Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has expressed his dissatisfaction with the Las Vegas Grand Prix, labeling the event as “not that great.”
His comments come in the wake of the inaugural race held on the Las Vegas Strip, which was met with high expectations but seemingly fell short in several areas.
This critique highlights ongoing discussions about the quality and execution of new venues in the Formula 1 calendar, particularly as the sport continues to expand its global reach.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix was anticipated to be a spectacular addition to F1’s roster, capitalizing on the glitz and glamour associated with Las Vegas. However, Helmut Marko’s remarks suggest that the event did not deliver on its promise.
He pointed out various aspects that contributed to his disappointment, including logistical challenges and the overall atmosphere surrounding the race. These comments resonate with a broader sentiment among fans and critics alike, who have been closely monitoring how well new races integrate into the existing F1 calendar.
One of Marko’s primary concerns was related to the organization of the event where he noted that despite Las Vegas being a world-renowned destination, the execution of the Grand Prix left much to be desired.
Issues such as traffic management, accessibility for fans, and the overall fan experience were highlighted as areas needing significant improvement.
“This crazy city, the slot machines that you have to pass on your way through the hotel lobby, the race at night,” Marko told OE24. “Last year we were lucky that the race was great, but the event as a whole did not live up to the high expectations.”
The expectation for an event in such a high-profile location is that it should not only showcase thrilling racing but also provide an unforgettable experience for attendees. Unfortunately, it appears that even the locals did not support the inaugural race due to disruptions.
“The event also does not have much support from the local population,” he added. “Almost everything is cordoned off, you have to take long detours everywhere.
“Because of the bad flight connections, we also have to arrive a day earlier.”
Moreover, Helmut Marko’s critique extends beyond logistical concerns; he also touched upon the competitive aspect of the race itself. The excitement and unpredictability that fans expect from F1 were reportedly lacking during this event.
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As teams and drivers adapt to new circuits, there is always an element of uncertainty that can lead to thrilling races. However, if a track does not facilitate overtaking opportunities or does not challenge drivers adequately it can result in a lackluster performance on race day.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix was designed to be a night race, which adds an extra layer of spectacle and excitement. However, Helmut Marko’s comments suggest that even this unique feature did not compensate for other shortcomings.
Night races are often celebrated for their vibrant atmosphere and stunning visuals; yet, if the underlying race itself does not live up to expectations, even the most dazzling lights can’t mask a lack of excitement on track.
It is essential to consider how Marko’s feedback fits into the broader context of Formula 1’s expansion strategy. The sport has been actively seeking to increase its footprint in North America, with new races being introduced in cities like Miami and Austin alongside Las Vegas.
Each new venue presents an opportunity to capture new audiences and boost F1’s popularity in regions where motorsport has traditionally been less dominant. However, as evidenced by Marko’s criticism the expanded F1 calendar has taken its toll on the teams.
“You could say that,” he said when asked if the demanding 24-race calendar is starting to show its effects on him. “This triple-header at the end is particularly crazy.”
