Las Vegas residents damn and slam Formula 1 after Grand Prix

Formula 1 arrived in Las Vegas promising a billion-dollar economic windfall, tens of thousands of new jobs, and a transformation of the Strip into a global motorsport destination.

Two years later, the gap between promises and reality has left residents furious. From eight months of construction chaos to blocked public views and premium prices that excluded the very people who endured the disruption, locals now argue that Las Vegas paid the price while corporations collected the profits.

The construction phase for the inaugural 2023 race reshaped the Strip far beyond a cosmetic upgrade. Starting in April, the eight-month repaving and infrastructure overhaul created what local business owners described as an economic dead zone. Las Vegas Boulevard was reduced to single lane traffic for extended periods, gridlocking both the Strip and residential areas miles from the circuit.

Small businesses along the 3.8-mile route reported revenue drops of thirty to 40% compared to the previous year.

Ellis Island Casino stated their losses exceeded $400,000 during the construction phase. Tuscany Suites and Casino filed a formal lawsuit against Formula One and Clark County, citing public nuisance and loss of business.

Construction disruption and traffic chaos

Beyond the Strip, disruption hit neighborhoods where locals live and work. Koval Lane, a vital north-south route used by residents to bypass tourist traffic, became nearly impassable. Service workers, depending on tips, faced quieter shifts as visitors stayed away during the most chaotic months.

Extensive electrical work to support night racing cut power to nearby buildings. Mature trees providing natural shade around the Bellagio fountains were removed, replaced with a removable landscape system costing taxpayers an estimated two point one million dollars a year to maintain.

The first year required eight months of preparation. Subsequent years were reduced to roughly two months, revealing that the extended initial timeline reflected Formula 1’s learning curve rather than technical necessity. Local businesses paid that cost in two consecutive disrupted tourism seasons.

Formula 1’s pricing strategy revealed a structural contradiction between the event’s stated goal of broad economic uplift and a business model built around ultra-high-net-worth spectators.

General admission for Thursday practice started at $500. Saturday race day general admission exceeded $1,700. Premium grandstands ranged from $2,500 to $10,000. Bellagio Fountain Club access cost more than $5,000 per person for the weekend.

Ticket prices expose Las Vegas residents to economic exclusion

For a family of four, Saturday attendance required more than $7,000 in ticket costs alone. With the median household income in Las Vegas around $64,000, locals faced a barrier that consumed more than 10% of an annual wage before considering parking, food, or merchandise.

The emphasis on premium spending created an uneven tourism pattern. Mid-range hotels saw occupancy decline during the race weekend compared to the previous November. Budget-conscious tourists avoided the city entirely. Visitor spending concentrated in luxury venues is tied directly to Formula 1’s commercial ecosystem.

Equally contentious were the solid metal viewing barriers installed on pedestrian bridges. These structures prevented residents from watching a race held on public streets. Security guards instructed pedestrians to keep moving, blocking any opportunity to stop and view the cars. Clark County spent approximately three point two million dollars from public funds to install and maintain these barriers.

This level of restriction is unprecedented for an American street race and raises questions about privatization of public infrastructure. In some cases, Formula 1 negotiated with private buildings to restrict balcony viewing rights, an unusual level of influence over private property in the context of a public event.

Winners and losers in the entertainment economy

The economic winners aligned directly with Formula 1’s luxury-driven model. F1 Arcade opened a vast 21,000 square foot venue with 87 simulators and premium pricing. The Grand Prix Plaza, built on the race paddock footprint, offered high-tech karting experiences with DRS simulation and LED displays. These venues charge premium entry fees and are marketed to high-spending visitors rather than local families.

Luxury hotels including Wynn, Aria, and Cosmopolitan reported occupancy levels above 95% at significantly elevated rates. However, mid-tier properties such as Harrah’s and Flamingo recorded only modest increases or normal November occupancy, illustrating the narrow distribution of economic benefit.

Restaurants with circuit views or official partnerships thrived, while mid-range establishments away from the race route struggled with reduced footfall. Indoor viewing venues combining premium food, drinks, and comfortable conditions, such as Flight Club on Spring Mountain Road, sold out multiple sessions.

Businesses located just outside the core circuit zone faced the worst combination of impacts. They endured the traffic disruption and reduced accessibility but saw none of the revenue uplift enjoyed by race-adjacent properties.

