Las Vegas Strip Formula 1 race announcement ‘imminent’

In this March 17, 2019, file photo, Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas of Finland, bottom, leads his teammate Lewis Hamilton of Britain and the rest of the pack during the start of the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne, Australia. The start of the 2021 Formula One season has been delayed after the Australian Grand Prix was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Australian race in Melbourne has been rescheduled from March 21 to November 21. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft, File)

Automovilistas en la intersección de Las Vegas Boulevard y Flamingo Road el domingo, 7 de junio de 2020, en Las Vegas. El domingo, tanto el tráfico de coches como el de peatones en el Strip parecía más congestionado que en los últimos días. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @bizutesfaye

An official announcement regarding a Formula One race on the Las Vegas Strip is “imminent,” according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

With talks between local and F1 officials occurring since last year, the person said a race taking place in Las Vegas is “very real.” With the 2022 F1 schedule already set, the earliest the race could take place is in 2023.

Plans tentatively include drivers racing in and around the Strip, including areas around the Bellagio and farther north. Portions of Las Vegas Boulevard would be temporarily shut down to host the race.

Earlier this year that same person noted that the race wouldn’t be a one-time event and that it’s likely the Las Vegas race becomes F1’s flagship U.S. race.

The abundance of pedestrian bridges that stretch across the Strip at several points are viewed as a valuable asset for the race, the person noted. They would offer prime spots for spectators to take in the race and eliminate the need for F1 to construct temporary viewing structures.

F1 would be responsible for temporary road improvements, including sealing sewer manholes and adding concrete barriers along Las Vegas Boulevard.

The race would mark the first time Las Vegas has hosted Formula One since 1981 and ’82 races in the Caesars Palace parking lot.

Contact Mick Akers at makers@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2920. Follow @mickakers on Twitter.