Las Vegas To Host Formula One Grand Prix Next Season

Formula One has announced the Las Vegas Strip will host a night race next season.

In a break from the traditional format, the grand prix will take place on a Saturday in November and could potentially follow the American national holiday of Thanksgiving.

The track will be 3.8 miles long and has estimated top speeds of 212 mph. Drivers will race over 50 laps past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, hotels and casinos.

It is set to become the third American race in the Formula One calendar, joining Miami and Austin.

President and chief executive of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali, said: "This is an incredible moment for Formula 1 that demonstrates the huge appeal and growth of our sport with a third race in the US.

"Las Vegas is a destination known around the world for its excitement, hospitality, thrills, and of course, the famous strip.

"There is no better place for Formula 1 to race than in the global entertainment capital of the world and we cannot wait to be here next year."

Las Vegas has previously hosted Formula One in the 1980s, with two races held in the parking lot of the Caesars Palace hotel.

Last week, Domenicali told Sky Sports that the Formula One calendar could grow even further, with Africa touted a potential host for future races.

The current season has a record 23-race calendar but the current Concorde Agreement, which is due to run until 2025, allows 24 races per season.

"On top of America, on top of China, I think there is a potential also to be in Africa soon," said Domenicali.

"There is a lot of interest there. For sure that's another area that so far is missing in the geography of our calendar."

The decision to stage a third race in the United States has split opinion among Formula One fans.

One fan wrote on Twitter: “It’s all about money, throwing out the history and tradition of real F1 tracks, for this.

“Awesome tracks in Turkey and Portugal, but rather a 3rd race in the US. What about actually taking the series to Africa? It’s supposed to be a "world" championship!”

Another wrote: “If the US cared about actual racing, not just money, they’d spend money getting Laguna Seca or Road America up to grade 1 status, not some gimmick race in Las Vegas.”

Are you excited to see Formula One return to Las Vegas? Let us know your thoughts.