In the round-up: The latest addition to the Formula 1 calendar reveals how much tickets will cost and where fans will be able to watch.
In brief
Las Vegas Grand Prix ticket sales begin
There will be six different areas around the track where tickets can be purchased to access, and all food and non-alcoholic drinks available in each fan zone are included in the price of entry.
The prices that have initially been set “may fluctuate, based on demand” according to the organisers. The cheapest way to visit the grand prix is with a $500 (£440) general admission ticket which is for “standing room only” access to the MSG Sphere fan zone situated around turns five to nine of the track. This is a three-day ticket – single-day access is not currently offered.
Seats in the one of the two grandstands in the MSG Sphere currently costs $2,000 for the full weekend. Tickets for the zone next to the final corner cost between $2,500 and $10,000.
Pirelli announces compound choices for final two races
Pirelli has announced which tyre compounds it will be bringing to the final two events of the 2022 F1 season.For the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos, teams will qualify on the C4 tyre and race on the C2 and C3 compounds as the Hard and Medium choices. The selections will be a step softer for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix a week later, with the C5 compound being used for qualifying and then the C4 accompanying the C3 as one of the two mandated compounds to use for the race.
It is only the second time this year that the C5 has been nominated for use on a permanent circuit.
Bottas to make Race of Champions debut in 2023
The Alfa Romeo driver was supposed to compete in this year’s event in Pite Havsbad, Sweden, but pulled out at short notice. Now he’s committed again to competing, and will partner with two-times F1 world champion Mika Hakkinen to form Team Finland for the event’s Nations Cup.
After its successful move from running in stadiums to using an ice-and-snow track for this year’s event, the RoC will once again take place in Pite Havsbad and it will mean Bottas’s rally experience will come of use in the Arctic Circle. Bottas’ F1 rival Sebastian Vettel has also been confirmed among the roster of drivers.
New winter series for F4 cars launched in Europe
While India’s planned winter series for Formula 4 cars has recently been called off, drivers looking for race experience in the new Tatuus T-421 car may now get it in Europe instead.
Formula Winter Series is a new Spain-based F4 championship that will feature eight races over four weekends in February and March 2023 and has already attracted three teams. By using Abarth engines, FWS will have the same chassis-engine combination as the national championships of Brazil, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Spain and the United Arab Emirates.
Leclerc used to see F3 title rival Martins “like a god”
Arthur Leclerc, younger brother of Ferrari Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc, described how he was once in awe of his Formula 3 title rival Victor Martins’ ability.
“The fun thing was, I used to be playing PlayStation with Victor Martins and seeing him like a god,” Leclerc said. “He was winning a lot of races in karting and meanwhile I was going to school, doing no motorsport at all. It was weird driving with him on-track.”
No threat to Brazilian Grand Prix
Speculation on social media the political situation in Brazil could jeopardise the running of the penultimate round of the world championship next weekend was dismissed by F1, which confirmed the race will take place as planned. The country’s outgoing hard-right president Jair Bolsonaro initially failed to acknowledge his defeat in last week’s election and supporters of his blockaded some major roads in protest at the victory of left-wing rival Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
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Links
Motor racing links of interest:
Bumping is back on the cards for the 2023 Indy 500 (Racer)
'It’s the start of November, which I readily admit is way too early to look at the entry list for May’s Indianapolis 500. But there’s a good reason for it, especially after last season’s painfully drawn-out efforts to find the 33rd and final entry that took five months and the combined efforts of four teams to make happen.'
'Kanaan had already passed through the team between 2014-17, and was now free to negotiate with other teams, as there are still uncertainties in the 2023 squad.'
Ferrari’s Shwartzman ‘very sad’ at fading F1 dream (Motorsport Week)
'Ferrari test driver Robert Shwartzman has conceded that his F1 race ambitions are likely over after missing out on a seat for another season.'
W Series considering changed testing approach in future (Formula Scout)
'W Series’ chief executive officer Catherine Bond Muir says the championship, which is currently in limbo after stopping its 2022 season, is considering revamping its approach to testing.'