Economic impact falls far below projections

Initial projections from Nevada officials suggested Formula 1 would deliver $1.3-Billion in regional economic impact. The inaugural race attracted 315,000 attendees over three days, but independent analysis later suggested the actual impact was between $650-Million & $800-Million. Construction spending accounted for a significant portion of that figure, a non-recurring benefit.

When infrastructure costs, security, maintenance, and public service expenses are removed from the equation, net benefit drops sharply. The displacement effect further reduced the impact. November is usually a busy month for conventions. Several major groups moved their events to avoid Formula 1-related price inflation, reducing typical November tourism revenue.

Employment impact also proved more limited than forecast. Many jobs created were temporary, low-wage, and tied only to the race weekend. Permanent positions in operations or hospitality were fewer and often went to external hires rather than local candidates.

Projected levels not being met

Nevada’s lack of income tax means the state relies on sales, gaming, and occupancy taxes. While these rose during race weekend, they did not meet projected levels, largely due to tax breaks negotiated in Formula 1’s favour.

Local business surveys reported mixed results. Properties along the circuit posted record weekends, but many businesses further away experienced revenue declines due to disruptions without receiving compensatory visitor flow.

Formula 1’s decision to run the race at night forces spectators to endure the coldest conditions of the day. November temperatures during the 2023 race dropped to 43 degrees Fahrenheit, creating discomfort in metal grandstands. The 2024 event saw rare Las Vegas rain, adding operational complexity, schedule delays, and extended staffing costs.

The Formula 1 calendar’s rigid structure limits flexibility to move the Las Vegas race to a milder month. The season ends in Abu Dhabi in late November, leaving Las Vegas locked into an unfavorable weather window.

Sustainability questions shape the future of Formula 1 in Las Vegas

The long-term health of the event depends on repeat attendance from high-spending visitors and the development of a viable local fan base. Formula 1 competes with Monaco and Singapore for the global luxury market. As novelty fades, maintaining premium demand becomes more challenging.

Las Vegas faces a strategic shift in its tourism model, increasingly targeting affluent visitors at the expense of affordability for middle-class tourists. Formula 1 accelerates this transition, but the long-term consequences remain uncertain.

Environmental sustainability further complicates the future. The race demands extensive lighting, cooling, and water usage in a desert city already under resource pressure. This raises questions about the environmental viability of hosting the event for many years.

The city also faces risk from specialized infrastructure. Removable tree systems, lighting arrays, and modified road layouts serve Formula 1 specifically. If either Formula 1 or Las Vegas chooses not to extend their partnership beyond twenty twenty five, taxpayers could be left with assets of limited practical value.

Does Formula 1 serve Las Vegas, or does Las Vegas serve Formula 1?

Two years into the project, the evidence reflects a pattern familiar in mega event economics. Formula 1 delivered spectacle and created high-value opportunities for selected partners. However, the broader economic benefit fell far short of projections.

Costs and disruption fell heavily on residents and small businesses. Public spaces were restricted. Ticket prices excluded locals. Benefits are concentrated in luxury venues rather than spreading across the community.

With ongoing frustration toward blocked streets, limited accessibility, and rising public costs, Las Vegas residents continue to demand transparency and accountability.

The city now faces its defining question. Is Formula 1 worth the disruption, or has Las Vegas become a supporting act for a private global spectacle that benefits a narrow few?

For many locals, the answer is already clear.

Top 100+ comments on the Las Vegas aftermath video report, many posted by residents:

@LauraVee63: As an employee of a major strip casino and resort, we all HATE IT! This horrible event puts hundreds of thousands of workers and local citizens into a headache I can’t even describe in words. And yes, if you are crossing a bridge at the time of a race and want to stop for just one minute to see a race car, there are security guards warning you to “keep moving.” This is the dumbest event. We all believe that the only people making money is the Chamber of Commerce and the corrupt politicians.

@tech9803: Subsidized by taxpayers, disrupts public roads, then deliberately blocks views from public areas enforced by guards. Welcome to corporate rule.

@Knightswhosaynee: Cities aren’t race tracks.

@walkingman9171: Lets get the names and pictures of the morons who brought this in.

@jamesknight4633: F-1 in Vegas! What a joke.

