Las Vegas Grand Prix: 3 Takeaways From the Thrilling First F1 Race in Sin City

(Photo : Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving the (16) Ferrari SF-23 and Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB19 battle for the race lead during the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas at Las Vegas Strip Circuit on November 18, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The first edition of the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix lived up to the hype despite controversies surrounding the event in the lead-up to the race.

Numerous parties, including local Las Vegas residents, expressed their discontent with the event, citing inconveniences caused by closed roads for race preparations and the exorbitant ticket prices.

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing criticized the Grand Prix, describing it as a "99 percent show" and expressing his lack of enthusiasm for the race.

Nonetheless, the Dutchman secured his sixth consecutive victory and notched his 18th win in the 2023 season at the star-studded event from November 16 to 18, with the main race taking place on the last day.

In the final moments, the race featured a thrilling battle for second place between Verstappen's teammate Sergio Perez and Charles Leclerc of Scuderia Ferrari, adding to the excitement of an exhilarating evening in the Sin City.

The Monégasque driver emerged ahead of the Mexican to finish behind the reigning three-time world champion, much to the joy of the Tifosi supporters in the stands.

The intense competition at the front of the pack was just one of the many highlights of a spectacular evening of racing.

Here are 3 takeaways from the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix:

1. The circuit delivers exceptional racing.

The Las Vegas Strip Circuit, a temporary racetrack at the heart of the city, provided thrilling racing for all 20 cars on the grid. At the front were seven lead changes involving Verstappen, Leclerc, and Perez.

Esteban Ocon of Alpine, Lance Stroll of Aston Martin, and Oscar Piastri of McLaren showcased impressive comebacks during the race, while veterans Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes and Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin had great moments as well.

2. This may be it for Sergio Perez.

The Mexican driver appeared poised for a significant comeback victory, claiming the lead for the second time for the evening in lap 32.

Despite extending his lead over Leclerc by nearly 2 seconds, a mistake in one of the final corners allowed the Ferrari driver to execute an effortless overtake two laps later.

Subsequently, Perez conceded his P2 position to teammate Verstappen, who capitalized on the opportunity and seized the lead over Leclerc in lap 37.

Although Perez managed to secure the P2 position from Leclerc for the majority of the final stages of the race, he ultimately failed to defend in the final corners of the last lap, denying Red Bull a 1-2 finish.

Perez appeared again vulnerable under pressure, as he has been all along this season despite driving one of the most dominant cars in Formula 1 history, the Red Bull RB19.

3. It will only get better.

Although Formula 1 and Las Vegas' current agreement is only set until 2025, F1 and Liberty Media have invested in Las Vegas, acquiring 39 acres of land and constructing a 250,000-square-foot paddock building to support the race for ten years until 2032 and even beyond.

Having completed the inaugural edition, future race preparations will likely be smoother. The intriguing layout of the circuit suggests the potential for more exciting races in the years to come.