The Las Vegas Grand Prix takes place on a Saturday instead of the traditional Sunday to maximize global TV viewership and accommodate scheduling across different time zones, particularly for audiences in Europe.
Main Reasons for Saturday Race
- The race is held at night to showcase the Las Vegas Strip's vibrant lights, but a Sunday night race would mean it airs early Monday morning in Europe, clashing with work schedules.
- Moving the race to Saturday night allows European fans to watch it early Sunday morning, making it more convenient and boosting live viewership.
- The altered schedule is also intended to make the most of Formula 1's growth in the U.S., delivering a dramatic nighttime spectacle in a prime local time slot.
Schedule Alignments
- Practice and qualifying sessions are also adjusted, with track activity starting from Thursday through Saturday in Las Vegas, rather than the usual Friday through Sunday format.
- The unique local schedule helps avoid conflict with typical Sunday programming in the city and ensures the Las Vegas Strip is fully illuminated during the race.
This mix of logistical and audience considerations makes the Las Vegas Grand Prix one of the most distinctive events on the Formula 1 calendar.