@kb3489: As a LV local let me tell you: Locals hate F1. F1 means FU if you’re a local.

@craigroberts6439: The entire board of supervisors and anyone else involved in the race needs to be voted out or fired. We need to sue F1 out of town.

@mannyv.3171: We don’t want it on the strip.

@blakesupra4440: They should have made F1 pay for everything. Not 1 cent from the city.

@Olifurtheorangetabby: This was one of the worst ideas for this city ever! What a colossal BLUNDER

@tedtucholski-u2w: The folks in Las Vegas were screwed again.

@quartytypo: It’s called a race. Looks more like a fast parade.

@marceasole: Many fans complained the event never captured the excitement that F1 usually brings.

@IRATANDON-u5u: Vegas really messed up.

@AlexMaze-w1m: The whole thing felt wrong.

@Hydraulic67: Vegas has turned into a joke. The elitists want the average people gone, they’ve succeeded for the most part, but events like these need us normal people. Too bad the greed has run the majority of us out. In 24 years, I’ve been there 35 times, with no plans to ever return, at least until I see Steak and Eggs breakfasts for $9.95 again.

@padisneyfan: F1 F’D UP VEGAS! TOTAL WASTE! I WOULD NEVER WANT TO BE THERE!

@Mr.Goodwrench3: I’d rather go to the SEMA Show instead the F1 blunder!!!

@SledgeHammer-bk5gg: With those mind-blowing ticket prices, anybody, rich or poor, who paid to watch any part of F1 racing (practice or race) is a major league dumbsh!t.

@tonylabianca7946: I’ve been in LV for 45 years. Please either build a track for F1 or get rid of it. Way too many problems doing it this way the last 3 years.

@GraceLopez-x2c: This wasn’t F1 quality.

@duskor805: Well, somebody put the money in their pockets! Wonder WHO??!!

@MANOJKUMARNOTIYAL: People kept talking about how the delays and random stoppages ruined the whole viewing experience.

@John-jl9de: They get entertained and residents get to pay for it. Who really benefits? That’s why they are rich.

@seese-u4f: The traffic was unbelievable; it took two hours to get from one side of the city to the other, and fans were frustrated.

@TKO25188: Greed = censorship in public roads.

@smash_27: If you are a poor 3rd world country, don’t try to show off by hosting this event. It’s only for the rich. Save this money to cover some for the healthcare.

@haysbrickell9579: I’m no lawyer but it’s unclear to me how views on a public street can be blocked. There really needs to be lawsuits filed against F1. Once the contract expires it definitely needs to go.

@TmoneyOGGamer: Vegas is just a mess run by idiots.

@MrNeverlift: They should put the F1 cars inside the Sphere. It would be like the motorcycle cage you would see at the Fair.

@bd5av8r1: If the mob had control of Vegas, F1 would have allowed free viewing of its race :D lol

@selenaphillips6971: All the open space Las Vegas still have, they should just build a permanent race track. This is why there are delays of construction projects on the strip.

@mohsenj-m2s: People felt the production focused more on flashing lights than actual racing excitement.

@ygrbooks: It is just scandalous: ordinary people are made to pay for wealthy people’s fun and are not even invited to the party – ! Las Vegas and F1 just suck …

@bigtymetimmyjim7607: Americans don’t give a piss, about F1!! This whole thing’s a SCAM!!

@garrison7888: Total Joke on Las Vegas. It’s the 80/20 rule. 20% of the hotels and restaurants do 80% of business and everyone else starves. face-pink-tears

@bknight1676: They should rename from F1 to FU ️️️️️️️️

@MrHarryhellman: Poorly executed.

@ScarlettAnderson-q8q: Fans said the Grand Prix felt more like a chaotic street project than a real world-class racing event.

@panmaew: Uninformed spectators would be glad to know the vast majority of passing in F1 takes place in the garage when the cars change their tires. If F1 races were forced to race with a single set of tires they sure would be utterly boring.

@miguel-h: First the Sphere and now this?? What else is gonna mess up Las Vegas?

@HalfBreedcrow: F1 has destroyed Las Vegas ☹️ The people of Las Vegas should Sue F1 racing!!!

@haysbrickell9579: I live in north Las Vegas. I could care less about F1 and not going anywhere near the disruption.

@reichang3041: F-1 did exactly what it promised. It enriched the pockets of the giant corps. Meanwhile, peon businesses got pulverized with reduced tourists.

