the second straight along the Strip, where the second DRS zone is located. After that, there is a narrow chicane at Turns 14, 15, and 16 before returning to the main straight.

Tire Challenges and Weekend Schedule

Similar to other street circuits, Pirelli has selected its three softest compounds, C3, C4, and C5, for the race. Maintaining tire temperatures in the cool conditions, especially during qualifying, will be a major challenge. The track temperatures are expected to drop to around 50 degrees during the race.The weekend schedule is slightly different as both qualifying and the race take place on Saturday instead of the usual Sunday. After the first practice session on Thursday, Mercedes-Benz AMG drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell showed surprising pace. McLaren's Lando Norris was also at the top of the time sheets, while reigning champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing faced some difficulties.Going into the weekend, Verstappen leads the 2024 Drivers' Championship with 393 points. Norris is second with 331 points and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc is third with 307 points. In the Constructors' Championship, McLaren leads with 593 points, Ferrari is second with 557 points, and Red Bull is third with 544 points. Last year's winner in Las Vegas was Verstappen, driving for Red Bull.