Last year’s maiden Las Vegas Grand Prix had everything you would have expected.
Glitz, glamour, drama, and, of course, a star-studded – and at times awkward – Martin Brundle grid walk.
Lupita Nyong’o, Rob McElhenney, Anderson Paak, and Kylie Minogue were among the celebrities checking out the cars before the race.
But it was former LA Galaxy star Zlatan Ibrahimovic who stole the show in typically cheeky fashion.
Spending most of his career in Italy, the retired striker was a guest of his beloved Ferrari.
Former F1 driver Brundle had his sights on him during his world famous grid walk – and not many can escape.
Asked about the Las Vegas Grand Prix, he said: “It looks good. It’s exciting and I’m looking forward to the race. Ferrari is my team.”
Brundle then inquired if he did indeed drive one, he countered with a huge grin: “A couple of them, yeah.”
Shaquille O’Neal seemed less happy to have a microphone thrust in his face.
The towering NBA icon was easy to spot on the grid, but getting his thoughts proved tougher.
Brundle found him with Red Bull, but his initial inquiry for an inquisition went down like a lead balloon as O’Neal turned away.
The former basketball star then grabbed a picture with Christian Horner, forced to stand on tip-toes.
🗣 "Ferrari is my team!"
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 19, 2023
Retired footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic speaks to Martin Brundle ahead of the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix 🇸🇪⚽ pic.twitter.com/vTCdzGhvsH
Brundle swooped again, but before he got a word out, Shaq had his say.
“Lewis Hamilton, Baby,” he said before striding away for the brief interview.
It remains to be seen who will pop up in Sin City this weekend.
But in next year’s race, Shaq and Zlatan may be on the same side after Hamilton agreed to join the Prancing Horse.
Max Verstappen won the maiden Vegas GP and can secure his fourth world title with victory this year.
Las Vegas Grand Prix CEO Renee Wilm has plans in place should the flying Dutchman be crowned.
“I’m sure that we would be able to pull some ideas out of our hat, maybe pre-arrange some pretty exciting opportunities,” Wilm told AutoSport.
“When you consider the properties on the Strip – Wynn and Encore are second to none in terms of the highest class of hospitality.
“Then, of course, you have the Bellagio further down the Strip, with those iconic fountains, and the level of VIP service that the Bellagio offers.”
Over 400,000 fans are expected to pile in, with millions more tuning in across the globe.
Hotel prices are going at six times the normal rate, and casinos are creating packages well beyond the means of most spectators.
The Bellagio boasts hospitality packages ranging in price from $3,500 to $12,500 – they include access to its Fountain Club, which is situated above the Vegas racetrack.