@markroessler1584: Corporate greed is killing Las Vegas. F1 is a joke.

@txmako: Negotiating with hotels on what they could offer, spaces they could rent out… gtf outta here. Nothing about this event sounds like a good idea or an enjoyable experience by anyone other than F1.

@Mr.Goodwrench3: Hell, hold the race out at area 51, they got some long straightaways out there, lots of parking, and even got free security!

@robertg4905: Dumb idea.

@markfrinke2234: Way too expensive plus the F1 race is basically a procession with little overtaking.

@SonnyMac-g6g: F–k F1!!!! We pay taxes that build these roads. No one can prevent us from viewing the race.

@TWOScottRage: Well I’ll put it like this.. we’ve been going every year since 2007. We went to Florida last year, and we’re going to NYC this year. The F-1 has ruined vegas!! Its all corporate greed!! Its ugly to look at, and everything in Vegas has gone up double. Then they decide to give F-1 a 10 year contract when every visitor hates it, then wonders why the numbers of ppl visiting are down!! Idiots.

@steves2241: I know someone who lives in Vegas, and they said the F1 race was a disaster, that nobody wants it, and all it does is screw up the whole city for 7 or 8 months. And those ticket prices to see the race are insane, I am not paying $500 to watch practice, or $1.000 and up to watch the race. I went to the U.S. Nationals drag races about 25 years ago and the VIP tickets, for the building with A/C and free food, were $65.00, for all access. I also went to an Indy car race at Road America and we got all access tickets for that for $60.00. So even in todays money it should not cost more than $250 to see a race, maybe $300 at the most. I also went to the Indy time trials about 10 years ago and that was only $50.00.

@thecatmanful: Las Vegas is gonna lose a ton of money on F1. If it’s not already, I lived there and I was involved with all the traffic and all the construction, you couldn’t go once out of town to the other without taking hours out of your life. Las Vegas got greedy tearing down. Tropicana is the beginning of the end of las vegas.

@contractorvegas5384: To top it off las vegas mafia paving company taking their sweet time to justify their STEAL.

@laoshark: love it failing

@michaellovelace8995: I feel bad for the locals, they been had unconditionally

@EvelynMorris-q5q: Drivers complained the turns were awkward, and the long straights didn’t create real competition.

@jasonfu6440: The F1 brings disaster to local traffic.

@FreedomOne-k3p: ANOTHER city CLUSTER F. I wonder how much the pol’s made on kickbacks!

@JonSmall-cj7dp: F1 is the biggest fraud in racing! And the racing on the track is nonexistent.

@VinsonMotas: Talk about a big flop! It was still busy this time last year, but this year, not so much.

@TmoneyOGGamer: How is this even legal, it’s called a public space! You are treated like a prisoner, not a tourist. I would not even go if I had the money, out of principle alone.

@davidteovogel3482: Major pro sports are about squeezing money out of the middle class to fund the rich. Taxpayer stadiums, high ticket prices, streaming, merch. Want change? Stop supporting major pro sports.

@charleskio-o7g: Constant delays everywhere.

@XRP-FLR: I moved out of Las Vegas to live on the east coast. Las Vegas is a greedy corporate sh*thole!!! The rip offs and imperial behavior is a disgrace!!!!

@kenwhitfield219: Vegas already priced out middle income tourists. F1 only makes the GP a risky venture. I’m betting it won’t survive beyond the current contract.

@AlbertZ-g5y: In the first year they destroyed and removed the beautiful big trees in front of the Bellagio fountains. Now it looks ugly.

@Gunshow86: Ruins the strip.

@louisstennes3: The whole thing is a safety nightmare. Blocked walkways and barriers put people at risk in a catastrophe. Fire trucks and ambulances need space.

@darrellhayashi568: Get rid of F-1.

@Spring_Forward_Fall_Back: How is there not a lawsuit?

@covercalls88: Another event which proves why Vegas is dying.

@noneyabeeswax3200: Socialize the losses, privatize the gains.

@jonnydanger7181: The entire thing is toxic.

@ImranGill-p5i: Nothing impressed anyone.

@Jerry-f7g: Does anybody care about F1? Cars going by… wow! How about FU-F1!

