Unexpected legal problems for Las Vegas GP are thought to commence as the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix will go down in F1 history not just for Max Verstappen’s commanding victory, but for an infrastructural blunder that could potentially cost the sport millions.
The Grand Prix weekend was marred by a fiasco involving malfunctioning sewer covers that led to the cancellation of Thursday’s practice sessions and sparked legal repercussions.
Free Practice 2 without fans
Formula One fans were escorted out of all spectator areas, including the grandstands, before the start of the delayed FP2 session. The organisers had initially announced in their now-deleted social media post that they would close all fan areas at 1.30am, promising to reopen them for FP3 and qualifying the following day.
As a result, the FP2 session took place in the absence of fans and finished at 4am, which was when the road sections of the circuit were originally scheduled to reopen to the public.
According to the organisers, the evacuation was necessary because the security guards had finished their shifts and the grandstands and fan zones couldn’t function properly without them. The reasons for the removal of the original social media statement by the race organisers remain unclear.
Why London is not fit for an F1 Grand Prix
Fan safety cited as the reason
However, a subsequent statement emphasised the paramount importance of safety for drivers, fans and staff at an F1 event. Following an incident involving a water valve cover, the Las Vegas Grand Prix, in conjunction with F1 and the FIA, decided to implement additional safety measures which resulted in a significant delay to the race schedule.
Due to the late hour and logistical issues with safely evacuating fans and staff from the track, the decision was made to close the fan zones prior to free practice 2. Having completed a full practice session, the Las Vegas Grand Prix has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a safe and enjoyable race weekend for all.
Hamilton to be sanctioned for mandatary rule breaking
Multi-million dollar class action launched
In response to the organisational chaos, the Dinopoulos Law Firm, together with JK Legal & Consulting, has taken legal action by filing a class action lawsuit on behalf of disgruntled fans. Each spectator affected by the cancelled sessions is seeking $30,000 in compensation, a collective outcry against a weekend that promised much but delivered frustration for many.
Insufficient compensation offer fuels discontent
An attempt by the organisers to appease ticket holders with a $200 voucher for official F1 merchandise was deemed insufficient, especially by those who had purchased full weekend tickets.
Their dissatisfaction has culminated in this legal action, challenging both the owners of Formula One and the promoters of the event, including Liberty Media Corporation, DBA Formula One Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix and TAB Contractors Inc.
F1 boss demands Vegas circuit redesign
CLICK TO PLAY – SAINZ CRASH CAPTURED ON SECURITY CAMERA
Organisers scramble to address safety concerns
As the lawsuit gained momentum, Renee Wilm, CEO of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, and Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula One, issued a joint statement claiming that there was “concern for the safety of attendees,”.
They insisted that the abrupt suspension was a precautionary measure taken with the safety of attendees in mind, and an attempt to quell the growing tide of disapproval.
High stakes at F1’s most expensive Grand Prix
The Las Vegas Grand Prix is already the most expensive in F1’s history, with an investment of more than $500 million. But that figure pales in comparison to the potential $1.05 billion payout looming over the event if the lawsuit succeeds in securing $30,000 per fan.
As the legal wheels turn, F1 is navigating through what could be its most expensive mistake, in stark contrast to the glitz and glamour that the Las Vegas strip typically promises.
READ MORE: Ferrari strategic blunder cost Leclerc Vegas win
MORE F1 NEWS: Mercedes boss in Stuttgart slams F1 team’s efforts “inferior”
From the start of the 2014 season it was quickly obvious that Mercedes would be the dominant force within Formula One for some time to come. Yet no one expected this superiority to last as long as it did.
The Brackley based team broke records left right and centre winning an unprecedented eight constructor titles in succession. Lewis Hamilton became the first…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
Go Demopolis law firm. This F1 grand prix was a disaster and a huge inconvenience to local residents and huge traffic congestion for weeks. Hopefully, county commissioners will realize the F1 was a huge mistake for Vegas.