How many DRS zones are there at the Las Vegas Grand Prix?
How many DRS zones are there at the Las Vegas Grand Prix – the Las Vegas Grand Prix is scheduled to take place from 17th to 19th November at the Las Vegas street circuit – let us take a look at the DRS zones at this venue
The Las Vegas circuit includes a portion of Las Vegas Boulevard, commonly known as the Strip. The cars will pass by illuminated local landmarks during the night race. F1 has received legal approval from the city to use the required roads for the race over a 10-year span. Initially, the track had 14 corners when announced in March 2021, but it was later modified by adding a chicane, increasing the total corner count to 17.
Spanning a length of 6.1 kilometers, the circuit encompasses an almost two-kilometer stretch along the Strip, allowing cars to reach their maximum speed. While official estimates project speeds of 340kph, certain drivers suggest the potential for even higher speeds, possibly reaching 370kph (230mph). The grand prix is set to cover 50 laps on the circuit, and race promoters plan to include two DRS zones strategically placed to facilitate overtaking.
In a rare move, F1 acquired a parcel of land for the construction of pit and paddock facilities, incorporating a permanent structure to boost the series’ presence. This includes a sizable illuminated ‘F1’ logo atop the building, visible against the sky. Las Vegas hosted F1 races in 1981 and 1982 on a distinct track, a shorter temporary course set up in the parking lot of Caesar’s Palace casino, a location adjacent to the new track.
Covering a distance of 3.853 miles (6.201 km), the Las Vegas street circuit takes a counterclockwise route, featuring 17 corners and an expansive 1.181-mile (1.900 km) straight stretch. Starting in a newly acquired parking lot, Formula One invested $240 million to develop pits, paddocks, and a permanent track. The circuit kicks off with a hairpin turn, followed by a gradual left curve, leading into a fast right turn, smoothly blending the permanent track with the city streets.
During the race, the cars will traverse a 0.50-mile (800 m) stretch along Koval Lane, negotiating a deliberate 90-degree right turn. This is followed by a sweeping left curve around the newly built Sphere arena. The course then takes a modified left-right twist, deviating from the initial design, and transitions into a slightly faster left turn, seamlessly connecting to Sands Avenue. Racing through two rapid bends on Sands Avenue, the track concludes with a slow left onto the famous Las Vegas Boulevard, also recognized as the iconic Las Vegas Strip.
Featuring an exhilarating 1.181-mile (1.900 km) flat-out segment, the course incorporates two straights and a gentle sweeping left, providing a picturesque view of Las Vegas’ renowned hotels and casinos. Subsequently, the circuit navigates through a challenging sequence of slow corners onto Harmon Avenue, advancing along a 0.50-mile (800 m) straight. The lap concludes with a high-speed left turn, smoothly transitioning back to the permanent track beyond the pits. Noteworthy is the expansive pit building, spanning three American football fields, with a striking 28,000 sqft video screen embedded in the F1 logo on its roof.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix is making history with its scheduled start time, poised to be the latest in championship history. Set for a Saturday at 22:00 local time (PST), the race will commence at 06:00 in the UK and 07:00 in Europe on Sunday morning. This marks Las Vegas’ return to the Formula One calendar, the first since 1985. The event will feature free practice on Thursday and qualifying on Friday in the United States. Notably, the race’s timing, starting Saturday night in American time and Sunday morning in European time, aligns with Las Vegas’ West Coast location. The 22:00 start time surpasses the typical start time in Singapore, usually at 20:00 local time.
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