F1 Abandons Second Las Vegas GP Idea After Tourism Concerns

Formula 1 has scrapped plans to hold a second consecutive Grand Prix weekend in Las Vegas later this year, citing concerns over logistics and competition with major U.S. sporting events. The idea arose as part of contingency planning for potential issues with the season’s final races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

Stefano Domenicali, F1’s CEO and president, revealed that the organization briefly considered adding a second race in Las Vegas immediately after the city’s existing event on November 21, 2026. The logic was straightforward: the infrastructure was already established, making it an attractive option. However, Domenicali expressed reservations about the potential consequences:

“There was a possibility of having two races in Las Vegas. But we don’t want to ruin, let me put it in this way, a jewel that is growing by undervaluing what we are doing there.”

The timing of a second race presented significant challenges. It would have coincided with the Thanksgiving holiday, a peak travel period in the U.S., and directly competed with the NFL, which commands massive viewership during that time. Domenicali noted:

“That is a major sport. A lot of fans are watching that, so we need to avoid any kind of situation that would put us in front of something that, of course, is still very big in the U.S.”

F1 is now focusing on backup plans for its Middle East races, with Imola, Italy, as the leading candidate to host the season finale if Qatar and Abu Dhabi face disruptions. A decision on those races, which are already sold out, will be made in mid-September, allowing F1 to evaluate ongoing developments.

The decision to abandon the second Las Vegas GP highlights the need for F1 to carefully manage its calendar expansion. While Las Vegas has been a resounding success, adding a second race too soon could dilute the excitement and exclusivity that fans cherish.