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Formula One is back in Vegas: Photos from the Las Vegas Grand Prix

Myung J. Chun
·2-min read
LAS VEGAS, CA - NOVEMBER 17: Alfa Romeo driver Valtteri Bottas passes by Sphere.
Alfa Romeo driver Valtteri Bottas passes by the Sphere during a Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix practice session on Friday. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

For the first time in more than 40 years, Formula One is back in Las Vegas. This time, however, the globetrotting motorsport series isn't limited to the dusty confines of the Caesars Palace parking lot.

The Las Vegas Grand Prix street circuit incorporates a long stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard in what has instantly become one of the fastest races on the Formula One calendar, with top speeds in excess of 215 mph. The track, which features a blend of long straightaways and fast sweepers, wraps around the Sphere, a newly opened entertainment venue just off the Vegas Strip.

Veteran Los Angeles Times photographer Myung J. Chun has captured many of the most colorful moments from the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend so far from his trackside vantage point. Check out some of his top photos below.

Close-up of Formula One champion Max Verstappen in his purple, yellow and orange Red Bull Racing car.
Formula One champion Max Verstappen takes part in a practice session for the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Friday with a special Las Vegas livery on his Red Bull Racing car. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
American driver Logan Sargent drives his blue Williams car around the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
American driver Logan Sargent navigates his Williams around the Las Vegas Grand Prix course during qualifying Friday night. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
Close-up of Alex Albon as he drives his Las Vegas-themed Williams during practice at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Alex Albon drives his Las Vegas-themed Williams during practice at the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Friday. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc steers through Turn 14 coming off the Vegas Strip.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc steers through Turn 14 coming off the Vegas Strip on his way to securing pole position for the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Friday night. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
A Ferrari fan in clown makeup watches the qualifying session among spectators.
A Ferrari fan in clown makeup watches the qualifying session at the Las Vegas Grand Prix early Saturday morning. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
The winner's stage has a race car suspended in the air in front of fountains.
The winner's stage at the Bellagio Fountain Club on the Las Vegas Strip. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
A view of the Las Vegas skyline, including a tower and tall buildings.
A view of the Las Vegas skyline from the Bellagio Fountain Club on Thursday ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
Grand Prix drivers stand in a line.
Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz, left, and Charles Leclerc take part in the drivers' parade during race-day festivities Saturday. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
Max Verstappen drives in the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen won the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Saturday. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
Cars drive in the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix begins with pole sitter Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, front left, and Red Bull's Max Verstappen heading into Turn 1. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
A model in a shiny pink outfit draws the attention of photographers.
Fashion model Veronika Rajek causes a bit of commotion in front of the Mercedes garage during race-day festivities. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
Fireworks at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
A fireworks finale closes out the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix early Sunday morning. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.