The upcoming race has gained much attention due to the controversy surrounding the implementation of view-blocking filters on pedestrian bridges over the Strip, which has prevented non-ticket holders from seeing the track.
Local attempts to remove these filters were met with replacements and the addition of cage-like structures to cover the bridges’ upper sections, preventing anything from being thrown onto the track.
Moreover, shops along the Strip were restricted from selling glass items during specific times to minimize any dangerous incidents near the F1 sessions.
Similar view-blocking screens were also installed on the fences lining the track’s perimeter, accessible to the public even during live sessions, mirroring the setups at other permanent tracks F1 visits.
Despite these measures, some fans managed to tear through the screens during the Vegas race, providing an unconventional view of the track beyond the Strip.
Although event staff attempted to replace the damaged screens, their efforts were unsuccessful.
The concerning area was situated opposite the Planet Hollywood casino and hotel, near Turn 14, the primary overtaking point on the track layout.
Photo by: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Images
Fans watch from behind a catch fence
After recent incidents of spectators breaching security lines at other races, interactions between fans and track infrastructure have now been a major concern for F1 and the FIA.
During the Vegas race, however, there were no safety concerns raised regarding fan behavior by race control.
The fences in question posed no danger to fans congregating there or to the drivers racing, unlike previous incidents in Melbourne and Sao Paulo.
The Vegas event faced its share of controversies, including the delay caused by concrete failures during the opening day of track action and subsequent fan removal.
Photo by: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Images
Fans watch from behind a catch fence
Furthermore, fans who only had tickets for Thursday’s action were offered $200 vouchers to spend in the event’s online merchandise store after witnessing only eight minutes of live track action.
Following this, a prominent law firm in Nevada has launched legal action against the Las Vegas GP organization to secure refunds for the affected spectators.
The F1 organization and the Las Vegas GP event promoter have been approached for comment regarding the torn down screens.
