Why the Las Vegas Grand Prix highlights F1’s biggest problem

By Joe Murphy

When news of the Las Vegas Grand Prix broke last week, there was much optimism within the motorsport fandom over the announcement. Overall, the addition to the 2023 race calendar adds more glamour and spectacle to an already impressive line-up for next season. However, as spectacular the street circuit should look, with the incredible and iconic surroundings, there is cause for criticism as this event highlights arguably the biggest problem within the sport right now.

Money talks. Clearly. The deal is worth over an estimated one billion dollars to the franchise. This isn’t just a problem within this sport sector either. The previous football World Cup was held in Russia, the next in Qatar and the following in the States. In F1 specifically though, the Las Vegas event will be the third American race on the Calendar. With Texas and Miami already occupying hosting duties from this season onwards. Between the three continents of Oceania, South American and Africa, however, there is only two.

This piece is not some kind of left wing ideology. Not by any stretch. You cannot blame the FIA at all for taking on such an event. What it is worth to the business alone will ensure the future of the sport. The same can be said for recent Middle Eastern ventures and the Russian and Chinese Grand Prix. The problem is the sport’s integrity comes under scrutiny. Does the company really “Race As One” when the entire continent of Africa doesnt host a single race over the course of the season?

Furthermore, between you and I, Street Circuits give us the most boring races don’t they? Whilst Las Vegas may look aesthetically spectacular to the naked eye, the racing itself could potentially underwhelm. And what chance of rain do we have in the desert? None. Azerbaijan gets away with it, but if we are being honest, Monaco, Singapore and Saudi Arabia aren’t the races fans are most interested in seeing, regarding wheel to wheel action. The track layout doesn’t inspire much, with overtaking opportunities few and far between. The cars should reach speeds higher than seen in Monaco, but will still fall short of those accomplished at tracks such as Spa, Silverstone, Monza or even Austin.

All things considered, it should be a successful business venture for Formula 1. More money in the sport will only increase and, subsequently, improve technological advances. As a “show”, it should be an incredible watch. The major problem is this race won’t be able to shake is the same one that comes with Drive to Survive, what is Formula 1? Is it a sport anymore or is it entertainment? Can it be both? As fans, we are entertained by a Grand Prix, otherwise why would we watch? Now I for one love Formula 1. It is millions of people’s favourite branch of motorsport, that is why it is so successful historicallym

I think the final line on this debate is that the majority of us will tune in to watch the race in Las Vegas next year. The event will sell out and the venue will most likely remain on the calendar for years to come. Regarding a business decision, this surely means the FIA have made the right call. Moreover, it could be a brilliant race that surprises spectators and produces more amazing moments. There is, however, a lingering feeling that the FIA may have lost some of its credibility in the name of finance. Time will tell if a third American Grand Prix is the right decision.