The inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix was a rollercoaster ride, from early circuit hiccups to a breathtaking spectacle under the dazzling city lights. Despite a rocky start with an ill-prepared circuit causing a red flag ruckus during practice, the Grand Prix transformed into an unforgettable experience that left enthusiasts hungry for more. 

The weekend began with a few stumbling blocks, as an unsecured manhole cover destroyed Carlos Sainz’s floor causing an unexpected red flag 9 minutes into the first practice sessions. Thus began the backlash of hate towards the circuit, mine included. I am a firm believer that this race was purely about the money and nothing about the sport. After watching the race I still feel that way but at least the fans were treated to a killer race which always helps gloss over problems with circuits. The main problem that ultimately caused a very large black eye for the FIA was their handling of the red flag in regard to the fans. Normally there are 2 practice sessions, so if one is red-flagged, you can at least watch the other. For whatever logistical reasons, Vegas only had 1 on this particular night. Fans were sent home and given a $200 gift card to use in the stores only at the circuit. Since tickets were at least this price and F1 merch being insanely inflated at all GPs let alone Vegas, $200 isn’t much of a reprieve. In fact, fans were so upset, there is a class-action lawsuit being filed against the F1. Even Max Verstappen was on the side of the fans being quoted saying “If I was a fan, I would tear down the whole place”. Hopefully, the fans can get what they deserve without having to go too far down the legal rabbit hole. However, in the world of motorsports, challenges are part of the game, and the early hiccups set the stage for an eventful Grand Prix.

Despite F1’s blackeye, what was most noticeable throughout the weekend was the events of Saturday night. What unfolded during the Las Vegas Grand Prix was nothing short of magical. The city lights illuminated the circuit, creating a visual masterpiece reminiscent of Monaco, but much more dynamic. The juxtaposition of high-speed racing against the backdrop of the vibrant Las Vegas skyline was nothing short of unreal, adding a touch of fantasy to the racing world. Once the racing got underway, I couldn’t help but feel myself smile. I wanted to hate this race so much, but as a true fan, I was in awe. I especially loved the usage of the Vegas Sphere to showcase the yellow flags during the race. 

The Las Vegas Grand Prix delivered a racing experience like no other. The surface and air temperature played unpredictable games on the cars, injecting a new level of uncertainty into the race we haven’t really seen in a dry race. From the first corner, the race went sideways. Max pushed Leclerc off, Alonso spun, and numerous drivers had contact due to the lack of grip. Once the tires warmed up, the drivers started to dig in and find the grip but the chaos of the first lap was almost too much. What F1 is lacking these days is that level of uncertainty. Whether it comes from a safety car, rain, or in this case, a circuit with limited data, the teams have to guess more. You could see that via the different strategies used during the race. When the teams have too much data, they all end up doing the same thing. Vegas delivered a banger of a race with multiple race lead changes because of this unpredictability. And these were not due to a pit stop or difference in strategies, they were true on circuit passes, like real racing cars. The racing became a dance of skill, strategy, and adaptability, making every lap truly suspenseful.

While the pre-racing “spectacles” were undoubtedly captivating, the true excitement lies in what the future holds for the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The challenges faced in the first edition only serve as a foundation for improvements, ensuring that the hard racing can continue to reach new heights in the future. The Las Vegas Grand Prix transitioned from a rocky start to a show-stopping event that will be etched in the memories of racing enthusiasts for years to come. The city lights, Monaco vibes, and unpredictable racing created a unique fusion that encapsulated the spirit of Formula 1. As we look forward to 2024, the Las Vegas Grand Prix has already transcended to more than just another event on the calendar; it’s a promise of old-school racing, hard competition, and unforgettable moments that will define the next chapter in the world of Formula 1. Let’s just hope the ticket prices stay reasonable for 2024; Who knows, you may see me there!