Should Max Verstappen clinch the Formula 1 Drivers’ title in Las Vegas, organisers have teased plans for a celebration worthy of the city’s reputation and party atmosphere.
Following his triumphant and decisive drive at a rain-soaked Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Verstappen finds himself on the brink of securing his fourth consecutive championship.
The race is touted as one of F1’s most vital races to continue its expansion in the lucrative American market, with a potential decider adding extra excitement to the weekend.
Verstappen took victory in the first race along the fabled strip last season, in a race that featured multiple leaders, crashes and overtakes galore despite off-track controversy.
12 months on, Verstappen needs to outscore Lando Norris by three points to take the crown, a statistic that Red Bull has noted as it aims to thank its driver for his efforts.
Speaking to Motorsport.com, Las Vegas GP CEO Renee Wilm, revealed plans are in the works with the team for a unique celebration, should Verstappen secure the title.
“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.
“There are so many opportunities to highlight the drivers, and particularly if we actually do have the benefit of being able to get a champion (crowned), ” she concluded.
Late surge in ticket sales coming?
Fans were left disgusted in the build-up to last year’s inaugural race as a loose drain cover wreaked havoc and forced the circuit to close, putting off some fans for the remainder of the weekend.
However, with a week to go until the strip transforms into an F1 circuit, Wilm expects an influx in ticket sales as a result of the title permutations, with the realistic possibility of a title crowed in Nevada.
“Oh, absolutely I think the fact that the championship is still up for grabs is incredibly influential, particularly in the US market,” Wilm explained.
“I think there’s the legacy fans that are oftentimes more focused, maybe on how their team or their driver is performing, whereas 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.
“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 – 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.
“It was absolutely packed last year, and we’re looking forward to welcoming back many of those celebrities, as well as some new ones as well, who are really excited about heading out to Vegas.”
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