Weather Forecast: Las Vegas GP

Image: LVGP

The Las Vegas Grand Prix is set to be unlike any other on this year's calendar. In a unique twist for the 2023 season, the event will unfold between Thursday and Saturday, deviating from the traditional Friday-to-Sunday format. 

What sets this year's Las Vegas Grand Prix apart is not only the change in scheduling but also the thrilling spectacle it offers. With drivers navigating the dazzling streets of the city late into the night, spectators will have the chance to bask in the true brilliance of Las Vegas' iconic bright lights. However, the race comes with a twist, as unusually cold conditions are expected to test both drivers and their teams. 

Historically, races on the famous Las Vegas Strip have seen drivers contend with scorching temperatures. The last time Formula 1 graced the streets of Vegas was in 1982, during the Caesars Palace Grand Prix, which drew criticism for its flat track and searing temperatures, soaring up to a blistering 37.1ºC (99.8 Fahrenheit). 

Image: F1 Media

The late September race subjected drivers to a grueling combination of scorching heat and the harsh conditions of the abrasive asphalt that made up the hotel car park track. This made it exceedingly difficult for drivers to find grip on their tires. The intense heat also took a toll on the competitors, with many suffering from neck pain and extreme exhaustion after completing the grueling 75-lap race. In a testament to the severity of these conditions, Brabham's Nelson Piquet even vomited in his helmet during the grand prix and had to be lifted out of his car following the chequered flag. 

Ross Brawn, a former Formula One managing director, has acknowledged that the series did not factor in the possibility of such low temperatures when selecting the Las Vegas track for the calendar. Consequently, there is growing concern about how these cooler conditions might impact both the performance and safety of the cars on the track. 

Image: F1 Media

Weather Forecast for the Las Vegas Grand Prix 

Thursday, November 16: 
- Clear conditions expected for FP1, with a possibility of slight winds. 
- Chance of rain towards the end of FP2. 
- Race day temperatures set to reach around 13ºC (55 Fahrenheit) with lows of 8ºC (46 Fahrenheit). 
- A 20% chance of rain. 

Friday, November 17: 
- Temperatures around 13ºC (55 Fahrenheit) for FP3 and Qualifying, with potential lows of 9ºC (48 Fahrenheit). 
- Rain forecast for the early afternoon and evening, clearing up before Qualifying. 
- A 40% chance of rain. 

Saturday, November 18: 
- Reduced chance of rain ahead of the race. 
- Light rain expected until the early afternoon, clearing before nightfall. 
- Highest night temperatures around 13ºC (55 Fahrenheit), with lows of 7ºC (44 Fahrenheit). 

As the anticipation for the Las Vegas Grand Prix reaches its peak, all eyes will be on the drivers, teams, and the weather, making this an unforgettable race in the heart of the iconic city that never sleeps. With the chilly conditions posing an unprecedented challenge, fans are in for a thrilling spectacle that could go down in history as one of the most memorable F1 events ever.