Toto Wolff: Las Vegas Grand Prix shines despite late-night challenges
Toto Wolff of Mercedes 19 Nov 2023
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has shared his insights on the recently concluded Las Vegas Grand Prix, shedding light on a potential improvement for future editions.
Despite mixed reviews within the F1 community, Wolff commended the overall success of the inaugural event organized by Liberty Media.
One significant concern raised by teams, including Wolff's Mercedes, was the timing of key sessions. The unique schedule featured late-night activities, with qualifying starting at 12:00 local time and the race commencing at 22:00.
Wolff addressed this logistical challenge, stating, "It's logistics, how do you manage the traffic situation in Las Vegas?" He hinted at the possibility of adjusting the timing, suggesting an earlier start for qualifying in the future.
The Grand Prix faced a setback during Thursday's on-track activities when a loose drain cover forced the abrupt end of FP1 after only nine minutes. This delay rippled through the schedule, causing a two-and-a-half-hour postponement of FP2 as track repairs took place. Fans, eager for action, were further disappointed when a lack of staff led to their evacuation from the stands, allowing them to witness only a brief nine-minute snippet of the anticipated race weekend.
Wolff, despite expressing his frustration in a press conference diatribe, acknowledged the success of the event as a whole. Reflecting on the race day, he emphasized, "The drain cover was nothing. When you look back to Sunday [it was a] spectacular race, great audiences, a mega, mega event."
According to Wolff, the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix successfully checked all the boxes for a thrilling and entertaining race experience.
As the F1 season progresses, attention now turns to the upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, scheduled for November 26. The Yas Marina Circuit, hosting the final race of the season, has been a regular fixture since 2009. With the entire event held under the desert night sky, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix promises to be a fitting conclusion to the 2023 Formula 1 season, featuring covered grandstands and air-conditioned garages to ensure both the safety of spectators and the comfort of competing teams.
