(Motorsports news) Leveraging the popularity of Netflix’s Drive to Survive, which attracted a significant new viewership, American F1 owner Liberty Media was eager to capitalize on the show’s surge in popularity in the US and expand the Austin event. The first event was a race in Miami, which is the epitome of the “destination cities” that Formula One (F1) was hoping to establish a presence in.
The 2023 race at Miami Gardens offered a better display to match the off-track splendor and glamour that delighted throngs of celebrities and VIPs, even though the racing spectacle of 2022 was scarcely outstanding. Although racing near the Miami Dolphins stadium was a step toward gaining dominance in the US, the F1 Championship’s transfer to Las Vegas is a completely another story.
Liberty Media was so keen to establish a presence in Vegas that it took the extraordinary step of endorsing the race and purchasing a piece of property close to the renowned Strip in order to construct a permanent pit and paddock complex. F1 believes the event will be successful in the long run, as evidenced by the fact that it has reportedly spent more than half a billion dollars on it. The event will be held until at least 2032.
There is definitely some reason for the greater buzz it has generated than that of Miami. A 2 km section of the Strip, which the municipal government has agreed to close for the race, is now part of the 6.2 km [3.8 mi] street circuit that Formula One managed to secure. The spectacle of 20 Formula One cars racing along landmarks like the Bellagio, the MGM Grand, and the new MSG Sphere at night will give Formula One with stunning photos, even though the layout itself isn’t particularly spectacular and probably wouldn’t draw attention elsewhere.
It is undoubtedly a far cry from the convoluted parking structure of Caesars Palace from the 1980s. And regardless of the outcome of the race, F1’s ability to get that out is impressive and indicates its strength in 2023. The least expensive tickets are $165. for the Wednesday opening ceremony, which will include a variety of artists but no automobiles. It demonstrates that the event itself—held in the center of American sports and entertainment—isn’t intended for the traditional F1 fan base that watches on television, a division that was previously evident due to Miami’s inflated costs.
Speaking of television, it’s amusing that the 10 p.m. local race start and the midnight qualifying session will be most difficult for the bulk of US viewers, who reside three hours ahead of the east coast, even though they will be appealing to viewers in the EU and Asia. However, since 8C, or 45F, temperatures are forecast this time of year, it is less expensive for Americans who wish to see Formula One in person to fly to a race in Europe than to sit in the cold.
It begs the question of how many individuals attended the race solely to be seen at its debut event, and how many will actually return the following year at the current rates, given that the Vegas race takes place one week later in 2024. Given that inflated costs are accompanied by inflated expectations, they very well might, if they witness an amazing sight. The cold doesn’t have to be entirely bad for the action that’s on track. If the 2023 season, which many fans believe has begun to linger too long, could use anything, it’s a dash of upheaval to up the ante.
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