Alonso concerned about 'danger factor' of Las Vegas Grand Prix

Looking back on the race, Alonso told Speedcafe: "It was okay. The only thing was the level of grip, which is extremely low. I know it’s the same for everybody but on a street circuit sometimes there is a danger factor." The Spanish F1 driver struggled with conditions in Las Vegas, including the weather and visibility from the car: "It seemed like we were running in half-dry, half-wet conditions, and on a street circuit, it’s a little bit strange. It is not much fun to drive on this kind of circuit, at this speed, 360 kilometres an hour with no grip, no visibility, bouncing like hell."

This is not what the cars are made for

According to Alonso, the current Formula 1 cars are not at all suited to a circuit like Las Vegas, and perform below their level there: "I know the show from the outside may look good, but these cars are not made to go through corners at 80kph. These cars are made to go in Suzuka, Barcelona, at Silverstone, and to maximize Formula 1’s potential."

The balance between new and traditional

Fernando Alonso says he understands that Formula 1 has added races like the one in Las Vegas to the calendar, but he does feel that a balance must remain between these kinds of new races and the more traditional ones: "So we need to balance the championship, balance the calendar. I think that’s what we are doing, but I don’t think this is the only way to go. We need to keep some traditional races as well, where a Formula 1 car can shine."

Alonso finished ninth in the Formula One race in Las Vegas. His teammate Lawrence Stroll had a better time in 'Sin City' and took fifth place. In the F1 world championship, the roles are reversed, Alonso is fifth with 200 points and Stroll is 10th with 73.