Key Highlights
- F1’s first race in Las Vegas was held at Caesars Palace in 1981 and 1982.
- The races were crucial for the World Championship, with titles decided in both years.
- Carlos Reutemann narrowly won the title in 1981 despite leading the championship.
- In 1982, Keke Rosberg and John Watson faced off for the title at Las Vegas.
The Birth of F1 in Las Vegas: A Historical Perspective
Formula One (F1) history was rewritten when Bernie Ecclestone decided to host races in a less conventional setting. In 1981 and 1982, the famed Caesars Palace in Las Vegas became the stage for two exhilarating World Championship deciders.
The First F1 Race in Las Vegas: A Venue Born of Necessity
Back then, the concept of racing in a car park seemed far-fetched. The Stardust Raceway outside Las Vegas was paved over by 1970, and the area near Caesars Palace wasn’t close enough to justify the grandeur of F1. Despite the unconventional location—Caesars Palace’s car park—the race managed to attract top talent.
On the first day of practice, Carlos Reutemann set a blistering pace, clocking 0.415 seconds faster than anyone else.
Yet, as the day turned into night, his car developed understeer issues, and he faced an anxious start to what was supposed to be his career-defining race.
Team-mate Alan Jones started from pole position, setting a strong pace. However, it was Jacques Laffite who had the best chance of becoming France’s first F1 World Champion if he could win with Nelson Piquet and Carlos Reutemann in specific positions. But fate had other plans.
Carlos’s Comeback and Tragic Defeat
Captain Frank Williams arrived late to the drivers’ briefing, causing a delay before the race started. As the sun set over Las Vegas, Carlos found himself struggling with his car. By lap 17, he had been overtaken by Nelson Piquet, who had also fallen back due to earlier massage-induced back pain.
The race was intense and competitive.
Despite leading from pole position, Reutemann’s best race lap was 1.3 seconds slower than Alan Jones’s pace. His performance was a far cry from the dominant form he displayed in practice. In the end, Reutemann secured his World Championship title with just one point more than Piquet.
The Second Title Decider: A Close Race
One year later, Keke Rosberg and John Watson battled it out for the 1982 F1 World Championship. The race was scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 16. Despite the high stakes, the result was as unpredictable as ever.
Ross Brawn won the race, giving Uncle Ken his first title since Patrick Depailler in Monaco in 1978.
Michele Alboreto took the lead from Alain Prost and Rene Arnoux on Lap 52, and Ross Brawn went on to win with a margin of seconds. This victory marked the 11th different winner in that extraordinary season.
The race was a testament to the unpredictability of F1, where even the best drivers could have off days. The title deciders at Caesars Palace showcased the intensity and excitement of the sport, making them memorable events for both fans and racers alike.
