Lewis Hamilton speaks out on Las Vegas GP after being handed ban for landmark event

Lewis Hamilton is looking forward to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with Mercedes chief Toto Wolff vowing to “make sure” no one from his team gambles while in Vegas

Lewis Hamilton expects this weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix to be a “wild experience”, with the race taking place on a street circuit that includes a section on the infamous Sin City strip.

It is the first time a Formula 1 race has taken place in Vegas since 1982 and Hamilton is hoping he can score enough points in the final two races of the season to pip Red Bull ‘s Sergio Perez to second in the driver standings.

And the seven-time world champion is looking forward to a unique race weekend in Vegas. “I just don’t understand how we’re gonna move around that place, I don’t even know how I’m gonna get from the track to the hotel,” he told Sky Sports

“It’s going to be such a compact spot with so many people, but I think it’s gonna be a wild experience. The best thing is just to go with an open mind and not have any pre-determined ideas of what it’s going to be like and just take it all in when you get there.

“Driving in the nightlights I’m going to feel like I’m in the Casino movie! It’s pretty cool. People are going to be coming from all over for the Grand Prix. It’s great that each city here in America gives a different atmosphere but the one thing is they’ve amazing fans, hardcore sporting fans.

“It’s such a huge place and there’s something for everyone here. If you want to be in the mountains, you want to be in countryside, you want to be in the city… You’ve got New York which I think is the coolest city ever and Vegas which is kind of a big playground for adults.

“It’s going to be mad! It’s going to be interesting to see how you can stay focused.” Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has banned his staff and drivers from gambling while they are in Vegas, telling Motorsport.com : “I think everyone is looking forward to the Las Vegas race.

“Racing in this city is comparable to climbing Everest, hats off to Liberty Media for organising this race. I don’t think I’m the only one in Formula One who has never been to this city, which is quite difficult to get around.

.