Formula 1's parent company Liberty Media has agreed to a settlement of approximately $3 million to resolve a class-action lawsuit filed by spectators over the disastrous inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix practice session in 2023. The opening-night practice on November 16, 2023, was halted after just nine minutes when Carlos Sainz Jr. drove over a water valve cover that severely damaged his Ferrari. Fans were evacuated from viewing areas, and practice did not resume until the early morning hours of November 17, finally ending around 4 a.m. local time.
The lawsuit covered spectators who held tickets exclusively for that practice session or had purchased three-night ticket packages. Those fans are now eligible to file compensation claims under the settlement, with a deadline of August 27. Liberty Media and the Las Vegas Grand Prix organizers did not admit any fault as part of the agreement. A final approval hearing is set for November 4 in U.S. District Court of Nevada.
The 2023 Las Vegas race, which carried a $500 million price tag, was intended to be Formula 1's triumphant debut on the Strip. While the practice-night incident and months of resident disruptions marred the buildup, the race itself delivered one of the best events of that season. Max Verstappen ultimately crossed the finish line to claim his 18th victory of the year, singing "Viva Las Vegas" in celebration. Formula 1 later secured a 10-year contract extension to keep the Las Vegas Grand Prix on the calendar through at least 2037.
