F1 Drivers Demand Solutions for Las Vegas GP Track and Schedule Issues
Formula 1 drivers, led by Fernando Alonso, are raising serious concerns over the Las Vegas Grand Prix, citing two major issues: the subpar track surface, which they deem unsafe due to lack of grip and excessive bumps, and the highly inconvenient scheduling as part of a demanding late-season triple-header. Drivers are demanding a resurfaced track and a revised calendar slot, highlighting the strain on teams and the potential safety risks. These concerns are pushing F1 to re-evaluate the logistics and infrastructure of its high-profile Las Vegas event.
Fernando Alonso has spearheaded driver complaints regarding two critical issues with Formula 1’s Las Vegas Grand Prix: the suboptimal track surface and the challenging schedule. While the Las Vegas GP has successfully attracted global attention as a showpiece event, drivers are increasingly voicing concerns that impact safety and well-being.
Why it matters:
After two editions, the Las Vegas Grand Prix faces significant pushback from drivers over fundamental aspects of the event. Resolving these issues is crucial for the long-term viability and credibility of a high-profile, high-investment race, ensuring it meets both safety standards and the practical needs of the F1 paddock.
The details:
- Track Surface Concerns: Alonso argues that the asphalt quality is "not a Formula 1 standard," citing a severe lack of grip and excessive bumps. This makes it difficult to bring tires up to temperature and pushes the limits of safety, particularly on a high-speed circuit.
- He emphasized that other street circuits, like Monaco and Singapore, undertake resurfacing work, suggesting there is no excuse for Las Vegas not to do the same.
- Haas driver Oliver Bearman echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the cold conditions exacerbate the grip issue, increasing risk with nearby walls and high-speed turns.
- Scheduling Headaches: The Las Vegas race is currently placed at the beginning of a demanding end-of-season triple-header. Alonso views this as an unsustainable burden due to extreme time differences and extensive travel.
- He pointed out the unusual travel itinerary: Brazil to Las Vegas (time difference), then straight to Qatar (17-hour flight, 13-hour time difference), arguing no other sport would accept such a schedule.
- Alonso dismissed the reasoning that the current slot is due to Las Vegas being quieter at that time, stating that the sport's integrity and well-being should come first.
- Driver Consensus: Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) director Carlos Sainz fully agreed with the scheduling complaints, confirming that drivers have been "quite vocal about" this with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
- Sainz suggested a logical alternative: making Las Vegas a back-to-back race with Brazil, followed by a week break before the Middle East double-header, to minimize European travel and time zone adjustments.
What's next:
The drivers' consistent and vocal feedback on these issues puts pressure on the FIA and F1 management to consider significant changes for future Las Vegas Grands Prix. With the current 2026 calendar still featuring the problematic Vegas-Qatar-Abu Dhabi triple-header, discussions are expected to intensify. Addressing both the track surface and the calendar slot will be key to ensuring driver safety, managing team logistics, and solidifying the event’s place in the F1 championship.