As Formula 1 ventures into the unknown at the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend. McLaren boss Andrea Stella is confident his team will continue to deliver on the superb momentum they have had in the latter half of this season.
And, of course, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are fired up to be racing on the fable Las Vegas Strip, in what is one of the most anticipated races of this season, if not the decade. Colder than normal weather for F1 cars to be racing, plus the challenges with an ultra-green, brand new pop-up street track while racing in the desert night.
In the team's preview of Round 21 of the 2023 F1 season, Stella said: “We’re now heading into the final double header of the season, a season that’s showcased the team's hard work, focus and determination to achieve our mission to go back and fight for podiums.
“The Las Vegas GP will have an incredible atmosphere, and it is a new track for all. We’ll have some learning to do during sessions, however, I have no doubt that the team will deliver," decalred Stella.
For now, drivers have had sim time on the casino-lined track, with the Las Vegas Sphere protruding like a single boob, changing colours and brands as F1 cars wizz past. You can even download it and play it yourself if you have the right sim mod.
Norris: I’ve been preparing in the sim
Looking ahead to the third running of a Grand Prix in Vegas, Norris said: “It’s finally time for the Las Vegas GP! We’ve all been looking forward to this since it was announced last year. I’m excited to race on the Vegas Strip. I’m sure it’s going to be a special one with an incredible atmosphere.
“It’s a brand-new track for all of us. I’ve been preparing in the sim but experiencing it in practice will be interesting. We’ve had a couple of good races with four podiums in the last five races. I’m determined to keep the consistency going into the season's final two races and end on a high," added Norris.
The Englishman is P5 in the 2023 F1 WDC standings with two round remaining, on 195 points trailing Fernando Alonso (198 points) in P4 and chased by Carlos Sainz (192 points) in P6.
In the sister McLaren, rookie Piastri, ninth in the standings on 87 points, echoed his teammate: “I’m excited to be heading to Vegas and kicking off the last double header of the season. It should be a fun one, driving in a unique location. I can’t wait to see what it looks like.
“Vegas is another new track for me, but it’s new for everyone else, so it should make for an interesting weekend. The team have done an amazing job with the car this season, and I’m hoping to get back in the points," added Piastri.
McLaren are fourth in the 2023 F1 WCC standings as the graphic below shows:
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