The build-up to this weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix has been anything but smooth, after heavy rain and flash flooding drenched the city. However, Formula 1 officials remain confident that the main event will go ahead without a hitch.
Stormy Start for Sin City
The trouble began on Tuesday when a sudden deluge of rain hit Las Vegas, leading to significant flash flooding in parts of the city. Social media was quickly filled with dramatic footage showing standing water accumulating on streets, including a small section of the purpose-built F1 circuit.
Witnesses arriving on Tuesday evening reported seeing cars navigating through large puddles several inches deep near Harry Reid International Airport. Such scenes, while dramatic, are not entirely uncommon for a desert city like Las Vegas when hit by intense, sudden downpours.
Sunshine and Drying Tarmac
By Wednesday morning, the situation had improved dramatically. The sun reappeared, and much of the standing water had evaporated under the desert sky. A visit to the Linq Hotel, a hotspot for the earlier flooding videos, confirmed that while some water remained, the volume had significantly reduced.
An F1 spokesperson declined to comment officially, but sources indicate there is no significant concern about the weather impacting the weekend's track action.
Showers did return on Wednesday afternoon, coinciding with the event's media day. Drivers were spotted arriving armed with umbrellas, but the new rain caused no further issues with standing water on the circuit itself.
Weekend Forecast and Race Outlook
The weather forecast suggests a mixed bag for the coming days. More rain is predicted for Thursday evening, which could affect the first two practice sessions, and into Friday morning.
The good news for teams and fans is that conditions are expected to improve steadily as the weekend progresses. Meteorologists are currently anticipating a dry race for the main event on Saturday night local time.
Race organisers are undoubtedly hoping the wet conditions won't deter spectators, especially during a year where tourism in Las Vegas has seen a dip. In a bid to boost attendance, ticket costs have been slashed significantly for this third edition of the Grand Prix, with some single-day passes available for as little as £38.
This strategy appears to be working. A spokesman confirmed that sales are roughly 50 percent higher than in 2024, and the event is "pacing well for a sell-out". Fans will also be treated to extra track action this year, with the season finale of the all-female F1 Academy series taking place as a supporting event.
In the championship battle, Lando Norris holds a 24-point lead over his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri. Max Verstappen remains mathematically in contention, but sits 49 points behind the leader. The season concludes with the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix after the Las Vegas weekend.
