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The inaugural Formula 1 Grand Prix in Las Vegas last November was one of the most important events in the sport’s history.
F1 owner Liberty Media invested more than half a billion dollars to make the race happen, bringing the sport to the very heart of Las Vegas by racing along the famous Strip.
The event was widely considered a success, recovering from a bumpy start where a track problem forced the cancellation of first practice after just eight minutes to end with one of the most exciting and exciting races tight ends of the 2023 season.
After the race, drivers spoke about the success of the event, particularly the track layout, but highlighted the need for changes in some areas for the second edition in 2024.
The race start time, 10 p.m. PT (1 a.m. ET), marked the last lights in F1 history. The decision to start the race at 10 p.m. was always driven by finding a compromise that would suit local fans in Las Vegas and most of the F1 public in Europe on Sunday morning,
The timings put the entire paddock to the test. All track sessions began after dark, requiring drivers, mechanics and other team personnel to modify their work and sleep habits accordingly.
It was a big ask, particularly after the delayed second practice didn’t finish until 4 a.m. Friday, with qualifying then not starting until midnight Saturday. RB driver Daniel Ricciardo said people were feeling “delirious” because of the schedules, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc said it was “a bit on the edge”.
Last month, Las Vegas announced it had changed practice and qualifying schedules for 2024. FP2 and qualifying will now also start at 10 p.m., two hours earlier than last year, to align the schedule with the start of racing, which is not the case. I’m not moving.
Your 2024 #LasVegasGP the race program is here 🗓️ #F1 pic.twitter.com/XEVWpkpHke
– F1 Las Vegas (@F1LasVegas) February 14, 2024
Renee Wilm, CEO of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, said the change would “help alleviate some of the challenges that teams have had with time zones” for 2024. But she was confident that 10 p.m. remained the best start time for the race.
“As far as the event itself, Saturday night at 10 p.m., we continue to believe that is the correct start time,” Wilm said. Athleticism.
“This matches some of the biggest shows and prize fights that take place in Las Vegas weekend after weekend.
“It also creates the opportunity for our historic fans in Europe to be able to watch the race with a cup of coffee, just like we do here in America (for the European races), and allows them to really be part of this weekend. end.”
Wilm said she was “extremely happy” to see the Las Vegas Grand Prix enjoy such a large television audience, even with a late start, particularly on the East Coast.
ESPN reported an average of 1.3 million viewers, making Las Vegas the sixth most-watched race of the season and third on cable.
“The viewership levels were great,” Wilm said. “It was one of the most watched races of the year.
“So when you consider the local nature of entertainment schedules, our historic fans around the world, and then you consider what we’re trying to accomplish here in North America, we just continue to triangulate around to 10 p.m., which we think is the appropriate start time.
(2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix Main Photo: Bob McCaffrey/Getty Images)