Fast Five: F1 leases $2.3 billion Vegas Sphere, Temperature concerns grip Las Vegas GP, and other big updates

F1 leases $2.3 billion Vegas Sphere

Formula 1 will use the high-tech Sphere event venue for the Las Vegas GP, pausing U2's residency at the $2.3 billion facility for over three weeks. The race track's layout necessitated leasing the Sphere's property, with F1 controlling advertising for the race duration to offset costs. This deal includes plans for a recovery brunch in the Sphere and displaying race highlights internally. F1 aims to expand its use of the Sphere in the future, intending to develop more extensive programming, considering their initial limited planning for the inaugural event. U2's pause from the Sphere was due to F1's requirements for the race track layout, prompting Bono to humorously explain the situation to fans during their final show.

Click here to read the full article by Adam Cooper (motorsport.com)

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Temperature concerns grip Las Vegas GP 

The Las Vegas Grand Prix is facing concerns about potentially hitting the record for the coldest-ever F1 race, with forecasts indicating temperatures as low as 6°C/43°F, just a degree above the historical low. Scheduled for a Saturday night local start, the race is expected to transition from daytime heat to a significant chill. Unlike previous visits to Nevada, where heat was the challenge, this time, the teams confront an unfamiliar track surface in the cold. Pirelli's Motorsport Director, Mario Isola, highlights the unpredictability and difficulty in managing the conditions, emphasizing the unknown nature of the upcoming race due to its street circuit in a cold environment.

Click here to read the full article by James Dielhenn (crash.net)

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Expert cautions Mercedes against mimicking Red Bull

F1 expert Gary Anderson cautioned Mercedes against blindly mimicking Red Bull's car, highlighting the risk of a worse outcome if they adopt Red Bull's concepts without understanding their aerodynamic philosophy. Mercedes, pressured to bounce back in the 2024 season, faces a crucial decision on their car's direction, possibly shifting away from their current 'zeropod' design to something closer to Red Bull's RB19. Anderson emphasized that replicating the look of a car doesn't guarantee similar performance, likening it to baking—a perfect recipe doesn't ensure the same cake. He pointed out Mercedes' struggle to identify and maintain consistent aerodynamic performance, emphasizing the importance of confidence-inspiring aerodynamics over peak downforce. 

Click here to read the full article by James Dielhenn (crash.net)

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'Who's most likely to?'

Formula 1 drivers take part in the 'who's most likely to' game, answering questions about which drivers are most likely to engage in specific activities during and after the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The questions cover who might party all night, grab a meal at the Heart Attack Grill, get lost in the Grand Canyon, and more. Click here to watch the video.

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A little sparkle for Las Vegas

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Marriott Bonvoy, the official loyalty partner of the Mercedes Petronas F1 team, teams up with Mercedes to provide this special piece. George Russell receives his helmet following a call to prepare for the Las Vegas Grand Prix. He promptly suits up, adorns the new helmet, and readies himself for the competition ahead.