There are not many better places to celebrate a race win than in Las Vegas.
Oracle Red Bull racing driver Max Verstappen will be hoping he can be the one to do so with Las Vegas Grand Prix organiser revealing that they will pre-plan celebrations should Max Verstappen clinch the 2024 Drivers’ Championships in Las Vegas on Sunday.
Verstappen will be looking to celebrate a fourth world title[/caption]
Verstappen holds a commanding 62 point lead in the rankings over his challenger Lando Norris meaning that while the Brit’s chances are slim, the Dutchman has not secured the title just yet.
Although Verstappen can clinch the championship automatically should he win the race on Sunday or if Norris fails to secure at least three more points than the 3-time world champion.
Speaking about the potential celebrations, Las Vegas Grand Prix CEO Renee Wilm spoke recently about pre-planned celebrations for Verstappen should he become a four-time champion in Las Vegas.
“I’m sure that we would be able to pull some ideas out of our hat, maybe pre-arrange some pretty exciting opportunities,” Wilm said.
“When you consider the properties on the Strip – Wynn and Encore are second to none in terms of the highest class of hospitality. Then, of course, you have the Bellagio further down the Strip, with those iconic fountains, and the level of VIP service that the Bellagio offers.
Wilm also spoke about his delight that the F1 comes to Las Vegas before the title is wrapped up as last year, Verstappen and wrapped up the title by the time it came to Nevada.
For Wilm this means a surge in ticket sales with celebrities expected to be in surplus for the second Las Vegas grand prix.
“Oh, absolutely [on more interest in tickets this year] I think the fact that the championship is still up for grabs is incredibly influential, particularly in the US market,” Wilm said.
“In the US, we love to see good competition, and it’s less about who the particular team or driver is.
“So to know that there is still so much on the line and that the championship is going to be up for grabs, and the fact you’ve had so many different drivers on the podium is itself creating a lot of excitement and buzz.”
With $1.2 billion expected in generated revenue from tourism and other sectors, for Las Vegas the $500 million they spent to host this event was a no-brainer Wilm also explained.
With a 10-year-contract, F1 have committed to Las Vegas for the foreseeable future and with the roads altered to accommodate the track along with a permanent paddock, organisers hope a Las Vegas grand prix will be hosted longer after the decade-long contract expires.
“I’ve always said it’s the perfect marriage of speed and glamour in Las Vegas, and I’m going to continue to believe that, because you couldn’t think of another place in the world,” Wilm said about why F1 suits Las Vegas.
“Putting aside Monaco – where you could have this level of hospitality and bring in this calibre of celebrities to enjoy everything that Las Vegas has to offer.
“We could not be happier with the turnout we had last year from our celebrity fans, and we’re very excited about everyone heading out this year as well. We obviously have our red carpet.”
Well Verstappen will hope to cap out an incredible night in Vegas by becoming champion when he races on the strip this Sunday while Norris will hope he can delay the celebrations for at least one more race.
