Former world champion Jenson Button has thrown his support behind the increased ‘Americanisation’ of the F1 calendar, as drivers prepare to go racing in Las Vegas this weekend (5pm Sunday AEDT).
Meanwhile, first pictures from the new $1bn street circuit in Sin City have begun to emerge.
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BUTTON BACKS FURTHER US EXPANSION
2009 world champion Jenson Button says he wouldn’t “have a problem” with F1 introducing a fourth race in the United States as debate surrounds the make-up of the sport’s calendar.
F1 has long placed importance on its European heritage races, such as Monaco or Spa, but such events have come under increased threat due to a resurgence in popularity in the US since American owners Liberty Media took control.
Last year saw the new Miami Grand Prix added to the calendar, while this year is the first event in Las Vegas in 40 years.
Both are expected to be wild successes, along with the United States Grand Prix in Texas which consistently attracts big crowds.
F1s rusted-on European fan base are increasingly concerned about the prospect of losing traditional venues from the calendar as a result of the push into the world’s biggest consumer market.
Button wants the biggest heritage races to remain safe, however, has suggested the time is right for F1 to not take a backwards step Stateside.
“I don’t think it would be a problem having four races here,” Button told The Telegraph.
“The US is massive. Look at California, it’s bigger than the UK.
“As long as we keep the classic circuits – the Monacos, the Silverstones, the Monzas – and as long as the track is a fun one to watch and to drive…”
Button put forward Road Atlanta in Georgia as a potential new venue.
F1 has also previously raced in Long Beach, California, Watkins Glen in New York State, and at the iconic Indianapolis Speedway.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS FROM VEGAS STREET CIRCUIT
Pictures from the brand new Las Vegas street circuit are beginning to surface online, while Sky Sports analyst Karun Chandhok has handed down his first impressions of the track.
The former driver walked the track on Wednesday and posted pictures from inside the barriers, showing Vegas’ iconic casinos in the background, and the multi-billion dollar Sphere.
Separately, the official F1 account posted a short video from a hotel balcony high above central Las Vegas, capturing just how spectacular the new racing venue looks while lit up at night.
Meanwhile, Chandhok addressed any concerns about the track surface itself after concerns were raised about the effect of cold Vegas night temperatures on F1 tyres.
“I have to say, they’ve done a really good job,” Chandhok said in a video posted on X.
“The tarmac looks really good, pretty high grip I think as well.
“Given the temperatures, I was a bit worried about the grip level, but I think the tarmac could be quite grippy actually.
“It’s been amazing to walk around the track and see that it’s all done well in time, no last-minute panics, so very impressive and I’m looking forward to seeing cars on track.”