The upcoming Las Vegas GP has raised concerns within Formula 1 due to the unexpected low temperatures anticipated during the event. Former sporting director Ross Brawn has highlighted the potential challenges posed by the cold weather in Las Vegas, emphasizing the need to ensure a spectacular racing spectacle despite the environmental conditions.
Las Vegas, situated in a desert region, presents unique climate dynamics with extreme heat during the day and significantly low temperatures at night. As the Las Vegas GP is scheduled as a night race, the F1 cars will have to contend with the chilly conditions.
The qualifying session is set to occur at midnight local time, followed by the race start at 10pm, exposing the drivers and cars to notably cold temperatures. With expectations of temperatures barely above freezing, the suitability of such conditions for F1 racing is brought into question.
The oversight of the cold climate by F1 officials has become apparent, with Ross Brawn acknowledging the oversight and the tire company’s efforts to address the challenges of racing in Las Vegas during November.
Expressing the challenge of ensuring optimal vehicle performance in low temperatures, Brawn stated, “It can be very cold and it is of course a challenge to ensure that the vehicles function properly at these temperatures.” Despite the unprecedented challenges, Brawn remains optimistic about the prospect of a spectacular race.
He also lauded the tire suppliers for their effective preparations to handle the adverse weather conditions, recognizing the collective effort to overcome the unique challenges presented by the Las Vegas GP.
As the F1 community prepares to navigate uncharted territory, the anticipation for a one-of-a-kind racing experience in Las Vegas continues to build, with the assurance that the spectacle will endure despite the unexpected weather conditions.
The Pit Building is READY! #LasVegasGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/sqEAzEgF8O
— F1 Las Vegas (@F1LasVegas) November 10, 2023