Alonso Slams Las Vegas GP: 'Not F1 Standard,' Cites Safety & Calendar Issues
Fernando Alonso has strongly criticized the Las Vegas Grand Prix, calling its track asphalt "not F1 standard" due to extreme slipperiness and bumps, which he believes borderline on unsafe. He also condemned the event's placement in a demanding triple-header, citing the "difficult" time differences and extensive travel as unacceptable for any sport. His comments highlight significant safety and logistical concerns that could prompt a review by the FIA.
Following the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso voiced significant concerns about the event, particularly criticizing the track surface and its scheduling within the F1 calendar. Drivers struggled with grip throughout the weekend, exacerbated by heavy rainfall in qualifying and low track temperatures that prevented tires from reaching optimal operating windows. Alonso, while finding the high-speed layout enjoyable, stressed that the asphalt quality falls short of Formula 1 standards.
Why it matters:
Fernando Alonso's strong criticism highlights persistent issues with the Las Vegas Grand Prix that could impact driver safety and the overall integrity of the sport. As F1 continues to expand into new markets, ensuring that new venues meet the pinnacle of motorsport's demanding standards is crucial for both competition and the well-being of its athletes. These concerns, coming from a veteran driver, could prompt a reevaluation of future event planning and track specifications.
The details:
- Track Surface Quality: Alonso explicitly stated, "The circuit is fun because it's high speed but I think the type of asphalt is not F1 standard." He elaborated that the surface was "too slippery," making it difficult to get tires up to temperature, leading to a lack of grip. Additionally, he noted it was "extremely bumpy, at the limit of being safe to race."
- Safety Concerns: The combination of slipperiness, low grip, and excessive bumpiness raised safety flags for Alonso, who believes the FIA needs to address whether such conditions are acceptable for future races.
- Tire Performance: Low track temperatures, a consequence of the late session times in the Nevada desert, prevented tires from entering their optimal operating window, further contributing to grip issues.
- Calendar Placement: Alonso also took issue with Las Vegas being part of a grueling triple-header. Teams and drivers face an 8,000-mile journey to Qatar for the subsequent race, following intense travel from Europe and Brazil in preceding weeks. He described the travel demands as 17 hours by plane and an 11-hour time difference (correcting his initial 13-hour estimate).
- Unacceptable Demands: "I don't think any other sport in the world would accept that," Alonso remarked, emphasizing the unique and strenuous demands placed on F1 personnel by such a calendar structure.
What's next:
Alonso's outspoken remarks will likely fuel discussions between drivers, teams, and the FIA regarding future adjustments to the Las Vegas Grand Prix and the overall F1 calendar. While the high-speed layout offers excitement, addressing the fundamental issues of track quality and logistical strain will be critical for the event to truly integrate into the F1 championship without compromising safety or athlete welfare. A dialogue with the FIA is now expected to assess the long-term viability and necessary improvements for the Las Vegas race.