LAS VEGAS — In an attempt to explain the events of the chaotic opening night of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Formula One has issued an unapologetic statement to fans and offered those with single-day tickets a $200 voucher to spend on race merchandise.
A water valve cover came loose on the Strip eight minutes into the opening practice session on Thursday evening, causing severe damage to Carlos Sainz‘s Ferrari and extensive delays to the night’s schedule.
Work on the circuit to prevent a repeat of the incident stretched late into the night, to the point that fans were told to leave because security workers’ shifts had time out before the resumption of track action at 2:30 a.m.
The detailed statement, issued jointly by F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and Renee Wilm on Friday, CEO of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, explained the course of events but did not offer a straight apology to ticket holders, some of whom had spent up to $50,000 on three-day passes.
It went on to brush off the disastrous opening day by comparing it to other failed sport and entertainment events, stating “it happens.”
The disastrous opening day, which eventually featured an extended 90-minute track session until 4 a.m. in front of empty grandstands, followed months of hype from Formula One including claims that it had the potential to be “the greatest show on earth”.
In another statement posted on Friday night, again which did not include an apology, F1 confirmed anyone who had a one-day ticket for Friday would receive a voucher for race merchandise.
There has been no refund or discount announced for anyone who purchased a three-day ticket.
Unlike other events on the calendar handled by third parties, the Las Vegas Grand Prix is being promoted by Formula One itself, which has spent over $500 million on preparations, including the purchase of a $240 million parcel of land near the famous Strip on which it built the pit and paddock complex.
The statement, in full, read: “Our top priority at Formula 1 is the safety and security of our drivers, employees, and fans. Responsibility for the oversight of a Formula 1 event falls with Formula 1 as the commercial rights holder of the sport, the FIA as the regulatory body, and the local promoter, in this…
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