“Would Be a Total Mistake” – F1 CEO Affirms Saturday Night Was the Best Option for Las Vegas GP

Las Vegas is all set to host a race during the 2023 season. The fans and drivers are excited to see F1 cars take a spin around Sin City. However, this is not the first time Vegas is going to host a Formula 1 race. It hosted races from 1981 to 1984, known as the Caesars Palace Grand Prix.

Interestingly, Nelson Piquet waited for 15 minutes before finishing the race during the 1981 Caesars Palace Grand Prix. The reason being the strong heat waves blowing across the city.

So, the return of the Las Vegas Grand Prix sees a change in the timings of the race. It will begin at 10:00 PM local time to aid the drivers and reduce dehydration. However, this is not the only surprise in the store. The Grand Prix is also scheduled to go ahead on a Saturday.

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Formula 1 has indulged a tradition to race on a Sunday, but this will be the first time since the South African GP in 1985 that drivers will compete against each other on a Saturday. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has explained the reason behind this.

Stefano Domenicali feels the timings will suit everyone

Stefano Domenicali revealed that reason for going racing under the lights. The Italian believes a 3 PM race is not sufficient in this venue, and will not attract the audience. He also feels that Formula 1 cannot be rigid and adapt to the timings. Part of the race that excites the fans is they get to witness the F1 cars tangle across the streets of Vegas under the lights.

He said, “Formula 1 cannot be static. To have a race on Saturday at 3 pm, that would be a total mistake. That is the reason why we are flexible. We are showing that’s the right moment to have the best show in this context.”

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Surprisingly, the race also takes place on a Saturday. However, Domenicali believes that a Grand Prix on Saturday along with a 10:00 PM start will attract even more viewers. “I don’t see any problem on that. And if you think actually in terms of timing in Europe, the race time we have on Saturday is 10 pm, Saturday night is perfect because also that audience will be connected,” he said.

Formula 1 is all set to witness an exciting race around the streets of Las Vegas after 40 long years. The growth of the sport in the United States has prompted F1 to take action. As a result, there are three races in the country from next season.

However, there is a mixed response among the fans on the timings and the day of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Leave your thoughts on this in the comments.