General
Why the Las Vegas Grand Prix is a jewel in the F1 calendar
- Ludo van Denderen
Formula 1 has a new showpiece. No longer is the annual parade through the streets of Monaco the highlight of the season; after only one weekend so far, it is the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Next weekend, the 20 drivers will once again race through the streets of the so-called Sin City, with the legendary Strip as the circuit. Some are horrified by it, others love it. But this weekendc does represent the future of the sport.
Since Liberty Media took over Formula 1's commercial rights from Bernie Ecclestone, Formula 1 has undergone a real metamorphosis. More and more emphasis has been placed on the idea that the sport is entertainment. Mind you, the words 'more and more' are used here on purpose. Although die-hard fans no doubt deny it, Formula 1 has always been a sport that had to be about entertainment; with tough guys as heroes, in their very expensive cars. And who didn't enjoy a nice crash - provided, of course, it ended well?
Liberty Media got it right
The American owners recognised that Formula 1 was more than a game of water polo or golf; they saw the potential of the sport, provided the entertainment side was further exploited. Liberty Media got it right. By focusing on the heroes of the sport, i.e. the drivers, Formula 1's popularity has grown to unprecedented heights. Now the challenge is to keep that fan attention and that can only be done by breaking new ground every time.
The Grand Prix in the centre of Las Vegas is an ultimate example of this; the place where top-class sport and entertainment meet. There are purists who think Formula 1 should stay away from street circuits like Miami and Las Vegas. According to them, the sport belongs on circuits like Zandvoort or Imola. And yes, certainly those places should not be forgotten by the competition.
But who can remember the Zandvoort or Imola Grand Prix of 2023? The race in Las Vegas, yes those certainly do. No fewer than 99 overtakes were recorded a year ago, between the ever-close walls. If this number had been achieved on a traditional track, it would have been a top circuit for purists. Now that it was Las Vegas, there was still grumbling from some.
Las Vegas up in arms with the F1 fan
Most fans thought it was a great Grand Prix a year ago, exactly what the F1 organisers had in mind. Sure, there were plenty of areas for improvement. There were, of course, the incidents with the loosened covers. The special introductions delivered by Bruce Buffer is also often brought up. Still, overall, the Las Vegas Grand Prix was a success, and no doubt this year will be no different.
Once again, tens of millions will soon be sitting in front of the TV to marvel at the beautiful setting, with those fast cars racing down the Strip. It is the current Formula 1: a combination of show and sport. If it produces races like in Las Vegas, there's nothing wrong with that, right?
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