When the Las Vegas Grand Prix begins its second run in Las Vegas tonight, the Formula One racers will likely be competing in front of fewer fans.

As F1 embarked on its ambitious plan to return to Las Vegas after almost 40 years away (and insisted on having the Strip as part of its 3.8-mile track layout), it needed a plan to keep it open as long as possible before preparing it for F1 action each night.

Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton paced both of Thursday night’s practices at the Las Vegas Grand Prix just two weeks after one of the worst races of his career.

Las Vegas held two championship races in 1981 and 1982, both title-deciding season-enders going under the name of the Caesars Palace Grand Prix, before the Nevada city returned to the calendar last year.

Plus where to play, eat and stay in Sin City during the big race, from Lewis Hamilton's exclusive package and trackside dinners with chef Gordon Ramsay to last-minute room and ticket deals.

There is a little more racing drama for Saturday night’s Las Vegas Grand Prix than a year ago when Max Verstappen was running away with the Formula 1 championship and most of the news centered on the disruptions leading up to the race.