LAS VEGAS (AP) — There has never been a faster, more breathtaking 180-degree turn than the one Max Verstappen took a year ago at the first Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The Dutchman hated the event even before he arrived – local residents were also outraged, but for different reasons – and argued that the showcase event of Liberty Media’s F1 portfolio had become a spectacle rather than a sporting event.
The huge, illuminated Sphere on the Strip rotated images of drivers, prices for everything from tickets to hotel rooms were very expensive and Liberty is said to have spent almost a billion dollars to promote its first Formula 1 event. (Much of that money was spent on one-off costs such as land purchases, permanent mining and road repaving).
Verstappen, who was closing in on his third consecutive championship last November, was in a sour mood even before the opening ceremony. LED lighting, an elaborate drone show and musical acts, all in front of an estimated 30,000 spectators, until finally the drivers were brought out of elaborate boxes/stages to be introduced in their fire suits. There were plenty of bumps, including a valve cover that popped out of a manhole during the first practice session and almost destroyed Carlos Sainz’s car.
But by the time Verstappen crossed the finish line for his 18th win of the season, he was singing “Viva! Vegas!” on his radio. And his grin was huge as he watched the huge fireworks display over the Strip.
Thus, a race that seemed like a crash course for failure was labeled one of the best of the 2023 season.
The encore has arrived and the first training for the Grand Prix of Las Vegas is scheduled for Thursday evening. So much has changed and it actually started a year ago, after a race that was considered one of the most competitive and compelling races of the season.
Changes from 2023
An economic impact report released months after the 2023 race found the race generated a net economic impact of $1.5 billion, making it the most lucrative event in Las Vegas history, according to analysts.
Attendees spent 3.6 times more than the average attendee, generating $884 million in economic impact, and the race generated $77 million in tax revenue, also the most in the city’s history. More than the Super Bowl, just over two months later in Las Vegas.
Race organizers backed about 2,200 lanes to build the course and permanent pit paddock, but even without that this time around, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority still expects revenue of at least $250 million this year.
Local businesses complained they lost millions of dollars last year due to the non-stop construction work that disrupted customer access, but this time there was very little criticism. Renee Wilm, the LVGP CEO and longtime Liberty Media employee, admitted that the promoters had not adequately communicated with the local community about potential problems.
“The tone has changed dramatically,” Wilm told The Associated Press, calling new communications director Lori Nelson-Kraft “a force of nature” who has built relationships across the city.
Wilm added community events featuring foster children, backpack and sneaker giveaways, parties at Grand Prix Plaza with DJs and activities — all an effort to “really give back to the community that has significantly helped us be more welcomed this year .”
What’s new?
Well, the drivers don’t have to attend an elaborate opening ceremony and then jump out of the boxes. Wilm said they will instead be guests at a private dinner in the paddock on Wednesday evening.
There will also be a free off-site fan zone this year for those not attending, as well as a further 10,000 general admission tickets in three new fan zones, some with access to unallocated grandstand-style seats. There are more tickets for one-day events rather than the overwhelming number of three-day packages – and all valve covers are properly secured to prevent a repeat of the Ferrari fiasco that saw training go on until 4am.
Wilm said the changes were aimed at appealing to spectators who wanted to experience the event, but not at the price charged in the first year, when Las Vegas was the most expensive Grand Prix on the F1 calendar. Single-day general admission tickets start at $99.
The Ferrari Challenge has been added as a support act, so fans can now see more than just the F1 show. World stars Ludacris, Alesso, OneRepublic, Snakehips and Vandelux will perform on the stages of T-Mobile and Heineken Silver.
Community investment
LVGP has committed $1 million in cash to local nonprofits and $1 million in tickets to events honoring residents identified as key contributors to the community, including local educators, Make-A-Wish patients and others. Promoters have also added community watch parties, the F1 fan experience and ‘Graduates on the Grid,’ allowing UNLV engineering students to explore Grand Prix Plaza and meet F1 teams.
Luxury remains
While the rising costs of the first race exceeded Liberty’s estimates – much of it in one-time infrastructure costs – the paddock and garages will still be transformed into Las Vegas’ trendiest restaurants. Access to the Paddock Club Rooftop offers 360 degree views of the track and an ice skating rink has been added.
Paddock fun
ESPN has added a “Putt Stop” to the paddock so everyone inside – including fans and drivers – can play mini golf. The Evian Club Hydration is a new pop-up bar, just like the MGM Rewards Paddock Bar. There is also a sushi bar and a Heineken Bar.
Starting times
Yes, the race still starts at 10pm local, which is usually when major events in Las Vegas start. But adjustments have been made to the practice schedule so that sessions no longer start at midnight. This also allows spectators to return to their hotel in time to see top music acts playing late night shows.
What hasn’t changed?
It is unclear whether Verstappen has received any appreciation for the event, but the Red Bull star still goes into Saturday night’s race with the lead in the drivers’ standings as he closes in on a fourth straight title. After a brilliant drive to victory in Brazil two weeks ago, Verstappen now has a 62-point lead over McLaren’s Lando Norris with three races remaining.
There are only 86 points to be won during the remaining three races of the season. If Norris cannot beat Verstappen by at least three points in Las Vegas, Verstappen will become champion.
Norris can still win, assuming he stays clear all the way and outperforms Verstappen in the last three races. The maximum dent he can make in Verstappen’s lead is 26 points in Las Vegas, which would leave him 36 points behind heading into Qatar and the final in Abu Dhabi.
Wilm said the prospect of a champion being crowned in Las Vegas has driven an increase in ticket sales.
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