Dreams in karts, F4 encore and becoming Formula 2 champion: moments that made Felipe Drugovich (F2)
'Drugovich finally made it to the top of the F2 mountain in 2022, winning the championship in convincing fashion. But according to the man himself, there were multiple points along the way where he thought his F1 dreams were over.'
We always endeavour to credit original sources. If you have a tip for a link relating to single-seater motorsport to feature in the next RaceFans round-up please send it in via the contact form.
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Social media
Notable posts from Twitter, Instagram and more:
The second pour of concrete in the new pit lane/paddock area was completed earlier today. Check out the new surface as work continues to prepare for #DetroitGP’s return to Downtown #Detroit – June 2-4, 2023. pic.twitter.com/PcwaDq0t9T
— Detroit Grand Prix (@detroitgp) November 1, 2022
Mauro Forghieri, Ferrari's master engineer, embodied the bygone era when an engineer could single handedly design a winning race car, chassis and engine. Unbelievable. Rest in peace, genius.
Photo: Nürburgring 1968, I was a 15 year old photographer, and Mauro looks at me… pic.twitter.com/P7p34BFEx1— Paul-Henri Cahier (@F1Photo) November 2, 2022
“What’s your dream?”
Everyone: Formula 1 World Champion
Yuki: Open a restaurant pic.twitter.com/rYDCCaHtqs
— Mari (@very_berry99) November 2, 2022
The winner of Sport Podcast of the Year is – @F1: Chequered Flag, @IMG for @bbc5live & @BBCSounds #BSportAwards22 pic.twitter.com/jLseNY8byo
— Broadcast Sport (@broadcast_sport) November 1, 2022
Coming across the line and making #F1Esports history in Monza – congratulations to @HaasF1Team's @ThomasRonhaar1 on tonight's victory 👏👏👏
Watch *that* last lap here 👇 pic.twitter.com/0peuGpR398
— EA SPORTS F1® 22 (@Formula1game) November 2, 2022
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- Find more official F1 accounts to follow in the F1 Twitter Directory
Comment of the day
After Fernando Alonso had to end his race early in the Mexican Grand Prix due to engine trouble, he spoke out about the reliability of his Alpine car. The cylinder problem he had was believed to have been one the team had suffered before, and prompted team principal Otmar Szanfauer to defend their ‘performance over reliability’ philosophy with Renault’s engine development as they seek to move up the competitive order.
Renault have often faced public criticism from their F1 customers over the last decade, having only won one race in the V6 turbo hybrid era, but as Slowmo points out it is hard to judge their performance when they only supply one team.
I don’t think the Renault engine has been necessarily that far behind on power for the last five years. It’s also worth noting that Renault contributed heavily to the success of Red Bull 2010-2013 with the blown diffuser concepts that were entirely dependent on the Renault engine blowing consistent air throughout the entire combustion cycle.
There is also more to a power unit than the power output. Fuel efficiency, drivability, durability (how long will it perform at well before degrading), reliability, weight, cooling, centre of gravity, gearbox. There will be more including the entire hybrid system performance but I doubt Renault are the worst in all areas so even if they’re not the most powerful they may be making gains elsewhere.
I actually think all the engines are within 50 horsepower of each other and likely even closer. I think Alpine’s primary issue is their aero design team and it wouldn’t matter what engine package you gave them until they fix that.
Slowmo
Happy birthday!
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On this day in motorsport
Andre Furtado
3rd November 2022, 0:43
I don’t know the prices of tickets. But wow this feels ridiculously high.
Kribana (@krichelle)
3rd November 2022, 1:13
General admission for 400-500 is absolute madness. Really. And for a horrible track with no corners. I hope everyone enjoys watching cars just driving faster than when you are on a highway. I watched 4 races, Germany, Austria, Italy and Japan, and none of them even came close to 400 euros for one ticket. Suzuka’s three day ticket in 2019 for the final part of the esses cost 130 euros approximately, and that guarantees access to the whole track for Friday-Saturday. Now, General admission for example for France costs approximately 100 euros.
