Which Formula 1 Races Are Held At Night?
During the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship, 23 races will be held around the world. At each location, host cities have the opportunity to design the course as a street circuit or race track that complies with FIA regulations. In total, four Formula 1 races will be held at night in 2023. Read on to learn about these locations and their distinct characteristics!
Bahrain Grand Prix
In March 2023, the Formula 1 World Championship will kick off in Sakhir, Bahrain, for the fifth time. After operating during the day for the race’s first 10 years, the Bahrain Grand Prix became a night race during the 2014 season. As the first race on the 2023 circuit, this track that features 15 turns will challenge drivers and constructors to start the year on a positive note.
Following Charles Leclerc’s victory in 2022, Ferrari became the race’s most successful constructor with seven total victories. As a driver, Lewis Hamilton has captured the most wins in Bahrain with five total victories in his storied career.
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
The Formula 1 World Championship will kick off with consecutive night races in 2023. To avoid high daytime temperatures, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is held at night on the streets of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. First held in 2021, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit is the fastest street race in Formula One, the second-longest circuit of the season, and features 27 turns. In two seasons, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have each captured a victory here.
Singapore Grand Prix
The Singapore Grand Prix is the season’s third race held at night and is hosted on the Marina Bay Street Circuit. This race is one of the most physically demanding circuits of the season for drivers due to its bumpy surface and sharp 19-turn setup. Since returning to Formula 1 in 2008, a safety car has appeared in every race at the Singapore Grand Prix to protect and slow drivers after a crash or car failure.
Currently, Sebastian Vettel is the circuit’s most successful driver, with five victories in two stints with Ferrari and Red Bull-Renault. After being canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19, Formula 1 returned to Singapore in 2022 with Sergio Pérez capturing a victory for Red Bull.
Las Vegas Grand Prix
The final race hosted at night is the Las Vegas Grand Prix, a new circuit in 2023 that will be the third race in the United States on the Formula 1 calendar. In the past, Las Vegas hosted the Caesars Palace Grand Prix in 1981 and 1982 on a race track outside of the renowned casino. In 2023, this race will take place on the streets of the Las Vegas Strip for the first time. On this 3.8-mile track that features 14 turns, drivers will reach speeds of up to 212 miles per hour while weaving through world-famous casinos and hotels.