The 10 craziest features at the Las Vegas Grand Prix as race dubbed 'the Super Bowl of F1'
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The Las Vegas Grand Prix takes place this weekend, marking F1's first visit to the Strip after 40 years of attempting to secure a race.
And the sport's organisers have pulled out all the stops ahead of the weekend, with an opening ceremony accompanied by parties and special events.
While some drivers, such as Red Bull's Max Verstappen, haven't exactly enjoyed proceedings, other drivers have voiced more positive opinions.
The race will take place at 6am UK time on Sunday morning, with drivers then battling it out over 50 laps of the 6.2-kilometre success to decide the first winner of the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Before then, let's take a look at 10 of the most eye-catching features in the build-up to raceday.
A floating Red Bull in a nightclub
Yeah, we're not sure about this one either.
Red Bull chose the local Omnia nightclub to unveil its Las Vegas-themed livery, dangling the car from the roof - upside down.
Red Bull just revealed its Las Vegas livery by lowering a car from the roof of Omnia nightclub #F1 #LasVegasGP pic.twitter.com/BmKpisoXDs
— Chris Medland (@ChrisMedlandF1) November 15, 2023
F1 car in a restaurant
If you liked the Red Bull hanging from a nightclub roof, here's another Red Bull placed on a casino table - as you do.
A real F1 wedding chapel
If you want an F1-themed wedding in Vegas, there is a special F1 wedding chapel set up near the race track.
Love in the fast lane💍❤️
— F1 Las Vegas (@F1LasVegas) November 13, 2023
Introducing the first-ever #F1 wedding chapel 💒#LasVegasGP pic.twitter.com/loK5LTDpiO
Cars with underfloor LED lights
Last year, Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton did a mini test session and exhibition around the Vegas Strip as part of preparations for this year's race.
There's no word on whether any demonstration around the track this week will see a return of the LEDs - although they won't be used during the race itself.
F1 burns up The Strip in Las Vegas - https://t.co/kYFiS6CUpb
— AutoRacing1.com (@AutoRacing1) November 6, 2022
Some video from Saturday nights F1 Launch party on the Las Vegas Strip
LEWIS HAMILTON.
LAS VEGAS STRIP.
WOW. WOW. WOW!#LasVegasGP #F1 @LewisHamilton pic.twitter.com/GVV7PrwXwC
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 6, 2022
P... pic.twitter.com/wor2DdJNPJ
Special drone show
Part of Wednesday's opening ceremony saw a drone show take place.
Among the leading lights on show were a sign reading, 'Welcome to Las Vegas', the F1 logo and a rotating F1 car.
This Las Vegas GP drone show 🤩 pic.twitter.com/OgKEAnOsbD
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) November 16, 2023
The opening ceremony
The opening ceremony itself was described as 'spectacular' by F1's official account - and there was plenty of action on show to open up to the weekend.
Vegas-themed helmets
There are plenty of Las Vegas-themed helmets that have been unveiled by the drivers this week. And Lando Norris' choice of lid, as ever, doesn't disappoint.
Bringing the ssss to Vegassss 🐍 @mschf pic.twitter.com/ot5g73QqvU
— Lando Norris (@LandoNorris) November 15, 2023
Celebrity appearances
As is common with the more high-profile Grands Prix, Sunday's grid will likely be a who's who of world superstars (good luck, Martin Brundle).
While we don't know yet who will be on the grid, we've already seen a few famous faces on the Vegas strip.
Pop icon Kylie Minogue performed some of her top hits at the opening ceremony. And according to the Daily Mail, David Beckham and Shaquille O'Neal will be among those hosting a 'race night party'.
Interactive F1 Sphere
F1 has taken over Vegas' iconic Sphere, with a helmet illumination that features the Grand Prix's unique branding.
The #LasVegasGP has taken over @SphereVegas! Stay tuned for custom #F1 content all week long 👀 pic.twitter.com/ojFh8jwpfq
— F1 Las Vegas (@F1LasVegas) November 15, 2023
Can the race live up to expectations?
Max Verstappen has won 17 out of the 20 races held this season, and only finished off the podium once.
In what has been a record-breaking season, he can set a new record as the first winner on the Vegas Strip Circuit.
But Red Bull, or any other team, cannot bank on previous experience of the circuit - as no-one has ever raced on it before. With low track temperatures, and the threat of rain, set to make driving a challenge, can another driver beat Verstappen to the top step?
Featured Image Credit: Getty / X(Twitter)
Topics: Formula 1, Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, David Beckham, Shaquille O’Neal