Carlos Sainz Calls Las Vegas Claim ‘Unacceptable’ and Speaks Out Loudly

Carlos Sainz joins Fernando Alonso in condemning the Las Vegas Grand Prix’s calendar slot, calling it unacceptable as it again opens a triple-header with Qatar and Abu Dhabi late season.

Both argue the schedule overreaches, compressing operations and recovery, and want Formula 1 to revisit the timing for 2025.

Alonso previously labeled the arrangement difficult and unfair, questioning whether any other elite sport would accept such a taxing sequence at a critical phase of the championship.

Sainz says drivers relayed their concerns directly to CEO Stefano Domenicali, stressing they have been vocal about the late-season strain on people, freight, and competitive preparation.

He proposes aligning Las Vegas closely with the Brazilian Grand Prix, creating a coherent regional block that minimizes back-and-forth travel across continents.

Under that plan, teams would route Brazil to Vegas, then use a buffer week before Qatar and Abu Dhabi, easing fatigue while simplifying freight schedules and spares management.

The change aims to stabilize performance late-on, limiting time zone shocks and allowing more consistent simulator preparation, correlation work, and pre-event setup planning.

Environmental impact sits alongside logistics. With F1 committed to net zero by 2030, repeated long-haul flights and private travel undermine the series’ sustainability objectives.

Sainz notes Domenicali recognizes the problem and travels with teams, giving him visibility of the operational constraints while he explores calendar refinements with stakeholders.

Progress for next season appears possible, but Las Vegas remains a sticking point, reflecting competing priorities across promoters, broadcasters, weather, and the championship’s showpiece ambitions.

For teams, the current triple-header compresses repair windows, heightens error risk, and narrows setup latitude, especially with rapid transitions from street surfaces to desert conditions.

Drivers want a sequence that protects welfare and maintains competitive integrity without diluting the spectacle, preserving operational headroom while keeping audiences engaged across multiple regions.

Until reforms materialize, the Las Vegas–Qatar–Abu Dhabi stretch stands among 2025’s sternest tests, demanding immaculate execution under relentless logistical and competitive pressure.

Visual Summary

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.