Las Vegas Grand Prix: F1's glittering gem delivers again
Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool
LAS VEGAS -- After weeks of controversy, public pushback, and even criticism from reigning world champion Max Verstappen, the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix delivered what many deem the best race of the 2023 season. Not only thrilling on the track, the event became the most financially successful weekend in Sin City's illustrious history, surpassing even February's Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium.
During last year's buildup, Verstappen criticized the event, claiming it was "99% show and 1% sporting event," and expressed feeling like "a clown" during the extravagant driver presentation. However, the Dutchman concluded the weekend on a high note by winning the race and jubilantly singing "Viva Las Vegas" over the team radio.
Ahead of this year's race, Verstappen spoke candidly at Wednesday's media session: "I get it," he said with a smile. He acknowledged the commercial aspect and the appeal of racing in Las Vegas, despite not favoring the track. "Last year the racing was very exciting... the shots are amazing, you know, driving on the Strip," he added, emphasizing that last year's race was indeed "great."
The positive reception from Verstappen is a boon for Formula 1, which not only organized but promoted the event, investing in a permanent paddock facility in the city's heart. Fortunately for Verstappen, this year's event will not include the much-criticized driver presentation.
Despite initial negative headlines and challenges, such as Carlos Sainz's Ferrari being damaged by a loose drain cover, the overall success and economic impact of the event were undeniable. A Clark County report estimated the economic benefits at $1.5 billion, with $77 million in tax revenue, significantly outstripping Super Bowl LVIII's impacts.
Las Vegas GP CEO Renee Wilm confirmed that ticket sales aligned with expectations, emphasizing the city's late market tendencies. "Our general admission is sold out, Wynn Grid Club has sold out, main grandstand has sold out," she said. Wilm attributed increased ticket traffic to the conclusion of the Austin race and the recent election.
Wilm also highlighted the engagement with the community and reduced disruptions compared to the previous year. "We did a better job with communication, just around road closures," she explained. Furthermore, $22 million of tax revenue generated last year was allocated to the local school system, addressing some critics' concerns about the race's impact.
Steve Hill, CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, stressed the importance of balancing the event's benefits across various stakeholders. "It needs to work for everybody," he stated, acknowledging the race as part of the community fabric.
On track, expectations are high for another thrilling race, with cooler November temperatures providing unique tire challenges for the teams. Additionally, Verstappen has a tantalizing opportunity to clinch the championship by finishing ahead of Lando Norris or avoiding losing more than three points to him.
Whether Verstappen will be singing another Elvis classic remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Las Vegas Grand Prix continues to shine as a monumental event in the world of Formula 1.
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