07/24/26 09:10:00
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07/24 01:42 CDT Formula 1 parent company reaches $3M settlement in Las Vegas
Grand Prix 2023 tickets lawsuit
Formula 1 parent company reaches $3M settlement in Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023
tickets lawsuit
By MARK ANDERSON
AP Sports Writer
LAS VEGAS (AP) --- Formula 1 parent company Liberty Media, which also promotes
the Las Vegas Grand Prix, has agreed to a settlement of about $3 million to end
a class-action lawsuit brought by spectators regarding the inaugural 2023 race.
The opening-night practice session on Nov. 16, 2023, was halted after nine
minutes when Carlos Sainz Jr. drove over a water valve cover that severely
damaged his Ferrari. Practice didn't resume until the early morning hours of
Nov. 17, ending at about 4 a.m. local time.
Fans were removed from the viewing areas before the 90-minute session took
place.
Those who had tickets for only that practice session or bought three-night
tickets are eligible for compensation under the settlement. Claims must be
filed by Aug. 27.
Liberty Media and the Las Vegas Grand Prix did not admit fault under the
settlement. A final approval hearing is scheduled for Nov. 4 at U.S. District
Court of Nevada.
The $500 million race in 2023 was supposed to be F1's coming-out party on the
Las Vegas Strip, and the practice-night crash as well as the disruptions to Las
Vegas-area residents during months of preparation didn't make for a promising
start.
But the race itself was among the best on the circuit that season, and Max
Verstappen sang "Viva Las Vegas" as he crossed the finish line for his 18th
victory that year.
F1 announced a 10-year extension last month that will keep the circuit in Las
Vegas through at least 2037.
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