Formula 1 drivers are voicing significant concerns regarding the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with Fernando Alonso leading the charge. They are calling for urgent solutions to address track surface safety and scheduling issues.
Track Surface Concerns
Alonso emphasized the need for improvements to the track surface, citing safety worries. He described the asphalt as subpar for Formula 1 standards, noting its excessive bumps and lack of grip.
“It’s too slippery, and we cannot get the tires to the right temperature. It’s extremely bumpy at the limit of being safe to race,” Alonso stated. He pointed out that other street circuits, such as Monaco and Singapore, successfully perform resurfacing work, thereby setting a precedent for Las Vegas.
Input from Other Drivers
- Oliver Bearman, a Haas driver, echoed Alonso’s sentiments, urging for track improvements, especially given the challenging conditions.
- Bearman highlighted the risks associated with the close walls and high-speed turns, advocating for a surface that would provide more grip.
Scheduling Issues and Impact on Drivers
Alonso also criticized the race’s placement in the Formula 1 calendar. He noted that the Las Vegas Grand Prix is positioned at the beginning of a taxing end-of-season triple header, which includes long-distance travel and significant jet lag.
“It’s difficult for us to come here with the time difference and how far it is from Europe and Brazil. I don’t think any other sport in the world would accept that,” he remarked. Alonso expressed that the current schedule does not prioritize the well-being of drivers and teams.
Call for Revision of the Calendar
Carlos Sainz, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), supports Alonso’s view. He believes that Las Vegas should be scheduled back-to-back with Brazil to minimize travel disruptions.
- Sainz proposed a revised schedule where teams fly directly to Vegas, allowing a break before tackling the Middle East races.
- He expressed that the ongoing triple header of Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi is detrimental to both teams and drivers.
With concerns about track safety and scheduling hurdles on the table, the drivers are advocating for immediate discussions with F1 officials. As the 2026 calendar includes a similar triple header, solutions are crucial to enhance the competitiveness and safety of Formula 1 racing in Las Vegas.