@Olivia-u9x: I’ve never seen an event so overpriced and poorly organized. Everyone around me was complaining like it was a scam.

@rudfil: Charging people expensive general admission and then covering all the fences so nobody can see the racing is robbery and disgusting.

@stevenjohnson8736: I hope it rains hard in Vegas when F1 starts. If it does, I’m gonna start laughing

@maxmurphy7306: For the whole month of F1 chaos, the fleecing of taxpayers and local businesses, the city has lost over 2.7 billion dollars. NUMBERS DON’T LIE. F1 IS A SCAM AND A FRAUD.

@HwnDragon1: Same problem another year later!

@TahoeMacedon: Two days of tickets in Belgium was $250 for decent seats.

@SwinkMcloud: Vegas F1 pricing is insane. You could fly to France, get a hotel and a grandstand seat for under $2,000. Basically a free vacation and a race.

@mikesteen-p9d: Visually it is a disaster unlike Austin, which is great. The only street race like this that works is Monaco.

@moppman3191: They screwed it up by only offering it on select pay networks. Not subscribing to ESPN or Hulu just for one race.

@Teknostate: Pure corporate greed.

@louisduran5274: When F1 was in Long Beach, a three day ticket with garage access was $12.75. Las Vegas needs to renegotiate!

@miken5697: Can’t wait for this to end permanently. Pols need to learn short term gains cause long term damage.

@Mikmidd: Haha, sounds like someone isn’t getting their part of the gold!

@stella-gx8ne: It’s a nightmare. I heard last year they gave employees a pizza party for their efforts

@cathymeyers1160: I would pay… let me think… zero. No way I’d spend a dollar to see this spectacle.

@smash_27: Wearing branded clothing and driving supercars but can’t afford car repairs or insurance won’t prove anything.

@manders78: Watched on my 75” 4K TV with a beer and saw every inch of the track. Live makes no sense on a street course. Want real racing? Go to sprint cars or Supercross.

@user-sp8eb6iz7f: Shut this water wasting town down!!

@barnun01: Vegas wants whales, but the whales ain’t coming.

@joycehuff9769: When was this footage filmed? Margaritaville is shown but it’s been closed for a while.

@denise8242: Holy cow!

@MajidYadegari-v3i: The event lacked energy.

@polycadence8482: Only in a communist or fascist nation can public spaces be commandeered and the public banned for profit.

@1953luistapia: This is ridiculous. Rich people making money while small businesses suffer. Just like the Raiders. Ridiculous.

@Ha-Rin-k1g: I’m shocked Vegas charged thousands for seats that didn’t even show the cars for more than a few seconds.

@jamesgoines4635: The only good thing from F1 is they repaved the roads.

@dohspc: Good video but take a breath man.

@fturla___156: Smaller casinos will lose hundreds of thousands during the two months of F1. Local travel is crippled because of greed from the city and Formula One.

@bobwright3869: Typical America: anything to make a buck for the rich. Screw everyone else.

@monicahansen8901: Come on Vegas, get NASCAR instead. It’s more popular in the US than F1.

@JamesLangenberg-s8f: I remember F1 on the old Caesars parking lot between Caesars and the long gone Castaway.

@Jesus.X: As a race fan, Vegas F1 isn’t worth it. It would cost about $4,000 for one day. Long Beach GP is three days for about $1,500 total.

@MarkColeman-s1v: Such a sad situation.

@covidcigarclub7764: No way locals should pay for blocked views. That’s bullsh*t

@VegasDaniDee: I love my city but the corruption behind F1 is insane. It only benefits executives and politicians. Locals get priced out. Same story as Allegiant Stadium and the baseball stadium. All corrupt. #truth

@3Dimencia: Is there a class action lawsuit for this stupid event on public roads for private profit?

@saoodalazmi4448: F1 is not a smart idea .

@gradywilson9213: The race isn’t even carried on local TV. Stores at Fashion Show Mall said business was dead. F1 extended their contract so they’re staying. Race held late at night just for Europe.

@Sebastian12-s7b8i: Worst planning ever.

@elvissheji: Most shocking part was how unprepared they were after bragging about spending over a billion dollars.

@tantraman93: “Maximize revenue extraction” means everything is overpriced in real terms.

@OhItsGreatness: Would have been better to hold it at the actual speedway. EDC handles huge crowds there and it’s far from the strip.