The penultimate stretch of the 2025 Formula 1 season begins under the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip. Round 22 brings one of the most distinctive challenges on the calendar. A night race. A high-speed street circuit. Cold asphalt. A city determined to turn Formula 1 into a global spectacle. Here is everything you need to know about the Las Vegas GP:
Since returning in 2023, Las Vegas has become one of the sport’s most recognisable events. The 6.2 km layout is the second-longest track of the season and features long, flat-out straights, rapid direction changes and a technical final sector. It runs past iconic landmarks and casinos, looping around the Sphere and blasting down the Strip at speeds close to 350 km/h.
This year, the timetable has shifted earlier. Qualifying and the race begin at 20:00 local time, an adjustment designed to help tyre warm-up on what is traditionally one of the coldest weekends of the year.
A Track Defined by Contrasts
The Las Vegas Strip Circuit offers a mix of challenges rarely seen together. Almost 80 percent of the lap is spent at full throttle, yet the braking zone into Turn 14 is heavy and produces one of the most reliable overtaking opportunities. The surface is unpredictable, with grip improving dramatically as rubber builds up through the weekend.
The long straights push teams toward low-downforce setups. At the same time, the low-speed corners at the start and end of the lap demand enough mechanical grip to avoid sliding on cold tyres.
Last season, the top speed of the entire year was recorded here. Alex Albon reached 368 km/h before diving into the Turn 14 braking zone, a statistic that illustrates the raw pace required to succeed in Nevada.
Cold Nights and Tyre Management
For the third year running, Pirelli brings the C3, C4 and C5 compounds. Warmer session times will help, but tyre preparation remains one of the defining challenges of the weekend. Drivers need a careful out-lap to build heat, especially for qualifying. A small error in preparation can lead to significant losses in the first sector.
The softer trio was considered early in the year but ultimately rejected, with graining expected to be an issue on the smooth Las Vegas surface. The new 2025 compounds have better mechanical properties and lower degradation, which should encourage more varied race strategies.
The circuit’s evolving grip and layout make Las Vegas a track where data-driven strategy matters. Long-run simulations and tyre modeling will be critical for teams. Traffic, slow warm-up and potential Safety Cars all add unpredictability.
What to Expect from the Racing
The 2023 and 2024 editions delivered action across the field. With one of the longest straights in Formula 1, DRS trains, slipstream battles and late braking duels are almost guaranteed. The short run to Turn 1 means grid position is important, but not decisive.
The race takes place on Saturday, maintaining the event’s unique structure. Teams face a compressed weekend. Practice begins Thursday, qualifying follows Friday, and the Grand Prix starts Saturday evening.
Cool weather, forecast to drop below 50°F at night, will influence tyre behaviour and car balance. Drivers who excel in changing grip conditions could make significant gains.
Drivers to Watch
Max Verstappen
Red Bull’s strong pace on cold asphalt makes Verstappen a favourite. He won the first modern Las Vegas race in 2023 and usually thrives in high-speed, low-downforce environments.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
McLaren’s 2025 form has been consistently strong. Both drivers have shown confidence on street circuits and in low-temperature sessions. The long straights will test their top speed, but their cornering stability may prove decisive.
George Russell and Kimi Antonelli
Mercedes have been competitive year-round. Russell won here in 2024. Antonelli, in his rookie season, has adapted rapidly to unfamiliar circuits and could surprise.
Ferrari
Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton face longer odds. Ferrari often struggle with tyre warm-up in colder races, but their race pace has improved through the season. Leclerc remains a threat on street circuits, while Hamilton’s experience in managing tyre windows could be valuable.
Las Vegas GP Weekend Schedule
A four-day event with every session running after sunset but starting earlier than in previous years. Thursday hosts opening practice. Friday delivers final practice and qualifying. Saturday hosts F1 Academy Race 2, pre-race build-up and the Grand Prix itself.
Looking Ahead
Las Vegas marks the final United States stop on the calendar before the season closes with two rounds in the Middle East. With the championship still in play, every point gained under the Vegas lights could decide the outcome.
High speeds. Low temperatures. A track that rewards bravery and punishes hesitation. The Las Vegas Grand Prix remains one of the most distinctive races in modern Formula 1. And in 2025, it arrives at the perfect moment. A title fight on a knife-edge. A field closer than ever. A city that thrives on unpredictability.
Every variable counts. And in Las Vegas, there are many.
