F1’s American Gamble: Tradition Meets Transformation on the Las Vegas Strip

Formula 1 has always been considered a European sport, steeped in tradition and exclusivity. While every year, the driver with the most points at the end is crowned the “World Champion,” and the races do occur across 21 separate nations in five continents, the DNA of F1 nonetheless is and always has been distinctly European. In the wake of this past weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, however, I think it’s become clear that this European grounding has eroded. F1 has finally managed to attract Americans. F1 is now courting the United States with a vigor unseen in its history.

Spring Break Retrospective

Vegas, Baby
by Rebecca Shoval, Sun Senior Writer

It took us until we got about five minutes outside of Los Angeles to bring up the Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas reference. Of course, Las Vegas looks nothing like it did when Hunter S. Thompson visited there in 1971. Following an almost five-hour drive past the occasional cluster of homes, a solar powered-energy plant and one large rest stop occupied almost entirely with fast food chains, arriving in Las Vegas gave mirage a new meaning.