{"id":295635,"date":"2023-11-19T19:24:34","date_gmt":"2023-11-19T19:24:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportstoft.com\/?p=295635"},"modified":"2023-11-19T19:24:34","modified_gmt":"2023-11-19T19:24:34","slug":"las-vegas-gp-diary-as-horners-birthday-luck-kicks-off-before-the-racing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportstoft.com\/racing\/f1\/las-vegas-gp-diary-as-horners-birthday-luck-kicks-off-before-the-racing\/","title":{"rendered":"Las Vegas GP diary as Horner\u2019s birthday luck kicks off before the racing"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Christian Horner\u2019s luck began just hours before the first practice session for the Las Vegas Grand Prix as he took part in a PokerStars charity poker tournament for a few hands. The Red Bull boss won an all-in call on his first hand with a pair of aces, beating a pair of kings.<\/p>\n

Former F1 driver David Coulthard also joined the likes of Friends sitcom legend Hank Azaria and a Love Island celebrity for the poker tournament. Horner, who was celebrating his 50th birthday on Thursday, was in a relaxed mood throughout the day and appeared in the hospitality lounges less than half an hour before FP1 was due to begin.<\/p>\n

Happy Birthday was sung to the Red Bull team principal from various suites as he entertained guests at ease with both Championships already wrapped up.<\/p>\n

Haas made an early appearance at the top of the pit walk prior to the first practice session, with two members of their team tasked with capturing images of Max Verstappen\u2019s car. DJ Steve Aoki, who performed during Wednesday\u2019s opening show, was one of many high-profile personalities in attendance, as a guest of Ferrari. But those numbers are sure to increase as the weekend goes on.<\/p>\n

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The impressive paddock consists of four stories and the incredible rooftop bar has views of the track, luminous skyline and Sphere.<\/p>\n

Red Bull guests were treated to a mock pit wall, driving simulators and a DJ in their brand new club suite. In contrast, Mercedes shipped over all of their trophies to display at their entrance.<\/p>\n

On the track, there was little to shout about as FP1 was halted after just eight minutes. A loose drain cover severely damaged the floor of Carlos Sainz\u2019s Ferrari and he was unable to restart his car. The session was completely called off as organisers desperately attempted to repair the track, pouring cement down the hole.<\/p>\n