Hamilton urges F1 fans to give Las Vegas a chance

Lewis Hamilton has voiced his support for Formula 1's presence in Las Vegas, insisting it will add to the current fanbase.

F1 is racing around the Las Vegas Strip Circuit for the first time this weekend with the event being the third Grand Prix staged in the United States this year.

In May, F1 raced in Miami after the Florida city made its debut last year while the race in Austin, Texas took place last month.

There has been criticism for Vegas on the basis of the US hosting three races and the high costs of tickets and accommodation for the weekend, but seven-time champion Hamilton insists more races in the US remains key to F1's growth in the country.

Hamilton praises F1

"The sport continues to grow," he told media including RacingNews365.

"It is a business ultimately, and I think you'll still see good racing here.

"It's just such a big country. I think to really tap into the market here and really captivate the audience here, I think we needed to have at least two races. The one wasn't enough.

"This is one of the most iconic cities there is in the unique cities that they have here amongst the other amazing cities they have in America."

While Hamilton acknowledged that the track will not be the most favourable to drive, he is keen to try it first-hand before judging.

"All the lights, the show, it is a big show, for sure," he said.

"It's never going to be like Silverstone, but maybe over time, the people in the community here will grow to love the sport, just as we've had the privilege of growing up and experiencing.

"Maybe the track will be good, maybe it'll be bad. It was so-so on the sim. It's definitely not Silverstone. I think don't knock it until you try it."