Businesses concerned over earlier Las Vegas Grand Prix start times

This change in time is an attempt to attract more spectators, for whom the late-night event may not have been tempting due to the timings.

According to a statement by F1, “This adjustment is based on feedback, insights, and experience from the first two races, expanding opportunities for fans to explore the destination and continuing to engage with more fans across the US.”

The Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix has had mixed success. Although the stands were sold out, this only happened a few hours before the race. F1 is not yet as popular in the US as it is in other countries, however, it is gaining attention, especially from those who watch Drive to Survive on Netflix and enjoy watching the races from home.

Viewers can engage with the sport in many ways, from Grill the Grid videos on YouTube, to accessing sports betting platforms to wager on who will come out on top. Sports betting in Nevada is especially popular as the Las Vegas Grand Prix draws near.

The Friday and Saturday events will also kick off at an earlier time. Although many fans who dreaded the post-midnight finish expressed relief with the proposed change, many were left disgruntled; particularly local Las Vegas business owners.

This is not the first time that Formula 1 has gotten in trouble with businesses in the city. In previous years, Formula 1 created a temporary bridge in the city. Businesses claimed that this bridge was preventing customers from accessing their establishments, which is costing them millions in sales.

Before the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix, there was a “Stop the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix” petition going around in an attempt to get the community’s views on the situation. This petition was started by seven businesses in Koval Lane and Flamingo Road who claimed to have lost more than $30 million due to the disruptions of the event.

Formula 1 refuted these claims, stating that they worked together with local businesses, holding monthly stakeholder calls to address any concerns. Despite this, Formula 1 and Clark County currently have four lawsuits filed against them, seeking financial damages.

And now, the earlier start times are considered yet another wrongdoing by Vegas business owners. The Las Vegas Grand Prix is a street race, meaning it occurs on public streets that have to be closed for the event. An earlier start time means that road closures will be enforced earlier, making it harder for people to get to work and customers to get to businesses.

One business owner, Lisa Mayo-DeRiso, expressed shock at the announcement, saying “They didn’t talk to any of our business owners about it. I know that for sure.”

According to Mayo-DeRiso, the 2024 Grand Prix lost businesses even more money than the debut event in 2023. This is in part due to the bridge, which blocks access to Jay’s Market. Several businesses, including Battista's, ended up closing for a few nights.

Business owners are looking for greater levels of transparency and communication from Formula 1. Despite F1 stating that they have regular stakeholder meetings with shop owners, Mayo-DeRiso said: “I think there should be transparency and openness and dialog and honesty with this whole entire process, and I don’t believe any of that has existed at all.”