Constantijn Blondel
3rd November 2022, 5:16
“and all food and non-alcoholic drinks available in each fan zone are included in the price of entry.”
I mean … I still think it’s ridiculously high, and to be fair I don’t know if this is a common thing at all F1 races, but I think it’s a bit unfair not to mention it.
Or, dunno, maybe y’all stopped reading after ‘$500’ ? :)
BasCB (@bascb)
4th November 2022, 14:15
Well, sure, having non alcoholic drinks etc included makes it slightly less of a ripoff, but I doubt anyone would be spending anywhere close to 400 USD on those, that would probably mean constantly standing in line to get drinks and straight on to the toilets!
bernasaurus (@bernasaurus)
3rd November 2022, 8:39
I think we are doing the ‘variable price’ system which seems to be taking over everywhere from music to sports to any kind of entertainment that stands a chance of selling out (but unlike Glastonbury not guaranteed). The British Grand Prix is also doing it for next year. I imagine if absolutely nobody bought a ticket for Vegas a fortnight before they’d be $150 a ticket, but likewise if they sell 90% in the first day, they’ll jump up to $1000 a ticket.
Like it’s only little internalised stock market. It’s just you end up with two people stood next to each other having the same experience and privileges, but having paid two different prices. It’s a way to maximise revenue, which I’m sure people like the BDRC and a music industry struggling like hell in the middle will explain is necessary. Personally, and perhaps I’m old fashioned, I hate it.
Mika
3rd November 2022, 15:35
Still half the price from Miami, they released weekend tickets now from $3000… Last year general admission was $900 something. And this is before fees and taxes…
MichaelN
3rd November 2022, 15:40
Visiting an F1 race once is a great way to spend $500. Seeing the speed of the cars, hearing the sounds of the engines and tyres, and just experiencing the craziness of an F1 weekend with all the support races is good fun and easy to recommend to every F1 fan. However, at those prices a second visit becomes very hard to justify.
So for all your other racing needs; a full week of General Admission for Le Mans including the 24h race is €85.
Rahim.RG (@rahim-rg)
3rd November 2022, 0:58
I don’t understand the fluctuating costs of tickets depending on demand. This just feels like ripping the fans. They did that for next year’s British gp as well and the whole experience just feels like a scam. Don’t think i will be going again, thank you.
davidhunter13 (@davidhunter13)
3rd November 2022, 14:47
That’s exactly what it is. Big artist music gigs are going this way as well. Should be outlawed since all it does is price poorer people completely out of the equation. Can’t save up money for your favourite artist because you don’t know if the price will rocket out of your price range because of demand. The rich can afford it no problem. It’s simply unfair and yet another lurch towards hyper capitalism.
PeterG
3rd November 2022, 1:06
I honestly doubt either Las Vegas or Miami will be on the calender for that long.
Miami is a horrid car park circuit that is boring in just about every way and has nothing of any interest about it. There is no corner, No section or anything that gets you excited for it, Just another flat, Featureless cookie cutter car park.
And I think Vegas will end up been the same as looking at everything I have seen from it as well as having a go around it in Assetto Corsa and it just looks like it’s as flat and featureless as Miami and also has no corner or section that offers anything of any interest.
But of course like Miami it will draw a lot of social media personalities and feature a lot of off track stuff that fans won’t care about so will naturally be deemed a wonderful success and one of the greatest circuits ever in F1 just as many in F1 tried to convince us that Miami was a fantastic circuit. But fans of course will be able to see through it all.
SteveP
3rd November 2022, 22:15
Certainly not inspiring. Is it just me that looks at the track layout and sees a dead cartoon dog?
Dana
4th November 2022, 0:24
Lol made me laugh. It does look like that
Phil Norman (@phil-f1-21)
4th November 2022, 13:55
Well done Steve P. This made me laugh. Dead on arrival!
Tristan (@skipgamer)
3rd November 2022, 1:59
Still cheaper than Monaco. Not that outrageous given the expense that would go into it, amazing that they even got a race happening. If it doesn’t stay around for long as PeterG suggests, that would make the price even more justified, for the memories, for the ability say you were there.
