Last weekend, I went to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, not knowing what to expect. Seeing as this is only the second year Sin City hosted the race, I was expecting it to be a little rocky, especially with the struggles the city faced in 2023.

Not to mention the controversy surrounding United States races like Las Vegas and Miami, which have been criticized for prioritizing spectacle over racing. But when your host city is Las Vegas — the “entertainment capital of the world” — can you really expect anything less? There, it’s always about the glitz and glam, which is fun and exciting as long as the sport remains the true focus.

I was curious to see how this year’s race would balance racing with entertainment, especially after Max Verstappen iconically criticized last year’s Vegas Grand Prix, even labeling it “99% show and one percent sporting event.”  Hearing a driver so openly criticize a race is disappointing because, as fans, we are there first and foremost for the racing, and so are the drivers. They don’t care about over-the-top performances and all that fluff. The appeal of Formula One is its crazy competitive racing — not theatrics. 

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Ironically, though, last year’s race produced 82 overtakes, the second-highest total of the 2023 season, and a record number of overtakes in a debut race. Despite everything, Vegas did bring an exciting race, which increased my expectations for this year. 

Last year may have ended with some impressive racing, but it did not start off on the best note. During the first free practice session, a loose drain cover caused significant damage to Carlos Sainz Jr.’s Ferrari. The track required extensive repairs, delaying the second practice session by over two hours. 

Given that this Grand Prix is a night track, the delay meant the session didn’t end until 4 a.m. This wasn’t only frustrating for drivers forced to race late at night but equally disappointing for fans who were forced to leave the circuit after the initial incident. It was a letdown seeing such a hyped-up race weekend start so badly.

This mishap only added to the ongoing controversy of the race. Locals were vocally unhappy with the construction changes and inconveniences to the city, and this situation didn’t help one bit. Despite being excited for its debut race, that incident made me question how prepared F1 truly was to safely transform the streets of Las Vegas into a racetrack.

Aside from my skepticism, whatever preconceived notions I had about this track completely went away as soon as I got there. I wish I were articulate enough to describe how life-changing it is to go to an F1 race, and no, I’m not exaggerating. Street circuits are always a little extra special, and seeing iconic Vegas hotels as the backdrop of the race was nothing short of surreal. 

Even though I only attended Saturday’s race, the excitement I felt was amazing. I was lucky enough to witness some really special moments. Witnessing the race that won Verstappen his fourth World Championship title felt — and quite literally was — historic. Although I may have shed a tear or two knowing the fight was officially over for Lando Norris, he set the fastest lap of the race at 1:34.876. Norris’ impressive performance was a sign that although he may have lost the championship this year, he is as strong of a driver as ever. 

Although Verstappen’s win was perhaps the major outcome of the race, I was more impressed by George Russel’s stellar drive, which got him the win at the Grand Prix. Seeing him lead by a considerable gap lap after lap was so impressive. Even better, his teammate, Lewis Hamilton, was right up there on the podium with him as he took second place after starting 10th on the grid. A team 1-2 is always so special, and this one made me a little extra happy as it was perhaps the last Mercedes 1-2 with this duo. 

It’s safe to say I was impressed with the changes F1 made after all the criticism they received last year. There were no loose drain covers, and they definitely dialed back on the over-the-top theatrics. 

I also appreciated the more expansive ticket options this time around. When Vegas was first announced as a track for 2023, I was so excited and genuinely thought it would be my first F1 race. But last season’s sky-high prices made it clear that I would sit it out, which, of course, contributed to fan dissatisfaction. 

No race is ever perfect or what you expect. If you take anything away from this column, let it be this: Whatever your thoughts on F1 may be, you must experience a race weekend at least once in your life. I guarantee you will fall in love with the sport.

Regina Correa is a sophomore writing about the world of motorsports in her column, “Need for Speed,” which runs every other Tuesday.