Sanctions: Staff at Mercedes barred by Toto Wolff

The world knows Las Vegas for its recognizable casinos and vibrant gaming environment.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has disclosed that the Silver Arrows staff will be instructed to refrain from gambling and to stay away from casinos ahead of this weekend’s much awaited Las Vegas Grand Prix.

This weekend marks Formula 1’s first visit to Sin City since 1982, and the sport is actively promoting the event.

Considering how much time and money have been invested to make the Las Vegas GP possible, there is an enormous amount of pressure on it to succeed.

A completely new street circuit has been created for the event, with a new pit-lane building having also been built.

It will be a quick but difficult circuit because it will be nearly impossible to get any heat into the tires.

Given where Las Vegas is located in the United States, it is not at all expected that this weekend will be the coldest Grand Prix of the season.

Mercedes are in desperate need of a good result to ensure that Ferrari remain behind them in the Constructors’ Championship, a challenge that is looking increasingly difficult.

Just 20 points separate the two teams in the fight for second in the Constructors’ Championship, meaning the Silver Arrows will need to be focused and not become distracted by the sights in Sin City.

Wolff is under the impression that “everyone is looking forward” to the event given the magnitude of it, with it set to mark his first trip to the city.

“I think everyone is looking forward to the Las Vegas race. Racing in this city is comparable to climbing Everest, hats off to Liberty Media for organising this race,” Wolff told the Spanish edition of Motorsport.com.

“I don’t think I’m the only one in Formula One who has never been to this city, which is quite difficult to get around. We don’t know how to get from the hotel to the circuit and back, but I’m sure we’ll find a solution. I’m looking forward to the race.”

The fans in attendance will be drawn to Vegas because of its well-known casinos around the globe.

Although Wolff doesn’t gamble personally, he will make sure that “no one else” from the team is seen at a casino this weekend. Of course, this could change if the Germans somehow win.

“As I previously mentioned, I have never visited Las Vegas, but we’ll try our hardest to ensure that everyone on the team avoids the casinos—I don’t gamble, and I’ll make sure nobody else does either!”