Yeah things are expensive but, some things are just expensive. This is the world we live in and being surprised at the cost of things is only going to be more common.
Matt (@hollidog)
4th November 2022, 15:48
Not cheaper than Monaco, granted it was a few years ago now but I got GA weekend tickets for €240 and you can see half the track from the palace. The vegas tickets sound like they just let you into a fan zone..
Sensord4notbeingafanboi (@peartree)
3rd November 2022, 2:03
I want to see what Ferrari is going to do to honour Mauro Forghieri. His cv is a gran turismo dream garage.
kcrossle (@kcrossle)
3rd November 2022, 2:35
Las Vegas GA costs more than Montreal’s hairpin grandstand.
I know where I’m going!
Qeki (@qeki)
3rd November 2022, 8:40
4 nights in Vegas for two persons – £1800
2 tickets – £950
A possible flight – £2000
Taxi/Buss/Train tickets – £250
= £5200
+ all the foods and drinks and souveniers..
freespeechabsolutist
4th November 2022, 9:52
+ hookers and blackjack
=priceless
bernasaurus (@bernasaurus)
3rd November 2022, 8:43
That Red Bull under the lights – even with the steeped nose and the fact it doesn’t work, looks beautiful.
spoutnik (@spoutnik)
3rd November 2022, 8:44
Sorry, F1 is just not worth $500 for a general admission ticket, this is the price of a covered grandstand ticket.
In Europe a 3 day ticket for a big music festival is around €200 / €300 and provides more entertainment.
Alan Dove
3rd November 2022, 9:05
There is a hidden story that darkens the Las Vegas Grand Prix. That weekend is the traditional slot of the SKUSA Supernats, which takes place at the Rio Hotel car park. It’s America’s most important kart race. It has something like 400+ entries. While I HATE the idea of karting subservience to F1, it is kinda rude that F1 has basically just muscled them out of that weekend slot, and we are yet to know the ramifications for the event. Hopefully it doesn’t mean increased costs for competitors. There’s also another event which is called ROK the RIO. Again, we are yet to understand the ramifications.
It’s funny how F1 makes all this song and dance about how important karting is… but I they’ve waltzed into Las Vegas without a care and might well be causing serious issues for the best kart race…. in the world (imo)
Jere (@jerejj)
3rd November 2022, 11:45
@Alan Dove F1 only truly cares about World Cup, Euro Cup, & Le Mans 24H, which is reasonable, as they’d have zero weekends left for the GPs if they accounted for all possible sports & other events in the world.
Alan Dove
3rd November 2022, 14:55
This is not clashing merely on dates, this is taking their venue. This could have very detrimental effects on the drivers from a cost standpoint. This event is a fundamental event for American karting. A sport, may I remind you, which supplies the entire grid of F1. It is the everything when it comes to drivers making it to F1. F1 is a billion dollar industry and the way it abuses and uses karting for its own ends is something that really should be looked at in depth.
I hope SKUSA and the ROK guys can figure something out, but any reporters worth their salt would be looking into this.
Bradders (@bradders)
3rd November 2022, 15:11
Alan, I’ve noticed your comments before; you’re clearly something of a guru about the karting world.
Could you elaborate on how else you feel F1 abuses Karting? I’m quite interested.
Alan Dove
3rd November 2022, 16:51
Abuses is a strong word. I can’t edit that out. I think ‘uses’ is more appropriate.
I think F1, and its influence on the karting narrative, has been a huge inflationary force on the sport. F1 is responsible for the budgets we see because the story that’s told is “you must race karts to get to F1”. So that’s my initial problem, and this is very much aimed at the big international and national championship. It also forces people to think karting is just for kids. It was never designed for ‘kids’… it was created by a group of men who wanted to race in car parks in America and was very much more wedded to the hotrod culture of the 50s. These kinda of stereotypes of often echoed throughout F1 media which largely isn’t informed on the matter.
