It was maybe the most hyped Formula One race of all time last season, but just how are the drivers feeling about returning to Sin City for a second go around this weekend?
Amidst all the glittering lights, glamorous installations and pomp and pageantry that only Las Vegas can deliver, many of the drivers were quick to talk up their excitement about returning to the city when asked about it by The Roar.
Lewis Hamilton, who has always been a huge fan of racing in the United States, said Las Vegas was an incredible place to come racing.
“It’s so cool,” he said in the Las Vegas paddock.
“I grew up watching movies of Vegas and to be here going down the Strip, it’s such a great addition to the calendar.
“I think it will only get better as we get through the learning phase and each time we race here.”
Charles Leclerc said he enjoyed racing in Vegas, and when questioned about how it compares to his home race of Monaco when it comes to the glamour stakes, argued that Vegas still has a bit of a way to go.
“Vegas and Monaco are very different,” Leclerc said.
“I think Monaco has the glamour part, but then they also have the legacy and history of the Monaco Grand Prix whereas here it’s a new Grand Prix. But it’s very special for different reasons.
(Photo by Getty Images)
“I think it’s the home of entertainment, there’s so much entertainment, huge sport, craziness.
“Formula One has developed a lot over the years and I think it’s getting closer and closer to entertainment and more into the entertainment part of it, and there are no better places other than Vegas to do that.”
Leclerc’s Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz, who endured a frustrating Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2023 after damaging his car hitting a drain cover in first practice, said he was hopeful of having an uneventful race in 2024.
“I’m looking forward to it,” he told The Roar.
“It’s a cold weekend, a different track to what we’re used to with low grip.
“So a lot of different variables that we’re normally not used to, and a lot of challenges ahead like there were last year, so I’m excited for it.”
Williams driver Franco Colapinto, alongside Kiwi driver Liam Lawson, is one of only two drivers this weekend racing in Las Vegas for the first time.
(Photo by Getty Images)
The Argentine driver said he was looking forward to racing under the lights in the city.
“It’s great to see Formula One here,” he said.
“It’s an amazing environment. It’s great to see the city at night. It looks like it’s almost daylight here with so many things going on.
“I think it’s a weekend to learn again and to enjoy. It’s another street track and a night race like Singapore.
“I’m really excited for the race and to jump in the car.”
This article was originally written for The Roar. You can read the published version here
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