Las Vegas - Formula 1, first problems: locals 'upset' by F1 GP preparations

Las Vegas – Formula 1, first problems: locals ‘upset’ by F1 GP preparations. Locals 'upset' by F1 GP preparations.

The most awaited race
The great curiosity of the 2023 Formula 1 season, at least in terms of the world championship calendar, is inevitably represented by the return of Las Vegas Grand Prix. No more racing in the parking lot of a casino, as happened in the early 1980s, but a real street circuit, built – in part – on the legendary ‘Strip’, the most famous and most glamorous main road in the city. The idea of a Grand Prix to be held in the capital of sin and gambling has been teasing the sport for years and it is no coincidence that it was Formula 1 itself that took charge of organizing the event, contrary to what happens for all remaining races on the calendar.

On track in mid-November
As evidence of the central role that the Las Vegas GP plays in the future of the premier category of motorsport, it is enough to remember that a ten-year contract was signed between the parties. Even in the city that par excellence represents the emblem of leisure and entertainment, however, all that glitters does not seem to be gold. In fact, to allow Formula 1 single-seaters to race in the city, massive road work is inevitably required, ranging from the creation of the necessary structures – above all the paddock – to the resurfacing of the roads. These operations, which are taking place in view of the tender scheduled for November 18th, are causing various disturbances for the inhabitants of the Nevada metropolis.

Work and inconvenience
Clark County E District Commissioner Tick Segerblom spoke to broadcaster KSNV, admitting that there is some local discontent: “We’ve signed on for 10 years and, honestly, the first will be the hardest because we are learning to do things, including paving the road. (There are) some people who get upset about what happens – confirmed Tick Segerblom – but once we get to work, this is what we do best. And there’s no place in the world like Las Vegas to have a Formula 1 race.”

Huge economic return
Many maliciously suggest that the impressive economic benefits that will be generated by the November event could change the minds of the city’s inhabitants. In fact, the expected financial revenue should reach, according to estimates, 1.3 billion dollars. “I was told that every other F1 (Grand Prix) is actually a franchise in which the local organization actually manages the race – concluded Tick Segerblom – in this case, however, Formula 1 did not want to franchise it. They are the ones who manage everything because they realized the great potential this event has.” – he pointed out.