F1’s $500m transformation of Las Vegas ramps up as huge grandstands, towering fencing and VIP boxes are constructed around Sin City with locals trying to go about their business

Formula 1’s $500 million transformation of the Las Vegas strip is starting to take shape as organizers ramp up construction of the circuit ahead of this week’s Grand Prix.

But life in Sin City goes on as usual for the locals as they try to continue their daily lives while huge grandstands, towering fences and VIP boxes are built around the city.

The sport is coming to Vegas this week for the city’s first Grand Prix in 41 years, and no expense is being spared by organizers.

Photos show stands being built in front of the iconic Bellagio hotel, as drivers continue to use the roads that will soon become the arena for Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.

Luxury suites next to the Bellagio Fountains are also starting to take shape, with some featuring working TVs for the first time.

People go about their business in Sin City as the city’s transformation into an F1 circuit continues

An Elvis Presley impersonator will have 100,000 fans to sing to in Vegas every day this week

A huge fence will be erected along the edge of the circuit while locals continue to use the circuit’s roads

Cranes push together bleachers in front of the Bellagio fountains, depriving tourists of a view

Construction work to the front of the hotel has led to barriers to pedestrian access, while lanes are also restricted. It means that tourists will be denied a view of the iconic fountains this week.

The roads that will soon become the racing arena for F1 drivers are still used by the public but will be closed in the coming days.

The city’s pedestrian bridges will also be covered so that nothing can be thrown at motorists and their cars as they reach speeds of up to 200mph.

Preparations so far include draining the gondola area at the Venetian hotel, as well as the construction of temporary bridges for traffic.

According to a map of the race layout, this area will become the Venetian Zone, a viewing platform along the track where guests can watch the action.

DailyMail.com reported on Monday morning that organizers remain confident they will sell out this weekend, despite reports that thousands of tickets remain unsold.

Amid the glitz and glamor, reports emerged last week that tens of thousands of tickets remained unsold and that ticket and hotel prices had plummeted as a result.

On the contrary, race organizers have told Mail Sport that they DO expect the race to sell out, and are preparing for more than 100,000 fans on each day of the event.

The city’s pedestrian bridges will be covered so nothing can be thrown at motorists

Traffic is piling up on part of the circuit, where F1 cars will soon reach speeds of 200mph

TVs are shown working for the first time in VIP suites, showcasing NFL action

F1 organizers estimate it will cost $500 million to turn the iconic strip into a race track

The DailyMail.com graph shows the exact layout of the circuit, through the streets of Sin City

The first practices will take place on Thursday evening, with qualifying starting at midnight on Friday evening and the race starting at 10pm local time on Saturday evening.

The inaugural edition of the Las Vegas Grand Prix will mark the first time an F1 race has taken place in Sin City since the Caesars Palace Grand Prix in 1982.

It will be the third US Grand Prix to take place on the 2023 calendar, after the Miami and United States Grands Prix in Austin, Texas.

In addition, the Las Vegas Grand Prix will be the first time since 1982 that three races will be held in the US in an F1 season.

The 3,803 mile (6,120 km) street circuit features 17 corners and a straight section of 1,181 miles (1,900 km). The length of the entire race is 190.065 miles (305.880 km).

The drivers will have to complete 50 laps, with Red Bull’s Verstappen the clear favorite to win.