For the first time since 1982, the Formula 1 circus has scheduled a stop in Nevada in 2023: The Las Vegas Grand Prix will be the penultimate event of the 22-race season. Unlike in the 1980s, the circuit is not situated in a casinon's parking lot this time, however. Instead, incorporates the famous Las Vegas Strip - and the track is set to make its debut in F1 23 accordingly. EA Sports has now offered a first look at the colorful track.
Image Credit: EA Sports
While the 1982 circuit at Caesars Palace featured a repetetive and unpopular layout, the new 6.12 kilometer circuit is going to be a different animal: Much in the vein of recent F1 street circuits like Jeddah or Miami, Vegas is a high-speed affair under the lights with at least three sections that allow the cars to really stretch their legs. You can watch the preview video here.
Characteristic buildings and landmarks have been recreated around the track. Image Credit: EA Sports
The race is scheduled for November 18th, and as a result, the real circuit has not been set up yet - that did not stop EA Sports from completing it virtually anyway: Over 1900 hours of work and countless photos went into the creation of the track. "Our team designed a wonderful virtual recreation of one of the most exciting and striking cities in the world. The sheer scale and density of the buildings in Las Vegas has been a fun challenge for the team along with the vibrance and energy of The Strip lit up for the Saturday night race", said Lee Mather, Senior Creative Director at Codemasters.
Long full-throttle sections are characteristic for the new Las Vegas circuit. Image Credit: racingcircuits.info
As F1 23 is scheduled to be released on June 16th, the circuit gives drivers and fans the opportunity to gather first impressions before the actual race towards the end of the year. The long full-throttle section on The Strip heading into the Turn 14-16 complex should be one of the most important parts of the track - expect slipstream and DRS battles aplenty heading into the hard braking zone.
Image Credit: EA Sports
While the 1982 circuit at Caesars Palace featured a repetetive and unpopular layout, the new 6.12 kilometer circuit is going to be a different animal: Much in the vein of recent F1 street circuits like Jeddah or Miami, Vegas is a high-speed affair under the lights with at least three sections that allow the cars to really stretch their legs. You can watch the preview video here.
Characteristic buildings and landmarks have been recreated around the track. Image Credit: EA Sports
The race is scheduled for November 18th, and as a result, the real circuit has not been set up yet - that did not stop EA Sports from completing it virtually anyway: Over 1900 hours of work and countless photos went into the creation of the track. "Our team designed a wonderful virtual recreation of one of the most exciting and striking cities in the world. The sheer scale and density of the buildings in Las Vegas has been a fun challenge for the team along with the vibrance and energy of The Strip lit up for the Saturday night race", said Lee Mather, Senior Creative Director at Codemasters.
Monza-like Average Speeds
Visually, the Las Vegas Grand Prix Circuit is an impressive affair: The neon lights around the track give it the unmistakeable Vegas flair, with the cars reflecting them and the track lights beautifully. The enormous and recognizable buildings close to and directly next to The Strip and the countless palm trees can not be admired for long during the 50-lap race, though, as cars hit average speeds comparable to Monza - meaning the scenery is going to be a blur flying by most of the time.Long full-throttle sections are characteristic for the new Las Vegas circuit. Image Credit: racingcircuits.info
As F1 23 is scheduled to be released on June 16th, the circuit gives drivers and fans the opportunity to gather first impressions before the actual race towards the end of the year. The long full-throttle section on The Strip heading into the Turn 14-16 complex should be one of the most important parts of the track - expect slipstream and DRS battles aplenty heading into the hard braking zone.