Formula 1 hits the neon-lit streets of Las Vegas - the self-styled entertainment capital of the world - for the second time this week in the first leg of a triple-header of race weekends that close out the 2024 season. After a dramatic start to life on the F1 calendar for the Las Vegas Strip Circuit last year, the sport returns with both world championship titles yet to be settled this time round amid what has proved an increasingly-competitive and unpredictable season.
To make matters worse, with the delays having gone beyond the contractual obligation of circuit staff, the session played out without fans in the grandstand with spectators, many of whom were naturally disgruntled, told to leave before cars hit the track. It felt like the event was at an early crisis point yet - two days later - by the end of an action-packed and, unusually for a street circuit, overtaking-friendly race the mood had almost completely changed.