The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and Formula One contemplated staging a second F1 race in Las Vegas, but the idea was quickly abandoned as impractical.
LVCVA President and CEO Steve Hill said Wednesday the proposal involved staging a race the week after the November race already scheduled the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
F1 CEO and President Stefano Domenicali told The Athletic his organization briefly considered the second Las Vegas race as an alternative to races scheduled in Qatar and Abu Dhabi Nov. 29 and Dec. 6 as concerns mount over when the war in the Mideast will end.
“Neither one of us thought that it was a very good idea,” Hill said in a Wednesday telephone interview. “But they were exploring options.”
Hill said the executives concluded that attempting a second race immediately after the first one could be detrimental to both dates.
“Trying to have a second race probably doesn’t help the first one at all,” he said. “And so, yeah, it never really went anywhere. It probably lowers the demand for both races, right?”
Hill indicated there were numerous logistical issues surrounding a second F1 date, including the construction and removal of the temporary bridge on Flamingo Road over Koval Lane. The temporary bridge has been erected to help move traffic without vehicles using the course where the race is staged on Koval and Las Vegas Boulevard.
Asked if F1 would be welcome in Las Vegas at any other time of year, Hill said it was extremely doubtful.
“We’re always willing to listen to an idea,” he said. “But I don’t see that happening.”
It’s unclear where F1 will race after the Las Vegas Grand Prix this year. Domenicali said a decision wouldn’t have to be reached until September and by then officials can reassess the status of the war. He added that at present, the races are due to go ahead at their planned sites and are already sold out.
If the war continues, Domenicali indicated the season could end in Europe with the possibility of a race being staged in Italy after the Las Vegas stop.
Contact Richard N. Velotta at rvelotta@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3893. Follow @RickVelotta on X.
