Las Vegas Grand Prix: Cheaper, Earlier, but Still a Challenge

The Las Vegas Grand Prix is back for its third year, and this time, it's making some big changes. Tickets are cheaper, and the race starts earlier. The event has been criticized in the past for being too expensive and too focused on glamour rather than the actual racing. Max Verstappen, the reigning champion, even called it "99% show and 1% sporting event" last year. But this time around, the organizers are trying to make it more accessible and appealing to fans. The price of tickets has dropped significantly. In 2023, the event was known for its high costs, with hotel stays averaging around $2, 000. But this year, the average hotel price has dropped to just over $700. The race also starts two hours earlier, at 8 p. m. , to avoid the late-night chaos that happened in the first year when repairs went on until 4 a. m. Despite these changes, the event still faces challenges. The weather has been cold and rainy, which could make the race more difficult. Drivers like Lando Norris have expressed concerns about racing in the wet conditions. The track is also known for being tricky, with little room for error. The driver championship is still up for grabs, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri leading the standings. Max Verstappen is still in the running for a fifth consecutive title, but he has three races left to make it happen. Meanwhile, Ferrari is under fire after a disastrous result in Brazil. Team principal John Elkann criticized the drivers for talking too much and not focusing enough on driving. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have responded, saying they are united and focused on improving. Oscar Piastri, who was leading the championship, has hit a slump. He hasn't had a podium finish in the last six races, and his lead over Norris has turned into a deficit. He says he's learning from the tough moments and trying to adapt to the unique conditions of the Las Vegas track.