F1 knew it couldn’t lean on quite the same intrigue for its second visit to Las Vegas. It also couldn’t realistically expect to repeat the money-spinning success of year one, which generated $1.5 billion dollars for the local economy and $77 million in tax revenue, outstripping all expectations.

Formula One drivers said the Las Vegas Grand Prix is finding its footing after its first year struggles and said they look forward to returning to Sin City for the flashy night race along the Las Vegas Strip.

Max Verstappen, only the sixth driver in F1 history to win at least four titles, sounded unusually emotional on the radio.

While experts predict this year’s race will pull in slightly less than the $500 million or so in revenue for Formula 1 and the $1.5 billion in Las Vegas economic impact achieved in last year’s race, the contest and its weeklong festivities will still be a boon for all those involved.

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.

Formula 1 drivers complained this week about the smell of marijuana as they prepared for the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Follow live updates from the Qatar Grand Prix weekend as McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull fight for the 2024 constructors’ championship.

The race is scheduled to start at 12:55 a.m. EST or 9:55 p.m. PST and will be broadcast on ESPN. Fans looking to watch can do so through FuboTV, which offers a free trial and $20 off your first month, or DirecTV Stream, which also offers a free trial. SlingTV doesn’t offer a free trial but does have other promotional offers available.