Las Vegas Grand Prix organisers drop sprint race BOMBSHELL wi…read more
The Las Vegas Grand Prix organizers have firmly ruled out the possibility of introducing a sprint race format for their Formula 1 event, citing unique logistical demands and the specific characteristics of the Las Vegas circuit. This announcement quashes any notion of adding a sprint race anytime soon, as the challenges involved in managing the city’s busy Strip make the sprint format unworkable.
The Formula 1 season will bring its high-stakes excitement to Las Vegas in the latter part of the month for round 22 of the extensive 2024 season. This race could mark an historic moment, as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen is positioned to secure his fourth consecutive drivers’ championship title. Las Vegas rejoined the F1 calendar last year, after a 39-year absence, and instantly became one of the most talked-about races on the calendar. The 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix was staged as an eye-catching street race that wound through the famous Strip, offering fans and drivers an entirely new spectacle. Verstappen dominated the race, and after crossing the finish line, he was whisked away in a limousine following interviews held in front of the iconic Bellagio fountains—a memorable and unique moment that left an impression on F1 fans worldwide.
Although Formula 1 has expanded its sprint race concept in recent years, Las Vegas has chosen to steer clear of the format. This year, two of the six sprint races in the 2024 season have taken place in the United States, with Verstappen triumphing in both Miami and Austin. While American races like Austin embrace the sprint format as a bonus for fans, Las Vegas organizers remain committed to enhancing the main event itself and recently added a Ferrari Challenge support race to its 2024 program. Given its status as the only F1 event organized directly by Formula 1, the Las Vegas Grand Prix is balancing its appeal and logistical demands with a unique perspective.
Emily Prazer, the chief commercial officer for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, explained in an interview that the logistical requirements of the event would complicate the addition of a sprint race. She noted that the city circuit involves around 46 scheduled openings for track access, a detail that many people may not realize. Prazer emphasized that adding a sprint race could increase the risk of delays, as the need to quickly repair any potential track damage would create significant pressure. The temporary setup of the Las Vegas circuit also differs from other city-center tracks. While some urban circuits, like the Singapore Grand Prix, involve week-long road closures, this approach would be unworkable for the Strip, which is one of the busiest and most iconic stretches of roadway in the world.
“Can you imagine us and the council keeping the roads closed for seven days?” Prazer questioned, adding that the extended closure required for a sprint weekend would be logistically and socially unacceptable in a bustling city like Las Vegas. Instead, she expressed confidence in allowing Austin and Miami, other U.S.-based F1 locations, to handle the sprint format.
With this decision, Las Vegas sets itself apart not only with its glitzy approach to hosting Formula 1 but with a focus on quality over quantity. By opting out of the sprint format, the Las Vegas Grand Prix aims to ensure the success and smooth operation of its main event, which aligns well with the unique demands of the city and its world-famous Strip.
