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.

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

George Russell and Carlos Sainz said the Las Vegas Grand Prix should be followed by an off weekend for Formula 1, given the challenges posed by its race schedule. The race in Las Vegas takes place

Celebrities and Elvises descended on the paddock. Fireworks exploded after the race. And Formula One crowned its latest world champion, Max Verstappen. The Dutchman didn’t have the fastest car, nor has he for 70 percent of the season, he said. But he still managed to cement his name among the greats of the sport after finishing fifth.

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.