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Why the Las Vegas Grand Prix May Be Leaving Las Vegas
The inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix happened in 2023, and Max Verstappen dominated for a runaway victory. The race resulted in an estimated economic impact of $1.5 billion to the city and captured huge TV ratings. One year later, George Russell held off the field to take the top spot on the podium and the trophy. Next up is 2025's race. After that? Good question. Rumors claim that F1 in Las Vegas might not come back after this year. Let's break it down.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix has been good for the city
“The economic impact of the 2024 race hitting at $934 million serves as Las Vegas’s largest recurring event, and we are only bested by our inaugural year number, and coming in slightly less than Las Vegas hosting the Super Bowl,” Lori Nelson-Kraft, senior vice president for corporate affairs, told The Athletic last year. "When you think of mega events in southern Nevada, this rises to the top.” However, the race may now be in limbo due to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority's contract with F1 expiring in 2026. The organization has the option to extend the contract but is still negotiating a new deal. This is despite the fact that Clark County Commissioners have already approved a measure that allows the race to run through 2032.Las Vegas Grand Prix faces uncertain future with contract renewal pending
Las Vegas Grand PrixVP Emily Prazer believes the race has a strong future. “As with everything, contracts come to an end. However, with all of the different stakeholders in Vegas, we are going through a renewal process, so we’re feeling very comfortable that the race will continue,” said Prazer. “Obviously, everybody is very dedicated to this. The results have shown that the destination appreciates what we’re doing." Unfortunately, ratings dropped in 2024. The event went from 1.1 million viewers in its inaugural year down to 905,000 in 2024.Las Vegas looking to make race more accessible for fans
Officials are attempting to make the race more attractive by moving the start to 8pm PST and 11pm EST on Nov 22, 2025. They also promise ticket prices, a detailed map to navigate the construction areas, and a free fan experience area. Right now, here are the prices.- General admission + seats are $800, down from $1350.
- Single-day ticket prices are $50 for Thursday, $100 for Friday, and $300 on race day
- Three-day tickets are set at $400, down from $600
- The new Lewis Hamilton Grandstand seats are $875
- The new turn-three grandstands are $1150.
Local businesses not happy
F1 and the LVCA also need to work on the disruptions the race is creating for local businesses. The event is leading to a severe loss of revenue for these local owners along the track layout. A lot of this is construction, which leaves businesses sometimes unable to operate. Then when they can operate, the construction is still causing a lack of foot traffic. This led to businesses shutting down during construction and on race weekend. Four of the businesses are also suing Formula One over revenue losses. “When I have no control over my business, succeeding or failing, yeah, I’m frustrated,” one plaintiff said. “I have no control. Literally, no control. For 13 years, I’ve had control of my business, been very profitable, and made a great living for me and my employees. F1 comes to town, literally no business.... It’s unbelievable and frustrating." “We’re not like New York City where most everybody kind of lives in New York and where you can walk to work,” Lisa Mayo-DeRiso, a spokesperson for one group of [laintiffs. “Here, we have to drive to work or take the bus to work. People are having an hour to two hours to three hours a day extra to get to work and to get home. And F1 is not compensating anybody for those extra hours, babysitting time, time in your car, lost hours, lost time. They’re not compensating anybody for anything. They don’t believe that they should have to.”Diminishing returns may be what kills the future of Las Vegas Grand Prix
The Las Vegas Grand Prix isn't selling as many tickets and the locals hate it. It's still a significant economic driver for the city, but Formula One and Cark County officials need to make sure everyone benefits. Otherwise, there’s no way this race stays in Sin City. It also seems like F1 is taking a wait-and-see approach. They may be waiting on the race to prove its worth before committing to a ten-year extension.
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