Inside ‘bizarre’ Las Vegas Grand Prix hit by crippling strikes, fans wanting refunds and it could be coldest in history

6 months ago 39

FORMULA ONE will take over Las Vegas for the first time in over four decades next week.

Over half a billion dollars has already been spent in a bid to make it the most attractive race on the calendar.

The Las Vegas Grand Prix is set to take place later this month[/caption]

Over half a billion dollars has already been spent on the event[/caption]

However, the past few weeks and months have presented conflict and controversy.

With a crippling strike threatened and many unhappy fans already requesting refunds, the event has been thrown into chaos.

Even the drivers aren’t entirely enthused by the prospect of racing through the streets of Sin City.

While the Las Vegas GP has the potential to be the most glamorous race of the year, there is a huge risk that fans could leave disappointed and out of pocket.

And that may leave F1 in a whole heap of trouble.

Strikes threatened

Tens of thousands of hospitality workers in Vegas are said to be prepared to strike ahead of the race weekend.

The Culinary and Bartenders Union have announced that 35,000 of its members across 18 local properties will initiate a strike if an adequate agreement is not reached with the casinos, hotels, and restaurants that employ them.

The proposed strike by the state’s largest labour union would mark the first time in 10 years hospitality workers have gone on strike in Las Vegas.

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Some hospitality workers are threatening to strike[/caption]

It could also become the largest hospitality strike in the history of the US.

According to the Associated Press, a union spokesperson has said that workers currently have health insurance and earn $26 per hour, but didn’t specify their desired pay increase.

Between 40,000 and 60,000 employee contracts have expired, but they are still working while negotiations continue.

Although the union has been negotiating with MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment and Wynn Resorts for the past seven months, a deal is yet to be agreed.

Furious fans

Some F1 fans are said to be “disgruntled” after analysis revealed huge reductions in Las Vegas hotel prices ahead of the Grand Prix.

Research by Oversteer48 looked at the 22 biggest hotels on the iconic Vegas strip – where the race is set to take place – and compared recent prices to those from last year when the event was announced.

Some hotels have dramatically dropped in price[/caption]

While one hotel has stuck with the same rates, the other 21 have reduced them by an average of 58 per cent.

Contrary to the expectations of F1 chiefs, tickets for the weekend are yet to sell out which is why hotel prices have been slashed.

Oversteer48’s Alex Gassman also reports that some fans have managed to secure compensation or have rebooked hotels.

However, others have been left stuck with non-refundable bookings.

Schedule issues

The scheduling of the Las Vegas GP has also come into question.

For the first time since 1985, the race will take place on Saturday evening as opposed to the standard Sunday format.

Qualifying is set to start at 12am local time[/caption]

However, due to the time difference fans in the UK will be able to watch on Sunday morning.

Qualifying for the Las Vegas GP will take place from 12am until 1am local time on Saturday November 18, while the race will start at 10pm.

That means in the UK qualifying will start at 8am on Saturday morning, with lights out at the early time of 6am the following day.

Some fans on social media have branded the timings as “bizarre”.

The coldest race ever?

Traditionally, F1 races take place in warm climates – but that certainly won’t be the case in Vegas.

Due to the season and the late start times, it is set to be one of the coldest races in F1 history.

Tires could prove to be an issue for all teams[/caption]

The temperature will likely drop to between five and 10º C which could present several issues – especially with tires.

F1 tires are designed to offer optimum grip at high temperatures.

That means low temperatures will lead to a lack of grip on track, which could see some minor individual errors punished.

That could prove very costly on a tight street track.

Mixed opinions

Not everyone is overly thrilled about the prospect of driving in Las Vegas – especially in November.

Discussing the race, reigning world champion Max Verstappen said: “A lot colder. Street circuit, new for everyone. I think it will be full of surprises for sure.”

Meanwhile, former driver Bernie Ecclestone has heavily criticised the event.

He said: “I’m not really looking forward to it. It has nothing to do with Formula One.”