The Las Vegas Grand Prix has been an expensive affair as the organizers and Formula 1 have spent approximately $700 million on the event as reported by The Guardian. However, the opening day turned into a public embarrassment, leaving top figures in the sport fuming and the crowds, if possible, even more dissatisfied.
Attending spectators saw barely eight minutes of racing action as they had to leave right before the FP2 started during the practice session.
An unanticipated crash caused a delay and the whole event had to be rescheduled. An event that aimed at attracting more and more public viewership and delivering a premium F1 experience for their fans failed miserably regarding the same. Even drivers, including the reigning World Champion Max Verstappen, were unhappy regarding the treatment and compensation the fans received after this mishap.
Las Vegas Grand Prix ripping people off.
5k for that view😂#F1 #LasVegasGp pic.twitter.com/avDiqGoCEV— Stef (@OldDuskDionysus) November 18, 2023
After these occurrences, it has come to light that after paying hefty prices for the tickets at the Sin City, fans did not receive a clear view of the track. A TikTok user shared a video on the social media platform of the obstructed view of the Las Vegas Street Circuit.
The user wrote, “Las Vegas Grand Prix ripping people off. 5k for that view.” Another user, Casinocompwallet revealed the VIP area, which charged $6000 for entry had an uninspiring view of the street circuit.
F1 Fans launch legal action over Las Vegas Grand Prix outrage
Disgruntled Formula 1 fans lodged a lawsuit after being ordered to leave the Las Vegas Grand Prix early on Friday morning. A class-action complaint was filed in a Nevada state court against the event and its owner, Liberty Media, by the Las Vegas-based Dimopoulos Law Firm and co-counsel JK Legal & Consulting. The claim sought damages of at least $30,000.
In retaliation, the Las Vegas Grand Prix stated, “We cannot comment on the litigation. Our focus is on ensuring that our fans have an entertaining experience in a safe and secure environment which is always our top priority.” The aggravating factor was the brief duration on the first night of the race; fans saw only nine minutes of action when Carlos Sainz ran over a water valve cover, damaging his Ferrari.
🚨 Las Vegas Grand Prix has been hit with a class action lawsuit
The lawsuit has been filed by Dimopoulos Law Firm and co-counsel JK Legal & Consulting on behalf of the 35,000 fans who purchased tickets to Thursday’s practice run, the legal firms announced Saturday… pic.twitter.com/C8r7LY7TS5
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) November 18, 2023
Additionally, the practice time was increased from one hour to ninety minutes. On Thursday, race authorities offered a $200 discount at the official gift store, but that was limited to single-night ticket holders only.
F1 President Stefano Domenicali and the CEO of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Renee Wilm, issued a statement on Friday after a prior one citing the reasons behind that unfortunate incident, in reaction to the legal action, stating that safety and legal concerns were the reasons behind the track’s closure to spectators.