Formula 1: How Las Vegas combines the best of F1 tracks

Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix features: No. 6 – Curved straights

Inspiration: Jeddah

A track characteristic first seen at Jeddah Corniche Circuit which helped generate its infamous reputation are the twisting straights, which add a unique element to side by side conflict during this portion of the lap while also hampering driver visibility.

Forcing drivers to compensate for one another when running side by side in the flat-out section of the track, this attribute of the track design only quickens the time it takes for trailing drivers to close in on their rivals and add another combatant to the fight.

The middle sector linking the sweeping left-hander of turn six into the main straight incorporates these sweeping straights smoothly as a transition from one area of track to the next. This section will be unlikely to see large quantities of overtaking unless a unique dynamic forms between drivers getting runs out of turn six.

Both turn 10 and turn 14 also incorporate soft kinks to straights for the purpose of creating a more flowing track, but they have a marginal impact on racing lines. These “turns” are more likely to influence the positioning of DRS detection points and zones rather than the wheel-to-wheel racing aspect.