#231 An Honest Review Of F1’s Las Vegas Grand Prix
Nov 20, 2023
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Exploring the controversial Las Vegas Grand Prix, covering logistics, on-track drama, fan extravagance, and exclusivity. Contrasting fan passion in European and American events. Max Verstappen's opinion shift on the event and Formula One's investment in Vegas. Evolution of Formula One circuits and potential impacts on the sport.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix faced controversies like unsold tickets and a class action lawsuit, yet delivered an exciting race with 82 overtakes.
Social media misrepresentation of the Las Vegas event conflicted with on-ground observations of bustling activities and high-end purchases, revealing a different reality.
Deep dives
Controversies Surrounding the Las Vegas Grand Prix
The Las Vegas Grand Prix faced various controversies, from unsold tickets and plummeting hotel prices to a drain cover incident during practice. The conditions led to a class action lawsuit representing 35,000 people. Despite these challenges, the race itself was exhilarating with 82 overtakes and favorable reviews from drivers like Jensen Button.
Perceptions vs. Reality of Attendance at the Event
Social media depicted the Las Vegas event as sparsely attended, contrasting with the packed hotels, bustling restaurants, and high-end stores observed by the podcast host. The presence of wealthy Formula One fans and merchandise purchases indicated a different reality from what was portrayed online.
Financial Accessibility and Ticket Pricing Concerns
The high cost of attending the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with three-day tickets averaging over $1,600, raised concerns about pricing out average fans. This pricing could alienate local and loyal supporters while favoring high-end clientele, impacting the accessibility and inclusivity of Formula One races.
Liberty Media's Innovations and Challenges in Formula One
Liberty Media's investments and innovations in Formula One have stabilized the sport financially and led to growth. Despite criticisms surrounding pricing and event execution, Liberty Media's efforts to modernize Formula One with initiatives like F1 TV and the cost cap have reshaped the sport. The Las Vegas Grand Prix served as a test for Liberty Media's future event promotions and highlighted a shift in Formula One's operational model under their stewardship.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix was one of the most controversial sporting events this year. But the good news is that I was on the ground in Las Vegas last week, so today’s podcast will provide some insight into how the event actually went. Enjoy!