The Formula 1 circus rolls into Las Vegas this weekend for the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix. The neon lights of the strip will illuminate Red Bull’s latest fan-designed livery as Max Verstappen attempts to claim a record-breaking 15th win of the 2022 season.
Red Bull has revealed the fan-created purple and yellow neon design for the final race of their ‘Make Your Mark’ livery campaign. Meanwhile, Mercedes arrive, hoping to rediscover their form on a track that suits their car. Lewis Hamilton chases the motivation for one last push heading into the winter break.
Red Bull Livery Shines Under Vegas Lights
Red Bull unveiled the third and final fan-designed livery of 2022, which will adorn the cars of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez under the floodlights on Saturday night.
The vibrant purple and yellow neon design was created by UK fan Lindsay Palmer and chosen from thousands of entries in Red Bull’s Make Your Mark competition. It aims to encapsulate the bright lights of the casinos and hotels that line the famous Las Vegas strip.
Team Principal Christian Horner said it was a “unique way to bring fans into the team’s heart,” he was excited to see the livery “racing around the streets of Las Vegas.”
Verstappen Hunts Record 15th Win of 2022
World Champion Max Verstappen has dominated the 2022 season, winning a record-equalling 14 races with one left to go.
Victory under the lights on Saturday would see the Dutchman stand alone for most wins in a single season, surpassing Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel’s previous benchmark of 13.
Despite Mercedes’ resurgence in recent races, Vegas’s track characteristics and conditions suggest Verstappen remains a favorite to create history.
Mercedes Target Return to Form in Vegas
Mercedes have endured a difficult 2022 after eight consecutive Constructors’ Championship titles. However, there are signs the W14 car could find form on the Vegas strip.
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The cold night-time temperatures will make tire warm-up difficult, an area Mercedes has struggled with less than Red Bull this season.
Driver George Russell said the conditions make it a “weekend of opportunity” for the team to rediscover competitiveness. Lewis Hamilton is also hopeful of a stronger showing after analysis of their Brazil struggles.
Hamilton Chasing Motivation for 2023
Lewis Hamilton has gone winless in 2022 as Mercedes toil. With a race-winning car for next season not guaranteed, the seven-time Champion seeks motivation to push through the winter.
Hamilton recently extended his Mercedes contract to the end of 2023. Team boss Toto Wolff has a “personal anger” to get Hamilton title number eight after last year’s controversial finale.
A strong pace under the Vegas lights could provide the boost Hamilton needs to maintain intensity over the off-season, as Mercedes bid to give him a car to challenge next year.
Conclusion
The Las Vegas Grand Prix has excitement levels turned up to eleven as Red Bull’s neon livery hits the strip and Max Verstappen attempts to make history.
Mercedes hopes the conditions can help them rediscover form to provide optimism heading into a crucial winter of car development. While Lewis Hamilton chases any motivation, he can find to maintain his relentless standards for a 2023 title push.
Under the bright lights of Vegas, the final race of 2022 looks set for a thrilling climax.