Just in: Organizers of the Las Vegas Grand Prix have confirmed that they have no plans to… read more
Organizers of the Las Vegas Grand Prix have confirmed that they have no plans to… read more
They cited the specific challenges posed by the Las Vegas circuit, which make incorporating the sprint race format unfeasible. This decision comes as Formula 1 prepares for the 2024 edition of the race, which will be the second consecutive year the event has been held in the city after a 39-year hiatus.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix, which made its return in 2023 as part of the Formula 1 calendar, is a highly anticipated event due to its unique setting. The race takes place on a street circuit that winds through the iconic Las Vegas Strip, providing a dramatic backdrop and a high-stakes atmosphere. Last year’s race marked the first time the Formula 1 circus visited the city in its modern format, and it has quickly become one of the standout events on the F1 calendar.
However, while many other Formula 1 events have embraced the sprint race format—where a shorter, high-intensity race is held on the Saturday to set the grid for the main race on Sunday—the Las Vegas GP will not be adopting this approach in the immediate future. The decision was made after considering the logistical and operational challenges presented by the unique characteristics of the Las Vegas circuit. In particular, the organizers highlighted the difficulty in fitting a sprint race into the already tight schedule and the constraints posed by the urban layout of the city.
F1’s sprint race format has been popular at other venues, providing fans with additional action over the weekend and offering teams a chance to earn extra points. However, due to the specific demands of street circuits like Las Vegas—where the space for setup, the flow of the weekend, and the complexity of managing multiple sessions can be more restrictive—the race organizers believe that adding a sprint race would not be practical at this stage.
As the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix approaches, much of the attention will be focused on the main race itself, where Max Verstappen is expected to clinch his fourth consecutive drivers’ championship title. The event promises to be another spectacle as Formula 1 continues to make waves in one of the world’s most famous entertainment capitals.