F1 Finally Breaks Silence After 35,000 Protesting Workers Potentially Jeopardize Las Vegas Grand Prix

When Daniel Ricciardo asked for a Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2017 and got it, never would he have thought it’d face so many hurdles. Since Formula 1 started gearing up for a return to Sin City after 41 years, it’s like preparations have been hitting snag after snag. The newest addition to the list of things F1 needs to worry about is a workers’ protest that could start on November 10, a week before the highly-anticipated race.

Can you tell that F1 has gotten popular in the US? Since Liberty Media took over the sport in 2017, F1’s exposure has increased multifold. Now, with three races in the US, the Las Vegas Grand Prix has become the most anticipated, but it’s also garnered the most controversy. With everything going on in Vegas, F1 finally gave its take on the situation.

The workers’ strike won’t affect the Las Vegas Grand Prix

Working under contracts gives workers security. It gives them stability. Just think of how badly Sergio Perez has been performing when he knows his seat with Red Bull isn’t safe for next year. So yes, contracts give workers an affirmation that everyone chases professionally. The thing in Vegas is that many casino and hotel workers haven’t had that security for a while—since September 15, to be exact. 

Per whqr.org, the Culinary and Bartenders Union said that 35,000 workers, affiliated with 18 casinos and hotels, would go on strike on November 10. That would happen if giants like MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn Resorts don’t sign contract deals with the pay hike their workers deserve. Secretary-treasurer of the Union, Ted Pappageorge, said, “Their current proposal on the table is historic, but it’s not enough and workers deserve to have record contracts, especially after these giant corporations are enjoying their record profits.” 

To put into perspective just how much F1 is benefitting from the race weekend, it’s set to earn a whopping $500 million in revenue. For F1, its main goal is to ensure the weekend goes well. At least that’s what Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei let on. As reported by Autosport, Maffei said, “We have worked with the unions, and I believe our race will not be impacted directly. We’re obviously watching what impact that may have on the overall Las Vegas market.”

Read More: F1 Boss Downplays Vegas’ $500,000,000 Charm to Hail US GP as the “People’s Race”

As much as the race is becoming a nightmare for casino and hotel workers, it’s also set to impact owners and bystanders.

The Las Vegas GP will drain people’s pockets

The Las Vegas Strip is the heart and soul of Vegas. It’s also where the Las Vegas Street Circuit has been built. With all the hotels and casinos there, it’s one of the most posh areas in the world. Speaking of posh, F1 is one of the most glamorous sports in the world. It doesn’t want people who’ve gathered to experience the atmosphere of The Strip to experience the atmosphere of F1 without paying for it. What does that mean? The race organizers are demanding licensing fees from establishments around the circuit, the cost of which is exorbitant, to say the least.

As reported by Marca, “F1 is seeking $1,500 per head for licensing rights. For establishments such as restaurants and clubs with a seating capacity of 1,500, the licensing tab would soar to a staggering $2.25 million.” When a casino owner gave his thoughts on the issue, they said, “[F1 sales representatives] are literally shaking people down, saying they will obstruct views unless they pay them. It seems insane that they are asking for money for a public event that is taking place in the streets.”

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Are you looking forward to the Las Vegas Grand Prix? Or do you think it’s set itself up for failure with all the problems in its way?