Lewis Hamilton demands F1 respect as locals complain about Las Vegas GP

15 November 2023 , 11:29

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Lewis Hamilton demands F1 respect as locals complain about Las Vegas GP

Lewis Hamilton voiced his concern over the negative effects of the Las Vegas Grand Prix on the people who live and run businesses near the track.

Formula 1 last held an event in the Nevadan city in the early 1980s. But the Caesars Palace Grand Prix, run in the parking lot of the famous hotel, was not well received and was part of the world championship for only two years. This time it will be much more glamorous with F1 hoping to make Vegas the modern-day jewel in its crown.

"But amid all the hype around the race and the events taking place to support it, the whole circus has upset many of the locals. Significant construction work has been taking place in the area to prepare for the event. That has caused road and footpath closures, slow traffic and noise pollution, among other issues, which has angered local residents and businesses.

Speaking at a sponsor's event, Hamilton called for F1 chiefs to "take care of" those people amid all the work. "I've heard there's been a lot of complaints about the event being here from the locals and I think we have to be respectful of the locals here," he said.

"There's so many here, working so hard. There's a lot of money and wealth in this city and also the places we're going, in this industry. We've got to make sure that people are taken care of I think. We can't be a circus that shows up that's all glitz and glamour and people are affected negatively by it."

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Greg Maffei, CEO of F1 commercial rights holders Liberty Media, has already said sorry to those affected by construction work. "I want to apologise to all the Las Vegas residents and we appreciate that they have their forbearance and their willingness to tolerate us," he said.

"We're going to bring something like $1.7billion of revenue to the area, so it's not just for the benefit of fans who want to view. We hope this is a great economic benefit in Las Vegas. We hope this is the most difficult year with all the construction that went on and things will be easier in the future."

Meanwhile, Hamilton is not sure what to expect from the weekend overall. He told Sky Sports: "I just don't understand how we're gonna move around that place, I don't even understand how we're gonna get from the track to the hotel. It's going to be such a compact spot with so many people, but it's gonna be a wild experience.

"The best thing is just to go with an open mind and not have any pre-determined ideas of what it's going to be like and just take it all in when you get there. Driving in the nightlights I'm going to feel like I'm in the Casino movie! It’s pretty cool."

Daniel Moxon