Fernando Alonso anticipates unpredictable challenge at inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix
- Rob Fleming
- 16 November 2023
In preparation for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso shared insights into the unique challenges awaiting drivers on the reimagined Strip circuit.
With the track featuring a blend of freshly resurfaced sections and public roads, the two-time world champion emphasized the dynamic nature of the evolving surface, predicting a weekend where no two laps would feel identical.
Alonso highlighted the distinctive characteristics of the Las Vegas circuit, emphasizing the low downforce settings required for the street circuit and the potential impact of fluctuating temperatures on tire performance.
The juxtaposition of high-speed stretches down Las Vegas Boulevard, low downforce settings, and demanding braking zones adds an extra layer of complexity to the drivers' task.
"It is a street circuit, very low downforce, and just getting that confidence into the car, in the braking areas will be very important," Alonso conveyed during media discussions. He went on to underscore the absence of support series, foreseeing a significant track evolution throughout the weekend, making adaptability to changing grip conditions a paramount challenge for all teams.
"With the condition of the track and not having any support races, I think the amount of track evolution during the weekend is going to be bigger than normal," Alonso stated. "So that will challenge everyone, I guess we will not have two laps the same on the weekend."
Despite his recent podium success in Sao Paulo, Alonso remains pragmatic about Aston Martin's chances in Las Vegas. Reflecting on the struggles at Monza, he acknowledged the season-long weaknesses in the AMR23 package, expecting a demanding weekend with the long straights posing potential difficulties for the team.
"Here and Abu Dhabi will be as important as Sao Paulo for us in terms of understanding the car," Alonso explained. "So let's see how it goes here. I think it's going to be a tough weekend, maybe for us, with these long straights and so on."
The inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix promises excitement with its 14-turn street circuit spanning over six kilometres. The track features top speeds of around 342 kilometres per hour on the lengthy straight across the Strip, creating an environment that rivals the iconic Monza for average speeds.
As the Formula 1 fraternity gears up for this unique challenge, Alonso's perspective provides a glimpse into the intricacies that drivers and teams will navigate during this groundbreaking event.
