Las Vegas GP organisers hoping to throw party if Verstappen wins F1 title on the Strip

If Max Verstappen hits the jackpot and retains his Formula 1 world title in Las Vegas next week, the series could be in for the most memorable championship celebration in its long and storied history.

The Las Vegas Strip Circuit hosted its first grand prix last year and was a roaring success both financially and from a sporting perspective, with Verstappen claiming victory after a thrilling race that featured 99 overtakes.

This year, however, the stakes are even higher in Sin City – with Verstappen’s stunning win in Brazil opening the door for the Dutchman to secure a fourth successive drivers’ championship.

If the Red Bull man can take the chequered flag when the chips are down in Vegas, he will once again be world champion – while nearest challenger Lando Norris needs to beat Verstappen by at least three points to keep the title fight ticking over to Qatar.

Autosport understands that conversations have taken place between organisers and Red Bull to see what could be done to mark Verstappen’s achievement if the situation arises, with Renee Wilm, CEO of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, insisting they would be ready to start the celebrations.

“I’m sure that we would be able to pull some ideas out of our hat, maybe pre-arrange some pretty exciting opportunities,” she told Autosport.

“When you consider the properties on the Strip – Wynn and Encore are second to none in terms of the highest class of hospitality. Then, of course, you have the Bellagio further down the Strip, with those iconic fountains, and the level of VIP service that the Bellagio offers.

“There are so many opportunities to highlight the drivers, and particularly if we actually do have the benefit of being able to get a champion [crowned].”

Organisers have added more general admission tickets to the offerings for the grand prix weekend this year, replacing previous hospitality areas – while the aim is to make sure the VIP feel remains.

Some 316,000 fans were in attendance across the weekend, but many were left frustrated as the running on the opening day was severely cut back. In FP1 a drain cover damaged the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz, leaving the track needing to be repaired and checked to prevent a repeat, with delays forcing the closure of grandstands and the removal of fans before FP2 could be held.

Verstappen had already clinched the championship before last year’s event, but Wilm believes the…