F1 chaos as flash floods sweep by Las Vegas days earlier than race
Heavy rain has flooded the streets of Las Vegas with dramatic footage showing standing water on sections of the F1 street circuit – but racing isn’t expected to be affected by the wet weather
Las Vegas has been hit by flash floods just days before they host the latest leg of the F1 circuit after a torrential downpour.
The desert city was struck with rain on Tuesday evening as footage emerged on social media of water gushing through the car park of the Linq Hotel, which is located on the street circuit’s main straight.
Drivers and teams will be in town this weekend as Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri continued their battle at the top of Drivers World Championship standings.
However by Wednesday morning, much of the standing water had evaporated thanks to the scorching heat.
Despite the recent flash floods in Las Vegas, it’s unlikely that inclement weather will disrupt this weekend’s Formula 1 race.
According to The Mirror, such sights are typical when sudden rainstorms strike a city situated in the heart of the Nevada desert.
An F1 spokesperson chose not to comment when approached, but it is believed there are no concerns about the weather affecting this weekend’s racing, reports the Mirror.
Rain returned on Wednesday afternoon as media day kicked off. Many drivers arrived armed with umbrellas as the circuit received a drenching, but the rainfall didn’t cause any further problems by creating standing water on the track.
Further rainfall is expected for Thursday evening, throughout the opening two practice sessions, and Friday morning.
Nevertheless, the forecast indicates conditions will brighten as the weekend unfolds, with a dry race expected on Saturday night local time.
Race organisers are optimistic the wet weather won’t put off spectators during a year when tourism to the gambling destination has declined.
Ticket prices have also been dramatically reduced for this third instalment of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with some single-day passes obtainable for as little as £38.
Consequently, sales are approximately 50 percent higher than 2024, and a spokesperson confirmed the event is “pacing well for a sell-out”. Fans will also witness extra track action this year, as the season finale of the all-female F1 Academy series will occur as a supporting event.
