Las Vegas GP needs reshuffle to avoid napping F1 drivers

GM’s commitment to build a power unit in 2028 was one of the attractive points that F1 highlighted when turning Andretti down at the start of this year, and that remains the likely date for the project to have a full PU arm, too.

The brand that will be represented has not yet been finally defined (although it was Cadillac that GM wanted to utilise when it was sharing naming rights with Andretti), and there remains some uncertainty over who the power unit supplier will be for 2026. Should the FIA need to force a supply deal on the team, it would have to be either Honda or Audi as both only have one commitment.

While it’s hard to shake the feeling that the Department of Justice investigation in the US hasn’t at least led to F1 remaining more open to finding a solution sooner, GM’s increased involvement is a clear difference from 12 months ago. And it finally looks to be moving the sport towards accepting a brand new team that many fans feel will only boost interest and competition.

Drivers will become a major talking point if and when the entry is confirmed, and it was also notable that Colton Herta was in town, playing golf with Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz earlier in the week. Herta is backed by Gainbridge – one of Group 1001’s subsidiaries – and remains a clear candidate as an American driver.

Filming through the night

Another way F1 has been looking to boost its profile has been with the upcoming film starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris. Directed by Joe Kosinski, it is committed to trying to become the most authentic racing movie ever made, and that means putting cars on track whenever possible.

In Las Vegas, that led to some pretty remarkable logistics, with multiple ApexGP cars running on the circuit in the early hours of the morning.

The entire circuit had to remain closed and live earlier in the week, with all of the lights around the city also remaining on in order to provide the genuine backdrop for the venue.

I must admit, it was a slightly bizarre experience to be out and about on the Strip and suddenly hear the sound of racing cars drowning out the myriad of other noises that Las Vegas offers up at such a time. And falling asleep when it sounds like a practice session is going on was also an unusual experience.

But it shows the commitment to the filmmakers to get genuine scenes and run real cars on real tracks as much as possible.

Drivers losing their bearings

The Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend will have been a tough one for you to follow if you were watching from home given the timezone shift, but I can promise you it’s even more challenging on the ground. On top of the eight-hour jet lag that it would normally provide, racing from 10pm and ending work around 3am each night is more akin to a 12-hour turnaround for your body clock.

For the drivers, it can be particularly difficult. A mere journalist like those of us in the press room can be grumpy and yawning while trying to file copy, but the stars of the show have to appear engaged at all times.

For example, the RB drivers were worked hard on the opening day, as a new livery was unveiled and many sponsors wanted them involved in activations. Once such event featured a trip to ‘Old Vegas’ – the original Downtown area – and a party that showcased local music artists. Tired and after long days, both Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson had to walk into a nightclub setting at 1am and complete more marketing duties, while still appearing full of energy.

Yes, the drivers are paid handsomely to do these jobs (the majority of them anyway), but there is a limit to how the body can adapt, and George Russell made exactly that point by taking a 45-minute nap before taking pole position on Friday.

Two of the three days saw track sessions moved forward by two hours compared to 2023, but the race itself could still also do with such a shift. The track was closed from 3pm on race day but it was another seven hours until the race started despite the sun setting at 4:30pm, and so many fans trackside are on the verge of heading straight to bed as soon as the chequered flag falls after sitting out in the cold.

A race start of 7pm or 8pm would not have a huge impact on European viewing figures given the already-early timings, but would make for a much more manageable schedule on the ground, and still allow fans to make the most of the Vegas nightlife following the race itself.

Last-minute changes of plan

There were different permutations on many fronts heading into the race weekend, including Max Verstappen’s title hopes but also the constructors’ championship picture.

Red Bull‘s party plans were already very much in place, and Verstappen was eager to begin the celebrations as he carried a beer with him into his champion’s press conference. A year ago he didn’t get to celebrate in true style as he secured the title in a sprint race and had the grand prix the next day in Qatar, but there were no such restrictions in Sin City.

For McLaren, it was a time to congratulate Verstappen and move on quickly, because it could be celebrating too in a week’s time. Zak Brown hadn’t been due to head to Qatar at one stage but as the potential to win a constructors’ championship grew, so too did his attendance.

Time ticking for Perez

In the aftermath of Verstappen’s success, Helmut Marko – who was full of admiration for the Dutchman – revealed the reality of Sergio Perez’s situation. The Red Bull advisor said the team would remain unchanged over the final two races, but then a proposal would be made to the shareholders relating to its options for 2025.

Marko stated the difference in points between Verstappen and Perez made clear where Red Bull’s weakness is, and while the celebrations kick off for Verstappen, it feels very much like the writing is on the wall on the opposite side of the garage.