F1 Vegas GP live updates: Qualifying build up after ‘unacceptable’ track problems derail practice – The Athletic
Renee Wilm, CEO of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, and Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, issued a statement on Friday explaining the processes and decisions made during Thursday’s water valve cover disruption of FP1 and FP2.
The statement details how the officials fixed the track and changed the practice schedules “out of an abundance of caution.”
The pair also addressed the “fan experience.” F1 has come under criticism for making fans leave the circuit ahead of FP2 after a six-hour wait. Wilm and Domenicali cited the long hours worked by public safety and security officials, transportation employees, and the time needed for hospitality staff to “clean and resupply guest areas.”
“We know this was disappointing. We hope our fans will understand based on this explanation that we had to balance many interests, including the safety and security of all participants and the fan experience over the whole race weekend.
“We have all been to events, like concerts, games and even other Formula 1 races, that have been cancelled because of factors like weather or technical issues. It happens, and we hope people will understand.”
The release did not offer an explicit apology to fans who had bought a single-day ticket, nor did it mention a refund. A further statement about tickets is expected soon from the Las Vegas GP. You can read the release in full below.
Update: The Las Vegas Grand Prix is offering fans who attended Thursday a $200 voucher to the Las Vegas Grand Prix fan store.
