Formula 1 Las Vegas’ takeover includes The Cromwell rooftop, where Drai’s Beachclub & Nightclub becomes the Vista Las Vegas viewing experience in association with the McLaren F1 racing team. With Mark Wahlberg on board to host and keep the bars well-stocked with his Flecha Azul Tequila, the center-Strip venue will be headquarters for F1 legend and contemporary commentator David Coulthard. Las Vegas Magazine’s Matt Kelemen checked in with the 13-time Grand Prix winner last month as he attended F1 in Austin.

Where does Las Vegas fit in the Formula 1 universe right now?

In a number of ways. It’s part of a long-term plan of Formula 1 and it’s an element of coming home or coming back, because we had a Grand Prix in Vegas many years ago (1982) in a car park at Caesars Palace. So it’s not a completely alien situation, having Grand Prix cars racing in Las Vegas. And arguably as one of the biggest entertainment cities synonymous with big sports events like boxing and the like, to have Formula 1 there makes sense.

Is it part of a push into the States?

Yeah, America has always been an important market for Formula 1 as a whole, but it has struggled historically to find a way into it. We had Vegas many years ago. There was Phoenix, then Austin obviously came up on the calendar several years ago and has really benefitted from the growth of Formula 1. … America is the size of Europe, and we have a lot of races in Europe.

Who came up with the idea of racing on the Strip and around the city?

I don’t know who the catalyst for that was but Liberty, an American company, bought Formula 1. I think they clearly have a much better understanding of an American audience. There are some great sports in America that are hugely popular around the world. You might have American football putting on exhibition matches in England or elsewhere, but it’s different than in the States. Formula 1 is a truly global championship, which continues year upon year. I’ve been involved in the sport 30 years, 15 as a driver and 15 now working in broadcasting. It puts you on a global stage.

From what you know about the Vegas circuit, which established Grand Prix does it compare with?

Well, as far as being in a city filled with glamour and gambling, that would be Monte Carlo. Monte Carlo’s got a much longer history, and the royal family has ruled the principality for hundreds of years. … Putting a Grand Prix in the heart of a city, the whole town becomes part of the race.

This race is, notably, happening at night. Are there any other Grands Prix that happen at night?

Yeah, there’s a few now. Abu Dhabi’s at night. Singapore. I guess the Middle East being so warm during the day, and also because for timing of our scheduling, the nights basically have become more popular and work very well. The drivers are now used to racing under lights.

Have you driven the Las Vegas circuit, mentally or physically? Do you have a good grasp of what it means for the drivers?

I’ve been to Vegas several times already because of being involved with the event in Drai’s Nightclub, where we’ve got a collaboration with McLaren that we’re calling Vista Las Vegas. So, yeah, I’ve been around it a few times, about as much as you could. I think they’ve done a pretty good job.

The Cromwell, Nov. 16-18, booketing.com

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