The Las Vegas Grand Prix drew mixed reactions from Formula 1 drivers regarding its demanding schedule, with George Russell, Carlos Sainz, and Lewis Hamilton all advocating for adjustments to alleviate strain on teams. Held at 10 p.m. local time, the race ended close to midnight, creating a significant time zone shift for teams traveling from Europe. The event also kicked off a grueling tripleheader alongside Qatar and Abu Dhabi, sparking calls for better scheduling.
George Russell highlighted the logistical challenges of back-to-back races, especially when compounded by Las Vegas’ late-night scheduling. “Obviously, it’s not great timing at all for the people who are here,” Russell remarked, acknowledging the global audience’s importance. “But having it back-to-back with Qatar is the biggest challenge. If we have a week off afterwards, that’s probably the only thing realistically that would help.”
Carlos Sainz echoed similar sentiments, suggesting earlier race timings and a standalone slot on the calendar. Reflecting on the improvements made to the event since its inaugural year, Sainz praised the more balanced approach but emphasized that further refinements were needed. “I’d bring the race a couple hours earlier if I could. It would help everyone in the paddock… and put everyone in a healthier, better mood,” he said. He also called the circuit “great for overtaking” and praised its challenging layout, suggesting no changes beyond logistical tweaks.
Lewis Hamilton acknowledged the toll on team members who work long hours dismantling, packing, and transporting equipment, especially during tripleheaders. “It’s massively challenging for everyone here,” Hamilton noted, praising the resilience and passion of garage crews. Despite the hurdles, Hamilton expressed enthusiasm for the event itself, stating, “The actual race is absolutely fantastic. They’ve really done a mega job this year. So I can’t wait to come back next year.”
Next year’s Las Vegas Grand Prix is scheduled for November 22, maintaining its place as the opening race of a tripleheader with Qatar and Abu Dhabi. While the event has been celebrated for its glamour and entertainment, the drivers’ suggestions for an off-week or earlier timings highlight the need to balance spectacle with practicality.
