If Max Verstappen hits the jackpot and retains his Formulation 1 world title in Las Vegas subsequent week, the collection could possibly be in for probably the most memorable championship celebration in its lengthy and storied historical past.
The Las Vegas Strip Circuit hosted its first grand prix final yr and was a roaring success each financially and from a sporting perspective, with Verstappen claiming victory after an exhilarating race that noticed 99 overtakes.
This yr, nevertheless, the stakes are even greater in Sin Metropolis – with Verstappen’s gorgeous win in Brazil opening the door for the Dutchman to safe a fourth successive drivers’ championship.
If the Purple Bull man can take the chequered flag when the chips are down in Vegas, he’ll as soon as once more be world champion – whereas nearest challenger Lando Norris must beat Verstappen by at the very least three factors to maintain the title struggle ticking over to Qatar.
Motorsport.com understands that conversations have taken place between organisers and Purple Bull to see what could possibly be completed to mark Verstappen’s achievement if the state of affairs arises, with Renee Wilm, CEO of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, insisting they’d be prepared to start out the celebrations.
“I am certain that we’d have the ability to pull some concepts out of our hat, possibly pre-arrange some fairly thrilling alternatives,” she advised Motorsport.com.
F1 Las Vegas signage
Picture by: Erik Junius
“When you think about the properties on the Strip – Wynn and Encore are second to none by way of the best class of hospitality. Then, in fact, you may have the Bellagio additional down the Strip, with these iconic fountains, and the extent of VIP service that the Bellagio presents.
“There are such a lot of alternatives to spotlight the drivers, and significantly if we truly do get pleasure from with the ability to get a champion (topped).”
Organisers have added extra normal admission tickets to the choices for the grand prix weekend this yr, changing earlier hospitality areas – whereas the goal is to ensure the VIP really feel stays.
There have been 316,000 followers in attendance throughout the weekend, a lot of them left annoyed because the working on the opening day was severely reduce as a drain cowl broken the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz, leaving the observe needing to be repaired and checked to forestall a repeat over the rest of the weekend.
Verstappen had already clinched the championship earlier than the inaugural race 12 months in the past, however Wilm admits the title being on the road this yr may result in a late surge in ticket gross sales as followers clamour to affix celebrities for the second working of the Las Vegas GP.
Race winner Max Verstappen, Purple Bull Racing
Picture by: Erik Junius
“Oh, completely I believe the truth that the championship continues to be up for grabs is extremely influential, significantly within the US market,” Wilm defined.
“I believe there’s the legacy followers which are oftentimes extra centered, possibly on how their staff or their driver is performing, whereas within the US, we like to see good competitors, and it’s much less about who the actual staff or driver is.
“So to know that there’s nonetheless a lot on the road and that the championship goes to be up for grabs, and the very fact you have had so many alternative drivers on the rostrum is itself creating a variety of pleasure and buzz.
“I’ve at all times stated it is the proper marriage of pace and glamour in Las Vegas, and I will proceed to consider that, since you could not consider one other place on the earth – placing apart Monaco – the place you might have this degree of hospitality and produce on this calibre of celebrities to get pleasure from every thing that Las Vegas has to supply.
“We couldn’t be happier with the turnout we had final yr from our celeb followers, and we’re very enthusiastic about everybody heading out this yr as nicely. We clearly have our pink carpet.
“It was completely packed final yr, and we’re wanting ahead to welcoming again a lot of these celebrities, in addition to some new ones as nicely, who’re actually enthusiastic about heading out to Vegas.”
If Verstappen does ship, the self-styled Leisure Capital of the World appears probably the most appropriate place to host the after-party.
