The forgotten Las Vegas race where an F1 champion almost collapsed

Long before Formula 1 returned to the streets of Las Vegas in 2023, the American city hosted a very different kind of Grand Prix. Instead of racing past illuminated casinos along the famous Strip, drivers competed on a temporary circuit constructed in the car park of Caesars Palace. The 3.64-kilometre track featured a demanding anti-clockwise layout, with repeated corners placing enormous strain on drivers' neck muscles.

Combined with the desert heat, the unusual configuration made the race one of the most physically demanding events of the season. For Piquet, however, the challenge was even greater. The Brazilian arrived in Las Vegas fighting for the world championship, unaware that the following 75 laps would push him to the limits of his physical endurance.

The 1981 season finale featured three drivers still mathematically capable of winning the championship. Carlos Reutemann entered the weekend leading the standings with 49 points, just one ahead of Piquet, while Jacques Laffite remained an outside contender with 43. Reutemann appeared to have the advantage after securing pole position for Williams, while Piquet qualified fourth in his Brabham.

However, the championship leader endured a disastrous opening lap, dropping to fifth as teammate Alan Jones took control of the race. Piquet also struggled at the start, but gradually recovered positions as Reutemann began experiencing difficulties with his Williams. On lap 17, the Brazilian overtook his championship rival under braking, a decisive moment that shifted the title battle in his favour.

While Reutemann continued to lose ground, Piquet faced an entirely different problem. The combination of intense heat, repeated left-hand corners and the physical demands of the circuit began taking a severe toll on the Brazilian, who had already experienced neck problems during the weekend.

As the race progressed, Piquet's condition deteriorated significantly. His neck muscles became increasingly exhausted, making it difficult to support his head through the corners. Pain spread across his back and right shoulder, while the heat inside the cockpit added to his suffering. At one stage, he was struggling so badly that his head could be seen moving uncontrollably as he negotiated the circuit.

Piquet later revealed that he had vomited inside his helmet during the race, illustrating just how close he had come to being physically overwhelmed. Despite his condition, the Brabham driver continued circulating, knowing that finishing ahead of Reutemann could be enough to secure the championship. With Jones comfortably leading at the front, the title battle became a test of survival rather than outright speed.

Piquet eventually crossed the finish line in fifth position, collecting two crucial championship points. Reutemann, meanwhile, finished eighth after struggling with his car's handling and gearbox problems. The result gave Piquet his maiden Formula 1 championship by the narrowest of margins, finishing the season with 50 points against Reutemann's 49.

However, the celebrations had to wait. The newly crowned champion was so physically exhausted that he needed assistance getting out of his Brabham. It took approximately 15 minutes before he had recovered sufficiently to take part in the podium celebrations. Alan Jones won the race ahead of Alain Prost and Bruno Giacomelli, but it was Piquet's extraordinary struggle that became one of the defining stories of the afternoon.

The Caesars Palace Grand Prix returned in 1982, when Michele Alboreto claimed victory for Tyrrell, before Formula 1 abandoned the venue.