Bernie Ecclestone says he is pleased to see Formula One continuing to become more of a global sport but doesn’t have much time for the forthcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix because it has ‘nothing to do with F1’.
The ex-Formula One chief executive was removed from the role shortly after Liberty Media took control of the sport in 2017. Since then, F1 has looked to expand its global reach but also established a more significant presence in the US sporting calendar.
During the 2023 season, there have already been two Grand Prix held Stateside, in Miami and Austin. Now a third is about to take place on the streets of Las Vegas, not that Ecclestone seems particularly enthused by the idea.
Speaking to Dutch media outlet NOS, he said: “I’m not really looking forward to it. Why not? It has nothing to do with Formula 1.”
Formula One’s popularity in America has increased dramatically in recent years, thanks in part to the successful Netflix documentary series Drive to Survive. Las Vegas has not staged an F1 GP since 1982, but this will be the first to be held on the streets of the glitzy city, running straight through the Las Vegas Boulevard, or Strip, taking in all of the city’s most prominent landmarks.
During his time at the helm, Ecclestone was credited with taking F1 into the emerging Asian market, including races in Bahrain, China and Singapore, something that the British business magnate is particularly proud of.
He said: “I am happy that the sport continues to develop around the world. I am the one who brought Formula 1 out of Europe and to the rest of the world. We are competing for a World Championship, not a European Championship. It is good that that remains the case.”
The current Formula One season and been something of a procession with Max Verstappen successfully defending his title virtually unchallenged. The Dutchman will be gunning for his record 18th GP win of the season but Red Bull may have some unusual conditions to contend with.
The race is being staged under the lights at night and is therefore expected to be one of the coldest events held in F1 history, with temperatures forecasted to be as low as eight degrees.
That’s because qualifying is set to be held at midnight local time with the race starting at 10pm on Saturday night – 6am UK time.
