Capitalising on the success of Netflix hit Drive to Survive, which brought a huge new demographic to the series, American F1 owner Liberty Media was keen to exploit its new-found popularity in the United States and add to the existing race in Austin.
The first step was a race in Miami, the perfect example of the kind of "destination cities" that F1 wanted to gain a foothold in.
While the racing spectacle at Miami Gardens was hardly unforgettable in 2022, the 2023 race provided a better show to keep up with the off-track glitz and glamour that entertained hordes of celebrities and VIPs.
Racing around the Miami Dolphins stadium was one step towards conquering the US, but F1's move to Las Vegas represents a whole different ballgame.
Vegas was a dream target of Liberty Media, to the extent that it made the unprecedented decision to promote the race itself and buy a plot of land near the famous Strip to build a permanent pit and paddock facility.
It is estimated F1 has spent north of half a billion dollars on the event, which it plans to host until at least 2032, showcasing just how much F1 believes the event will work on the long-term.
The hype it has stirred up has topped the one around Miami and there's certainly some justification for it.
F1 managed to get its 6.2km [3.8mi] street course to include a 2km part of the Strip, which the city council has agreed to close down for the race.
Source: Autosport