Max Verstappen triumph in Vegas: Formula 1's showdown in Sin City defies early woes

Despite the initial setbacks, F1's maiden extravaganza in Sin City ultimately lived up to the hype, leaving key questions lingering in its tire tracks. 

Verstappen, a vocal critic of the event's staggering £500 million price tag, emerged victorious in what turned out to be one of the most thrilling races of the season.

From a disastrous practice session to a race that saw the lead change hands five times during 50 heart-pounding laps, the Las Vegas Grand Prix lived up to its hype by the time the chequered flag waved on Saturday night. The event, touted as the "greatest show on Earth" by F1 organizers, faced early challenges, but ultimately, Sin City proved to be the perfect stage for Formula One's maiden extravaganza.

Challenges and Controversies: A Rocky Start on the Strip

The Las Vegas Grand Prix faced a crisis as early as the first practice session when a faulty drain cover damaged Carlos Sainz's Ferrari, forcing the cancellation of the session after just eight minutes. The delayed second practice, finishing at 4 am and played out in front of empty grandstands, raised concerns about the event's success.

F1 executives, dealing with a catastrophic start, managed to salvage the situation, turning the narrative around with a sensational 50-lap race that captured the audience's attention. Despite early setbacks, the Las Vegas Grand Prix concluded with F1 bosses celebrating a triumph and a turnaround to remember.

Hurdles on the Strip: Grievances and Lawsuits

The scheduling of events on the iconic Las Vegas Strip drew criticism, with practices and qualifying sessions concluding in the early hours. The time difference forced a jet-lagged paddock to adjust to an effective Japanese time zone on America's west coast, leaving many in the F1 community exhausted.

A lawsuit has been filed seeking damages for the 35,000 spectators who felt aggrieved by the disruptions and scheduling issues. F1 chief Stefano Domenicali's goodwill gesture of a £160 voucher for merchandise did little to appease those who had invested in flights and hotels for the event.

Looking Ahead: Future Challenges and Changes

As the F1 circus now heads to Abu Dhabi, facing a time swing of 12 hours, questions arise about the feasibility of the current scheduling. The sport is committed to a 24-round calendar next season, with the Qatar Grand Prix immediately following the Las Vegas race.

To address concerns, F1 executives will need to negotiate with the city to adjust the track schedule for future visits, ensuring a more seamless experience for teams, drivers, and fans alike.

Verstappen's Take: Mixed Opinions on Vegas

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, not one to mince words, expressed the general sentiment, stating, "Everybody's leaving Vegas slightly f*****." Even race winner Max Verstappen, critical of the event's emphasis on showmanship, acknowledged the race captured Vegas' imagination.

While Verstappen labelled the event as "99 per cent show and one per cent sport," the celebrity-fuelled razzmatazz may not appeal to traditional F1 enthusiasts. Nevertheless, the undeniable success in attracting attention and building on F1's popularity in the United States cements Las Vegas as a focal point in Liberty Media's plans for the future.

 

Read More: Royal Flush for Max Verstappen as he wins Las Vegas Grand Prix (planetsport.com)