F1 rowing back on Las Vegas Grand Prix

Article posted by Coliseum, September 12^th, 2024

Image: Formula 1

Formula 1 is planning to cut back on some of the more extravagant elements of last year’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.

GP Fans said that organisers want to focus on delivering a more streamlined event for 2024 which will concentrate more on the racing element of the overall experience.

The Las Vegas Grand Prix is a motor racing event that forms part of the Formula One World Championship and takes place in Paradise, Nevada, in the United States.

It is conducted as a night race on a temporary street circuit that includes parts of the Las Vegas Strip. The first race was held on November 18th, 2023.

And while that debut race in 2023 was a grand spectacle, with an abundance of entertainment and high-profile events, F1 officials are now shifting their attention to refining the racing experience.

The decision comes after feedback from fans and participants, as well as issues with a drain cover that caused damage to cars during the 2023 race weekend.

One of the notable changes will include the addition of the Ferrari Challenge as a support race, marking a departure from 2023, when no support races were held due to logistical concerns, while musical acts and other forms of entertainment will make way, it has been confirmed.

Emily Prazer, chief commercial officer for F1 and the Las Vegas Grand Prix, revealed that the 2024 edition will see less emphasis on over-the-top entertainment and more on ensuring a top-quality event.

Prazer told Motorsport.com, “We’re scaling back a bit as we want to focus on actually delivering the best Grand Prix ever.

“We felt that we did too much last year. We’re adding Ferrari Challenge, and we’re super excited about it. It’s a natural fit, and they’ve been incredible partners.”

GP Fans further stated that despite the scaled-back approach, Las Vegas will still retain some of its signature flair. An ice-skating rink will be installed on top of F1’s Paddock Club, offering a unique entertainment feature.

Other adjustments include more general admission tickets to make the event more accessible to fans, and efforts to control hotel rates, which soared during last year’s race.

The inaugural modern-era Las Vegas GP was a huge spectacle, featuring musical performances and a Wednesday night launch event that even earned an Emmy nomination.

However, Prazer admitted the event went overboard with its entertainment budget.

“The Wednesday night was a one-off. I will never be allowed to spend that amount of money again on a 30-minute show,” she added.

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