‘Contender for race of the year!’ Did the Las Vegas GP live up to the hype?

Matt Baker is joined by Sky Sports’ Craig Slater and Simon Lazenby who give their first-hand experiences and opinions on the dramatic and spectacular Las Vegas Grand Prix. How did it compare to other races on the F1 calendar and did the actual racing deliver? Were Max Verstappen’s pessimistic pre-race comments justified? How did the fans who attended react to the race weekend? Do the schedule and timings need to change in future years?

# Las Vegas Grand Prix: A Comprehensive Review

## Introduction

- The inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix took place amidst high expectations and skepticism.
- The race weekend was a spectacle, featuring extravagant events and celebrity appearances.
- The actual racing delivered excitement and drama, with Max Verstappen emerging victorious.

## Event Evaluation

### Positive Aspects:

- The event was a resounding success, attracting over 100,000 fans and generating significant revenue for Las Vegas.
- The race track, designed to showcase the city's iconic landmarks, provided a unique and visually stunning setting.
- The organizers made efforts to enhance the fan experience, including improved facilities and entertainment options.

### Areas for Improvement:

- The timing of the race, scheduled late in the evening, posed challenges for fans and teams due to the disruption of sleep patterns.
- The tight schedule, particularly the late-night debriefs, affected the well-being of team members and drivers.
- The race weekend's festivities and events may have overshadowed the sporting aspect for some purists.

## Max Verstappen's Comments:

- Verstappen's criticism of the event's excessive showmanship sparked a debate about the balance between entertainment and sport in Formula One.
- Some viewed his comments as refreshing and honest, while others felt he should have maintained a more diplomatic stance.
- Verstappen's remarks highlighted the need for Formula One to strike a balance between attracting new audiences and preserving the sport's core values.

## Racing Analysis:

- The Las Vegas Grand Prix delivered thrilling racing, with multiple overtakes and intense battles throughout the field.
- Verstappen's victory was hard-earned, as he had to work his way through the pack after a poor start.
- The race showcased the talent and skill of the drivers, providing fans with an entertaining spectacle.

## Future Considerations:

- The organizers are likely to consider adjusting the race schedule to better accommodate fans and teams, potentially moving it to an earlier time slot.
- Discussions are underway to make the event a standalone race rather than part of a triple header, easing the strain on teams and personnel.
- Formula One may explore ways to enhance the racing experience for purists while maintaining the appeal of the sport to a broader audience.

## Conclusion:

- The Las Vegas Grand Prix was a resounding success, combining entertainment, spectacle, and thrilling racing.
- The event sparked important discussions about the evolving nature of Formula One and the need to balance showmanship with sporting integrity.
- As the race settles into the calendar, organizers and stakeholders will work to address areas for improvement and ensure its long-term viability.

The Las Vegas Grand Prix, a highly anticipated event, took place amidst skepticism and uncertainty. Despite concerns about the track's suitability for Formula One racing, the race weekend unfolded with dramatic moments, thrilling on-track action, and an overall positive reception from fans.

The podcast delves into the experiences and opinions of Matt Baker, Craig Slater, and Simon Lazenby, who were present at the event. They discuss the unique characteristics of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, comparing it to other races on the F1 calendar. The race weekend's success is attributed to various factors, including the track's layout, the atmosphere created by the fans, and the unpredictable nature of the race itself.

The podcast also addresses Max Verstappen's pessimistic pre-race comments, which were later justified by the challenging track conditions. The race's timing and schedule are brought into question, with suggestions for potential improvements to enhance the overall experience for fans and drivers alike.

The podcast highlights the potential for a fourth race in the United States, specifically mentioning New York as a possible location. The growth and popularity of Formula One in the United States are seen as positive developments for the sport's global reach.

The on-track action is praised, with the podcast emphasizing the race's status as a contender for the race of the year. Despite the challenges posed by the track conditions, the drivers delivered an exciting and unpredictable race, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.

The podcast acknowledges the impact of the race on the championship standings, with Aston Martin and Ferrari gaining ground in the Constructors' Championship. The upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is anticipated to be a thrilling finale, with several teams and drivers still in contention for various positions.

Esteban Ocon and Lance Stroll's impressive drives through the field are recognized, showcasing their skills and determination. The podcast also commends Fred Vasseur, the new Ferrari team principal, for his strong leadership and his ability to galvanize the team.

The podcast concludes with a look ahead to the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi, where George Russell aims to end the year on a high note. The possibility of Russell squaring up the head-to-head qualifying battle with Lewis Hamilton is also discussed, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the season finale.

Overall, the podcast provides a comprehensive analysis of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, covering various aspects of the event, including the track, the atmosphere, the racing, and its impact on the championship standings. The podcast also offers insights into potential developments in the future of Formula One, particularly in the United States, and sets the stage for an exciting conclusion to the 2023 season in Abu Dhabi.