If Max Verstappen hits the jackpot and retains his Formula 1 world title in Las Vegas next week, the series could be in for the most memorable championship celebration in its long and storied history.
The Las Vegas Strip Circuit hosted its first grand prix last year and was a roaring success both financially and from a sporting perspective, with Verstappen claiming victory after a thrilling race that saw 99 overtakes.
This year, however, the stakes are even higher in Sin City – with Verstappen’s stunning win in Brazil opening the door for the Dutchman to secure a fourth successive drivers’ championship.
If the Red Bull man can take the chequered flag when the chips are down in Vegas, he will once again be world champion – while nearest challenger Lando Norris needs to beat Verstappen by at least three points to keep the title fight ticking over to Qatar.
Motorsport.com understands that conversations have taken place between organisers and Red Bull to see what could be done to mark Verstappen’s achievement if the situation arises, with Renee Wilm, CEO of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, insisting they would be ready to start the celebrations.
“I’m sure that we would be able to pull some ideas out of our hat, maybe pre-arrange some pretty exciting opportunities,” she told Motorsport.com.
F1 Las Vegas signage
Photo by: Erik Junius
“When you consider the properties on the Strip – Wynn and Encore are second to none in terms of the highest class of hospitality. Then, of course, you have the Bellagio further down the Strip, with those iconic fountains, and the level of VIP service that the Bellagio offers.
“There are so many opportunities to highlight the drivers, and particularly if we actually do have the benefit of being able to get a champion (crowned).”
Organisers have added more general admission tickets to the offerings for the grand prix weekend this year, replacing previous hospitality areas – while the aim is to make sure the VIP feel remains.
There were 316,000 fans in attendance across the weekend, many of them left frustrated as the running on the opening day was severely cut back as a drain cover damaged the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz, leaving the track needing to be repaired and checked to prevent a repeat over the remainder of the weekend.
Verstappen had already clinched the championship before the inaugural race 12 months ago, but Wilm admits the title being on the line this year could lead to a late surge in ticket sales as fans clamour to join celebrities for the second running of the Las Vegas GP.
Race winner Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Erik Junius
“Oh, absolutely I think the fact that the championship is still up for grabs is incredibly influential, particularly in the US market,” Wilm explained.
“I think there’s the legacy fans that are oftentimes more focused, maybe on how their team or their driver is performing, whereas in the US, we love to see good competition, and it’s less about who the particular team or driver is.
“So to know that there is still so much on the line and that the championship is going to be up for grabs, and the fact you’ve had so many different drivers on the podium is itself creating a lot of excitement and buzz.
“I’ve always said it’s the perfect marriage of speed and glamour in Las Vegas, and I’m going to continue to believe that, because you couldn’t think of another place in the world – putting aside Monaco – where you could have this level of hospitality and bring in this calibre of celebrities to enjoy everything that Las Vegas has to offer.
“We could not be happier with the turnout we had last year from our celebrity fans, and we’re very excited about everyone heading out this year as well. We obviously have our red carpet.
“It was absolutely packed last year, and we’re looking forward to welcoming back many of those celebrities, as well as some new ones as well, who are really excited about heading out to Vegas.”
If Verstappen does deliver, the self-styled Entertainment Capital of the World seems the most suitable place to host the after-party.
Source : Motorsport.com