There will be no Sprint race in Las Vegas, at least in the near future. Formula 1 said the idea had been studied but ultimately rejected, while two Sprint rounds have already been organized in the United States this year, in Miami and then Austin. “I think one of the big lessons from last year is the incredible quality of racing. We're totally comfortable letting Austin and Miami take care of the sprint, because there's so much going on anyway and we're in a really good position.”explained Emily Prazer, commercial director of Formula 1, ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
As a reminder, Liberty Media is the owner of the circuit facilities winding through Sin City but also the promoter of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. According to Emily Prazer, holding a Sprint race the day before the Grand Prix would require closing several roads over a longer period, which would anger locals and already reluctant tourists after a complicated first edition in terms of traffic. 'organization. In the event of a Sprint race, the Las Vegas circuit is expected to be opened and closed at 42 different locations throughout the day.
“I think adding a sprint would also create some nervousness: could we repair the track quickly enough if something were to happen? I was in Singapore during the race and spoke with the promoter, who said, 'We don't understand how you open and close the track the way you do.' They keep the roads closed for seven days. Can you imagine us, the city council, closing the roads for seven days? This would never happen, literally, never”concedes the F1 commercial director.
This year, Las Vegas could well be the scene of the coronation of Max Verstappen, who has a first match point to win his fourth Formula 1 title against Lando Norris. Liberty Media hopes that this second edition of the Las Vegas Grand Prix will take place without a hitch: last year, several controversies broke out, notably after the cancellation of EL1 following the release of a manhole which had hit the car of Carlos Sainz, while EL2 – postponed by 2h30 – took place behind closed doors after the evacuation of spectators “for logistical reasons”. A collective representing more than 35,000 spectators then decided to sue the organizers of the Grand Prix.
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