The stables are requesting a rescheduling of the timings for the Las Vegas GP

The Las Vegas Grand Prix appears to have been a sporting success, at least that’s what several drivers and team bosses have stated. Although the race had a rough start during FP1 due to a problem with Sainz’s car caused by a drain cover, the Grand Prix turned out to be eventful. In total, the race leadership changed seven times, the safety car was deployed twice, and the competition remained fierce until the end.

Although Max Verstappen once again won the competition, the paddock was rather delighted with the pleasure experienced on the track.

Improve the calendar

The only downside expressed concerns the calendar. This year, the drivers were invited earlier to the circuit for a special ceremony. The race took place on Sunday night. Five days later, the tests in Saudi Arabia started with a time difference of 12 hours. Next season, the pace is expected to be even more intense. Within a span of three weeks, Formula 1 will travel to Vegas, Qatar, and then Saudi Arabia. Although the actors were delighted with the spectacle offered in 2023, they still hope for improvements from a calendar perspective.

“If we have to improve something, it might be the timing,” said Fred Vasseur of Ferrari during a press conference. “It’s not easy to find a decent timing for Asia, Europe, the East Coast, and the West Coast. In the past, we didn’t have a problem because F1 was mainly in Europe, and we had to comply with European timing, and it was fine. Now, it has become global, and it is much more difficult to find something that corresponds to the time differences. But we will adjust it.”

The Red Bull director, Christian Horner, shares the same opinion and proposes a solution. He explained, “I think we should do it a little earlier in the evening because we can never fully satisfy all viewers. It’s an American race, so if we schedule it for 8 PM, it would be more convenient for those working behind the scenes.”

Actors ready to support each other

In order to propose changes, they must be viable and supported by the entire paddock. As Formula 1 enters the final stretch of the season, the subject should be carefully considered. We should not react too quickly now, under the influence of emotion, fatigue, said Mike Krack, director of Aston Martin. I think it’s important that we take a step back. The sporting regulations are quite rigid in terms of timing. Everything is calculated: the race, the different sessions… So, that would need to be changed. But I think it is possible to incorporate what the personnel needs. It simply requires a little bit of work.

Despite the constraints that may arise, change is possible. We would support this, certified the CEO of AlphaTauri, Peter Bayer. I don’t know all the details and reasons why it was done. But I have some experience coming from the FIA. Closing the streets has a massive impact on the local residents. We will have to review everything and see how we can improve. I have spoken to some workers. Some quickly adapted to the pace. Obviously, now we will be flying to the other side of the world. And that will disrupt us. But at the same time, it was worth it.

Difficulties for journalists and photographers

Motors Inside had a photographer at the unmissable Las Vegas appointment. His return was the same. Jet lag and adjustment posed problems.