Motor racing-Las Vegas Grand Prix answers critics with thrilling race

Formula One F1 - Las Vegas Grand Prix - Las Vegas Strip Circuit, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S - November 18, 2023 Red Bull's Max Verstappen leads Ferrari's Charles Leclerc at the start of the race REUTERS/Mike Blake/ File Photo

LAS VEGAS (Reuters) - The much-maligned Las Vegas Grand Prix crossed the finish line in style on Saturday night, delivering a dramatic race on the famed Las Vegas Strip to help offset earlier missteps.

The announcement of a third U.S. grand prix was initially met with enthusiasm, but the mood began to sour in the days leading up to the event as street closures choked traffic and public interest began to wane.