Las Vegas GP brought forward: why it's a smart move explained
Red Bull Content Pool
General
The Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2025 will start two hours earlier than last year. This was revealed in the timetable published by the FIA for the upcoming F1 season. This is not good news for many European fans, as it will force them to get up even earlier, but there are plenty of reasons why the decision makes sense.
Las Vegas GP starts two hours earlier
One change stood out in the new schedule for the upcoming Formula 1 season: the start time of the Las Vegas GP. This year, the race in 'Sin City' will start two hours earlier than before: at 20:00 local time instead of 22:00. For many European fans, that means they will have to be ready at 04:00 or 05:00 in the morning (depending on your timezone) to watch the start live.
Qualifying on the Las Vegas Strip Circuit will also be held at an earlier time. Like the race, qualifying will start at 20:00 local time (previously 22:00). The organisers of the Las Vegas Grand Prix came up with a clear explanation for the changed schedule.
"This adjustment is based on feedback, insights and experience from the first two races, expanding opportunities for fans to explore the destination and continuing to engage with more fans across the US," the organisers said. ""Details on the event and road closure schedules will be shared in the coming months."
Benefits of the early start
For European fans, the new start time of qualifying and racing may not be as good news as it will require them to get up very early. However, there is also another side to the story. One was mentioned by the organisers themselves: fans attending the race will have more time to explore Las Vegas nightlife after the race, which could make the event more attractive. However, that is only a small part of the story.
The Las Vegas GP has a huge impact on the city and its residents. During all sessions - and the hours before and after - much of the Strip is closed. Not only does this prevent traffic from reaching the city's most popular spots, but businesses located there miss out on many potential visitors. The earlier time also allows roadblocks to be lifted earlier, allowing visitors to reach the centre of the Strip again at the busiest times.
A positive change for F1
Then there is the impact on F1 itself. The Las Vegas GP marks the start of the toughest triple header of the year, with the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix on the following two weekends. The Las Vegas timetable is perceived as tough, and not without reason: because of the big time difference from Europe, the drivers, their teams and everyone else working in the sport have to get used to it first of all. The fact that all sessions take place late in the evening does not make it any easier.
So the fact that the race itself ends around 10pm instead of midnight will also be a welcome adjustment for the drivers. Take Max Verstappen as an example, who, after winning his fourth world title, did not finish his media obligations until 4am.
If everyone could fly back home after this or to a location not so far from Nevada, it would still be attainable. However, teams and drivers have to fly across the world again immediately after the US race weekend for the final two races in the Middle East. Not only is this another immense time difference, but Qatar and Abu Dhabi are also evening races. All this takes its toll, both mentally and physically, so it will be a welcome adjustment for many.
This article was written in collaboration with Toby Nixon
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