2023 Las Vegas GP surpassed Super Bowl with $1.5B impact, Mercedes returns to Le Mans in 2025, and other big updates

2023 Las Vegas GP surpassed Super Bowl with $1.5B impact

The 2023 Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix brought in $1.5 billion, more than the $1 billion from the Super Bowl LVIII. It was the first F1 race in Las Vegas and the first time F1 acted as a promoter, even with some early problems. The race took place during a slow weekend, giving the city six times more publicity than usual. Additionally, the event provided $77 million in local taxes, including $22 million for schools, and the year-round Grand Prix Plaza facility will bring long-term benefits to the city.

Click here to read the full article by Dan Lawrence (motorsportweek.com)

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Mercedes returns to Le Mans in 2025

Mercedes will return to the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2025 after 26 years, joining the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with the Mercedes-AMG GT3 in the LMGT3 class. The team will work with Iron Lynx, who raced for Lamborghini in 2024. Mercedes will have two cars in the race, driven by Matteo Cressoni and Claudio Schiavoni. The decision follows the expansion of the WEC grid, allowing Mercedes to enter after initially being denied in 2024 due to limited manufacturer spots.

Click here to read the full article by Gary Watkins (motorsport.com)

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Perez Sr. makes homophobic remarks about Schumacher

Ralf Schumacher responded to comments from Antonio Perez Garibay, who seemed to mock his sexuality after he came out earlier this year. Perez Garibay suggested Schumacher's opinions on Sergio Perez were influenced by personal feelings, questioning his gender and journalistic role. Despite the criticism, Schumacher chose not to retaliate angrily and posted a response on social media. Schumacher's ex-wife had also previously made controversial remarks about his sexuality, which he dismissed as false.

Click here to read the full article by Daniel Moxon (mirror.co.uk)

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How Power Unit and PETRONAS fuel maximize performance

Mercedes is launching a new six-part explainer series that shows how the five PETRONAS Motorsports fluids help power their F1 cars. In this episode, they explain how the Power Unit and PETRONAS Primax fuel work together to give the best performance on track. The Managing Director of Mercedes-AMG High-Performance Powertrains, along with the Principal of Fuel Technology at Petronas, does a great job of clearly presenting the facts.

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Can Las Vegas prove itself?

Last year, the Vegas F1 race was surrounded by controversy but ended up being one of the best of the year. Still, there has been a lot of talk about the Las Vegas Grand Prix being the most hated F1 race. Is that really the case? Can it redeem itself?