F1 in Vegas: Ice Skating and Support Races to Spice Up 2024 Grand Prix

The Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix is set to return with some exciting additions and improvements for this year's event. Following the successful debut of the race in Sin City last year, organizers have taken steps to enhance the overall experience for fans and participants alike.

Ferrari Challenge Added to the Schedule

One of the most significant changes for this year's Las Vegas Grand Prix is the inclusion of the Ferrari Challenge as a support race. Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer for F1 and Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc, confirmed that this addition comes in response to feedback from last year's event, which lacked support races due to logistical concerns. The Ferrari Challenge is expected to bring its own enthusiastic crowd to Las Vegas, making it a natural fit for the event.

Showcasing F1 Academy

In addition to the Ferrari Challenge, the F1 Academy will be showcased during the race weekend. This female-only series could potentially become part of the support races in Vegas in the future, further diversifying the on-track action.

Free F1 Festival and Downtown Events

To create a more inclusive atmosphere, organizers have planned a free F1 Festival for Friday and Saturday, with a capacity of 30,000 attendees per day. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is also organizing a music-based festival downtown, ensuring that the entire city is buzzing with excitement during the grand prix weekend.

Focus on Racing and Entertainment Balance

While the inaugural Las Vegas GP featured extravagant entertainment options, including a star-studded Wednesday night launch event, this year's focus will shift more towards delivering an exceptional racing experience. Organizers are scaling back some of the entertainment aspects to concentrate on making the grand prix itself the main attraction.

Improved Accessibility and Ticket Options

The event will offer more general admission tickets this year, replacing some previous hospitality areas to make the race "much more accessible" to fans. Hotel rates are also expected to be more reasonable compared to last year's debut event.

Unique Attractions: Ice Skating on the Paddock Club

In true Las Vegas fashion, organizers have come up with a surprising addition to the event - an ice-skating rink on top of the F1 Paddock Club. This unexpected feature showcases the event's commitment to pushing boundaries and creating unique experiences for attendees.

Addressing Previous Challenges

Organizers have taken steps to address issues from last year's event, including improvements in traffic management and merchandise availability. They are also working to resolve concerns raised by local businesses affected by the race preparations.

With these changes and improvements in place, the Las Vegas Grand Prix is poised to deliver an even more exciting and well-rounded experience for fans and participants in its second year. As the event continues to evolve, it promises to solidify its position as a unique and thrilling addition to the Formula 1 calendar.