Breaking: Las Vegas Grand Prix organisers drop sprint race BOMBSHELL rej….read more
Las Vegas Grand Prix organisers drop sprint race BOMBSHELL rej….read more
The Las Vegas Grand Prix organizers have officially dismissed the possibility of incorporating a sprint race format for their Formula 1 event, citing significant logistical and environmental challenges. The unique demands of organizing a race on the iconic Las Vegas Strip, one of the world’s busiest streets, make the sprint format impractical. The Strip’s high traffic and constant activity add layers of complexity to scheduling and managing such an event, prompting organizers to avoid the additional burden a sprint race would bring.
Scheduled as round 22 of the 2024 F1 season, the Las Vegas Grand Prix will take place later this month and could witness Red Bull’s Max Verstappen clinching his fourth consecutive drivers’ championship title. Last year marked Las Vegas’s return to the F1 calendar after nearly four decades, generating excitement with a track that races through the glitzy Strip. Verstappen’s dominant 2023 victory on this circuit set a high bar, with memorable post-race moments by the Bellagio fountains creating a buzz among fans. Las Vegas has since solidified its position as a major spectacle on the F1 calendar.
Though F1 has embraced the sprint race format at select events over the past few years, Las Vegas has opted out. The 2024 season includes six sprint races, with two of them in the United States, where Verstappen has triumphed in both Miami and Austin. While American races like Austin see the sprint format as an added bonus for fans, Las Vegas remains focused on enhancing its primary event. For 2024, organizers have instead introduced a Ferrari Challenge support race to the program.
Emily Prazer, the chief commercial officer of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, elaborated on the logistical reasons for declining a sprint race. She explained that the temporary Las Vegas circuit design includes nearly 50 scheduled openings for city access—critical for the Strip’s bustling activity. Adding a sprint race could complicate this further, as any need for track repairs or delays would strain the carefully planned schedule. Unlike some city circuits, like Singapore, which close roads for several days, a week-long road closure isn’t feasible for Las Vegas. Prazer pointed out that such extended disruptions wouldn’t be well-received in a city dependent on consistent tourist flow.
Ultimately, Las Vegas aims to offer a premium racing experience by prioritizing the quality of its main event. Distinct from other U.S.-based races, the Las Vegas Grand Prix seeks to deliver a smooth, high-caliber F1 spectacle that aligns with the demands of its iconic location, foregoing the sprint format in favor of a seamless operation.
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