The 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix, a highly anticipated event in the Formula One calendar, was marred by controversies that overshadowed the race’s return to the city after a long hiatus. The event was expected to be a spectacle of speed and entertainment but faced significant challenges during the practice sessions.
BBC Sport reported chaotic practice sessions due to problems with the new street track, including a loose manhole cover that caused damage to Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari1. The situation was deemed “unacceptable” by Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur. The second practice session saw a delayed start and almost empty stands, raising questions about the event’s organization.
Wikipedia provides a comprehensive overview of the race, noting that Charles Leclerc secured pole position, but his teammate Sainz suffered a grid penalty due to the damage incurred during practice. Max Verstappen won the race, with Leclerc and Sergio Pérez completing the podium.
The Guardian highlighted the disruption caused to Las Vegas residents and workers, with some remaining skeptical about the event’s benefits amid concerns over construction, accessibility, and traffic3. CNBC reported a class-action lawsuit filed after the first practice session was canceled due to the aforementioned incident with Sainz’s Ferrari.
The race saw Charles Leclerc leading the fastest lap times during the troubled practice sessions, with a Ferrari one-two ahead of other competitors. The event also marked the first Las Vegas F1 race in the city since 19821.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed frustration with the criticism of the event, emphasizing the grand prix’s significance and the efforts put into its organization. He acknowledged the need for safety improvements while defending the event’s overall impact.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix faced logistical and safety challenges that sparked a mix of criticism and defense within the F1 community. The controversies brought to light the complexities of organizing a high-profile street race and the importance of ensuring both spectacle and safety.
We invite readers to share their thoughts on the Las Vegas Grand Prix controversies. Did the event live up to your expectations? Join the conversation in the comments and follow Sporty Savannah on social media for more updates and discussions.
The 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix will be remembered for its ambitious return to the F1 calendar and the lessons learned from its organizational hurdles. As the dust settles, the F1 community looks forward to improvements that will enhance future races in the city of lights. Thank you for engaging with this comprehensive analysis, and we encourage continued dialogue on this topic.