I know this sounds contradictory, but secondarily I do not like the almost constant accusations that karting is too expensive, particularly from F1 people like Toto as it’s generalistic, rather than specific. These reason I say this, is outside of the niché of F1 influenced championships, karting remains very accessible. If you race at club level or in various other championships, the sport still remains the most accessible, and most diverse (we still are the only FIA World Championship with a female winner)
So we have a two fold problem. The elite level of the sport has seen costs explode, I would say mainly because of the desire to get to F1, but the club side, which is actually a different sport really, suffers because the narrative being told is different to the reality.
So when I say ‘use karting’… it is complex. F1 absolutely ‘uses’ karting to develop young drivers, it’s where they go to ‘find’ talent. The sport does all the heavy lifting up until a driver is around 15. In effect we create multi-million pounds assets for these multi-billion pound companies to hire and make vast amounts of money from. And I ask – For this subservience, what does karting get in return? It’s almost nothing, literally.
Take Lewis Hamilton’s home club – Hoddesdon Kart Club. That club is technically gone, however club racing remains at Rye House in the form of IKR (i.e outside of Motorsport UK). They attract just 60 entries per month, and that really is on the edge of not having enough to run a meeting. But we also see Ellough’s club has gone, GYG has gone, Three Sisters has gone. F1 TAKES, but actually gives nothing in return. There’s no support there’s nothing. Just talk.
When karting needs to support and help…
Bradders (@bradders)
4th November 2022, 18:53
That’s interesting Alan. Thanks for responding.
I know Rye House, but only from a rental perspective.
Thanks for sharing your insight.
superman
3rd November 2022, 10:29
Looking at that Bottas photo, is he borrowing Alonso’s beard dye?
hunocsi (@hunocsi)
3rd November 2022, 11:03
Of course, because there hasn’t been any since 2019 :)
Jere (@jerejj)
3rd November 2022, 11:48
The tyre compound portion is somewhat misleading as all three compounds are permitted in both qualifying & the race (including Sprint), so C2-C4 & C3-C5 respectively, are enough.
Drivers merely have to use at least two different compounds in a dry race regardless of which specific compounds, i.e., softest-middle, softest-hardest, middle-hardest.
Nevertheless, the expected combinations for both events & should be good.
I read about the Sao Paulo GP thing yesterday & never once did I think the event would be under threat.
Yuki’s differing answer is surprising.
COTD is good, especially the last paragraph point.
Jere (@jerejj)
3rd November 2022, 12:21
I forgot to add that Shwartzman’s situation is indeed sad that he hasn’t become a full-time F1 driver & is unlikely to become one anymore.
MichaelN
3rd November 2022, 22:52
@jerejj With Red Bull recently saying Tsunoda needs three full seasons (almost 70 Grand Prix, more than multiple World Champions drove in their entire careers!) to get fully to grips with F1, there’s either something odd about modern F1 or Tsunoda. But assuming this kind of thinking is somewhat common, it does explain why teams are inclined to heavily favour experience over potential.
Still, for the past five seasons about half the guys who finish in the top 5 of the F2 championship find a spot in F1, even if not necessarily in the next season. Shwartzman’s association Ferrari sort of biases his options towards Ferrari’s customer teams, but Sauber is going its own way with the drivers and Haas probably wants nothing to do with any Russians for the foreseeable future (and this is likely a con for other teams, too). Plus he didn’t win F2, and that’s always less appealing for teams than a title.
steve
3rd November 2022, 16:47
Wow! $500 and in a standing room only deal, naw. Now if it were back to the V-10 powered Race Cars then maybe I’d spend the dineros! These Hybrid’s are just boring as hell no matter what the speed! I’ll save my money and go see MotoGP which are way more exciting to watch!
ryanoceros (@ryanoceros)
4th November 2022, 2:48
That’s terribly opportunistic. USGP tickets are also getting very expensive. Next year I will go to Hungary and Belgium (from California). My tickets for both events will cost about the same as a GA ticket to Vegas.
My turn 1 seat at Austin in 2019 cost less than the Vegas GA ticket. There is too much hype here for me now. Thanks Netflix.