by
The Las Vegas Grand Prix is returning to Sin City on November 23, 2024. It’s the second-annual race around the Las Vegas Strip, and this one might just be less chaotic than the last one was.
You’re going to want to keep reading to get the full scoop on how the Las Vegas Strip is being transformed before race day. There’s some awe and there’s some bad that you should know about.
2023 Set The Bar Low
The inaugural race in 2023 wasn’t the best-received event. For one, the prices were off the charts — even by F1 standards. It was enough to scare away most spectators before prices last minute. This wasn’t just for F1 tickets but anything around the Strip. Hotels were almost eye-gouging levels.
That was bad, then disaster struck on Thursday when Carlos Sainz ran over a drain cover in practice. It delayed things enough that fans were eventually told to go home. Sure, they were refunded, but it wasn’t how you wanted to start off a weekend.
Things only deteriorated from there. The Strip — where the event took place — was a mess. Roads were blocked left and right, which caused traffic jams and angry locals trying to get to and from work. Plus, F1 added screens throughout the area to prevent free-loaders from watching the event for free.
The race finally went off, and of course, Max Verstappen won with ease, as he did most of the 2023 season. At the end, even Verstappen took a swipe at the event, saying it was “99% show, 1% sporting event.” There’s no positive way to spin the sport’s biggest star calling it a circus event.
But…F1 gets a second crash this year. Redemption arc incoming? Let’s see what’s planned.
Changes To 2024 Event
“We’re scaling back a bit as we want to focus on actually delivering the best grand prix ever.” That quote came from Emily Prazer, who serves as the Chief Commercial Officer for F1 and Las Vegas Grand Prix. It sounds like Prazer and company took Verstappen’s criticism to heart.
The big addition is a Ferrari Challenge as a support race and event. This famed event will bring out all the Ferrari classics, which there are many in the maker’s storied history. But here’s the best part: the event is free on November 22 and 23. That will help pipe down the fans saying it’s too damn expensive.
“We’re adding Ferrari Challenge, and we’re super excited about it. It’s a natural fit, and they’ve been incredible partners,” said Prazer.
There will be more general admission tickets available too. F1 is even offering single-day tickets, which is geared for locals, who as we said, weren’t exactly happy with the event a year ago.
Other updates to the event include a reduced bridge on Flamingo Road. Additionally, the Venetian Pavilion’s grandstand has doubled in height this year, and the iconic trees along the Bellagio’s sidewalk no longer had to be cut down for grandstand installation — thanks to new, removable planter trees. A rare win for the climate-loving crowd.
Things that are NOT changing will be the walls along the strip to block free viewing. F1 is actually reinforcing this by using aluminum walls this year. In 2023, the walls were flimsy, which easily allowed fans to tear them off and watch. It won’t be nearly as easy with aluminum-based walls this time around.
Setup Time Vastly Improved
Here’s what we’ve neglected to mention up to this point: setup time. In 2023, it wasn’t just one weekend of nuisance for locals and tourists on the Vegas Strip. More like nine months because that’s how long the entire setup process took.
But hey, you could excuse them since it was a first-time event. There are no excuses this year, and F1 didn’t need any. That’s because setup time was only three months this time around — six months better. The major reason? The repaving was done a year ago and is not needed again.
Of course, that doesn’t mean commute times aren’t affected. Locals who work on the Strip say it takes an additional hour to commute to work.
How To Bet On Las Vegas Grand Prix?
Alright, as you can see, F1 has made strides to improve the viewing experience of the Grand Prix. But want to know what’s the best way to enjoy the race? With a fat bet on it, that’s how!
Nothing adds excitement like a small (or big) wager on it. Thankfully, betting in Las Vegas is designed to be easy. There are literally hundreds of sportsbooks around the city, which is still the gambling mecca of the country despite Nevada betting no longer being a monopoly. Any one of these sportsbooks will offer every type of bet on F1 since there will be a local tie to it.
Not in Nevada but want to bet anyway? Welp, the offshore sportsbook market has you covered — no matter where you live (even in states where it’s not legal). See our list of recommended bookmakers below for Las Vegas Grand Prix betting:
Best Betting Sites 