Las Vegas is known for many things, and that now includes hosting Formula 1 cars that race down the Strip at eye-watering speeds. During an action-packed weekend, celebrities flocked to Vegas to see the cars in action, while drivers indulged in other sports and still found time to poke fun at each other and take in the sights. Here are some of the best social media you might have missed from Sin City…
Putting everything on (on) green
Four F1 stars set out to do a different kind of driving in the ‘Netflix Cup’, a star-studded golf event that saw Alex Albon, Pierre Gasly, Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris team up with professional golfers for a series of fun challenges.
HIGHLIGHTS: Enjoy the best action from a thrilling Las Vegas Grand Prix as Verstappen wins
Sainz emerged victorious, although his launch proved more successful than his celebrations as he became the last driver to win a trophy this season.
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I’m going for a ride
Nico Hulkenberg admitted he hadn’t been to Vegas before, and made the most of his time there with a quick jaunt to the (relatively) nearby Grand Canyon—a safer bet than hitting the casinos.
It could prove to be the highlight of his weekend, with Haas battling for the pace and finishing with both cars out of the points on home soil.
FACTS AND STATS: Verstappen scores historic hat-trick for USA as Red Bull secure first 1-2 in drivers’ championship
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Fighting Chances
Charles Leclerc and Esteban Ocon headed to a Lakers match before the Frenchman also embraced some UFC action. Did that give Ocon any ideas on how to fight his way back through the field in the race?
Whatever inspired him, it worked as he turned a P16 start into fourth at the flag.
READ MORE: Ocon hails ‘amazing feeling’ after climbing from P16 to P4 in Las Vegas as Gasly laments ‘pretty chaotic’ problem
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Time difference
In case you missed it, at Wednesday’s press conference many drivers complained of feeling tired and struggling with jet lag – but not Lewis Hamilton, who said he felt fine in comparison. This prompted some friendly banter that only continued when Sergio Perez sat next to Hamilton at the drivers’ briefing and snapped this…
Fortunately, Hamilton saw the funny side. And he wasn’t caught napping during the race as he recovered from a Q2 crash in qualifying to finish in the points.
READ MORE: What the teams said – Race Day in Las Vegas
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When in… Vegas
Pierre Gasly found an alternative form of transport on his way to the track, choosing the scenic gondola ride over the scooters and cars favored by his colleagues.
It may not have the glamor of Venice, but as far as romantic excursions go, it’s a lot safer than a trip to the F1 Chapel – and a lot cheaper too, if the divorce rate for Vegas weddings is to be believed!
FULL TENSCRIPT: Read every word of Mario Andretti’s Beyond The Grid interview
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Long live Las Vegas
It wouldn’t be Vegas without some Elvis impersonators going around, this lot posing with all the drivers in the paddock and giving them some custom jackets.
Those threads looked pretty cool – but not as cool as Red Bull’s tracksuits on race day, as Max Verstappen and Perez were as full as Elvis for the Grand Prix. Verstappen added to the atmosphere by singing “Viva Las Vegas” over the radio after crossing the finish line. We can confirm that he doesn’t have to give up the day job just yet.
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In his birthday suit
Speaking of costumes, Red Bull opted for this tribute to their longtime boss, who celebrated his 50th birthday over the weekend in Vegas.
Christian Horner couldn’t have timed his birthday better, as it’s a fitting place for a big celebration. And his drivers helped him with a double podium to secure a 1-2 in the championship to boot.
READ MORE: ‘What more could you ask for?’ – Horner reflects on Perez sealing Red Bull’s first 1-2 in Drivers’ Championship
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Need a ride?
Hamilton looked stranded when his classic car broke down on the drivers’ parade, but luckily Perez came to his rescue and lifted him up. Was this the Mexican’s way of apologizing for making fun of Hamilton’s jet lag?
Fortunately for these two fellows, they didn’t get tangled up in the race, as it could have resulted in a frosty ride home if they had a taste for carpooling.
READ MORE: Perez reflects on ‘tough race’ in Las Vegas after helping Red Bull secure first 1-2 in Drivers’ Championship
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Star struck
The stars were in Vegas – and no wonder, with such a spectacular event to enjoy. Famous faces from the worlds of sport, film, music, fashion and more graced the F1 paddock over the weekend, some to perform, some just to watch.
From Wednesday’s musical extravaganza to a talent-filled grid, celebrity spotting was a sport in itself – and drivers weren’t immune to finding themselves speechless in the presence of some of their heroes – watching you, Esteban.. .
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The game knows the game
We said the stars of the sports world were out, and we weren’t kidding. This is just a small fraction of the incredibly talented athletes who have had a taste of the F1 action in Vegas.
From golfers to tennis players, footballers and sprinters, they were treated to one of the races of the season on Saturday night, with a thrilling finish. It was the kind of Grand Prix that former world champion Nigel Mansell would have appreciated, with Verstappen dominating the way Mansell did himself to win his own title in 1992.
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This tweet has been removed from Twitter