BREAKING: Las Vegas Grand Prix Investigation Reveals Surprising Conclusion on Sprint Race... Read more

Las Vegas Grand Prix Investigation Reveals Surprising Conclusion on Sprint Race

An internal investigation conducted by the organizers of the Las Vegas Grand Prix has determined that adding a Sprint Race to the Formula 1 event would not offer significant value. According to their findings, the high-speed nature of the Las Vegas circuit already possesses the elements that make a Sprint Race thrilling, making the addition of a separate Sprint unnecessary.

As the pinnacle of motorsport prepares to race under the neon lights next weekend for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, excitement is building. This race marks the start of the final triple-header of the 2024 Formula 1 season, with only three races remaining. Reigning world champion Max Verstappen could secure his fourth consecutive title during the Vegas race if his main competitor, Lando Norris, falters under the pressure of the highly anticipated night event.

Before the sport’s return to the streets of Las Vegas, discussions surrounding the possibility of adding a Sprint Race to the weekend program emerged. The idea, however, faced criticism, and the debate on whether to include more Sprint events on an already packed F1 calendar intensified. Now, the outcome of the internal investigation has put an end to these discussions.

Las Vegas Organizers Decide Against Sprint Race Addition

Emily Prazer, Chief Operating Officer of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, confirmed that after thoroughly considering the idea of introducing a Sprint Race, the organizers concluded it wouldn’t bring substantial benefits to the weekend. She explained that the Las Vegas track already delivers the kind of high-octane action Sprint Races aim to provide. During the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix, the race recorded 99 overtakes—more than any other F1 event since 2016.

Prazer elaborated on the decision, noting that the characteristics of the Las Vegas circuit make it feel like a Sprint Race by nature. “The race essentially has the feel of a sprint,” she said. “When you consider the speed at which drivers are racing and the quick nature of the track, from a safety perspective and in terms of performance, there wouldn’t be much difference between the actual race and what a Sprint would offer. We reviewed the idea, but the conclusion was clear.”

Sprint Races, which were introduced to Formula 1 in 2021, have been designed to encourage more aggressive overtaking and tighter competition over shorter distances compared to traditional Grand Prix events. However, given the dynamic and fast-paced nature of the Las Vegas circuit, the organizers believe the Grand Prix already achieves these objectives without needing an additional Sprint Race.

With this decision, Las Vegas will not feature a Sprint Race in the foreseeable future, leaving Austin and Miami as the only U.S. locations to host Sprint events as part of their F1 weekends.

A Thrilling Race Weekend Still Awaits in Las Vegas

Although fans won’t see a Sprint Race in Las Vegas, the Grand Prix is expected to deliver plenty of excitement on its own. The street circuit, known for its high-speed straights and challenging corners, promises another intense showdown under the city’s bright lights. Formula 1 enthusiasts eager to witness the action firsthand can still purchase hospitality tickets for the Las Vegas Grand Prix or make plans for the 2025 season.

The Las Vegas Grand Prix, with its unique night setting and high-speed drama, remains one of the standout races on the F1 calendar, even without the inclusion of a Sprint Race. As Formula 1 continues to expand in the U.S., the decision signals that the event will maintain its own identity while delivering the same thrill and spectacle that fans have come to expect.