Las Vegas Residents Urge Formula 1 to Relocate Race from The S

Las Vegas Residents Urge Formula 1 to Relocate Race from The Strip

Formula 1’s grand prix on the Las Vegas Strip, envisioned as one of the most iconic spectacles in global motorsports, is now facing pressure from local residents to move to a different location. The inaugural 2023 event, held on the famous Las Vegas Strip, encountered various issues including high ticket prices, concerns over the track surface, and the timing of the race. A year later, reports suggest that Formula 1 is considering relocating the race away from the Strip.

According to a report by Alan Snel from LVSportsBiz.com, there are ongoing discussions behind the scenes about moving the Las Vegas Grand Prix to a site near the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, located about 20 minutes north of the city. The Speedway currently features a road course around the exterior of the oval, which could be a potential new home for Formula 1 in Las Vegas.

Snel clarified that the proposal does not involve racing on the 1.5-mile tri-oval track at the Speedway. Instead, it suggests that Formula 1 could build a customized road course on the Speedway grounds, similar to how the Miami Grand Prix circuit was designed around Hard Rock Stadium. This alternative location might resolve some of the concerns raised by local residents while still offering a high-quality race venue.

However, there are challenges with this potential move. One of the key appeals of hosting the Formula 1 race in Las Vegas is the allure of the Strip itself, with its dazzling lights and iconic landmarks providing a unique backdrop. The Las Vegas Grand Prix is as much about the glitzy spectacle as it is about the racing, making the Strip central to the event’s identity. A move away from this iconic location might diminish the event’s allure.

Moreover, Formula 1 has already made a significant investment in the Las Vegas Strip by constructing a permanent paddock that also serves as its U.S. headquarters. Relocating the race could complicate these logistics and raise questions about the long-term viability of the race in Las Vegas if it is moved away from the Strip.

For now, the discussions about relocating the event remain behind the scenes, but the push from local residents signals that Formula 1 may need to reconsider its plans to balance both the spectacle and the concerns of the community.