Fernando Alonso Calls for FIA Review of Las Vegas Grand Prix After Raising Major Safety and Scheduling Concerns
Aston Martin veteran Fernando Alonso has called on the FIA to carry out a thorough review of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, insisting that several major issues must be addressed before the race returns to the Formula One calendar. Alonso, who finished outside the points in P11, did not hold back in his assessment of the Nevada street circuit and the conditions drivers were forced to compete in.
Speaking after the chequered flag, the two-time world champion highlighted two critical areas he believes require immediate attention: the track surface and the timing of the event within F1’s already demanding global schedule.
Slippery and “Borderline Unsafe” Track Surface
Alonso’s most urgent complaint centred on the poor level of grip offered by the track. The surface, constructed using a type of asphalt different from what is typically used for high-level racing, created significant difficulties for drivers attempting to manage tyre temperatures and maintain stability at high speed.
He explained that while the circuit layout itself delivered exciting, high-speed sections, the asphalt was fundamentally incompatible with Formula One machinery. According to Alonso, the low-grip surface made tyre warm-up almost impossible, which in turn affected braking performance, traction out of corners, and overall vehicle control.
> “The layout is enjoyable because you can really feel the speed. But the asphalt simply isn’t at Formula 1 standard,” Alonso commented. “There’s barely any grip. We’re driving without the tyres ever reaching the proper temperature window, and the bumps make it very unpredictable. To be honest, it’s on the edge of being unsafe. We need to discuss with the FIA whether conditions like this are acceptable in the future.”
Alonso’s words echo concerns raised by multiple drivers over the weekend. Several reported instability over bumps, inconsistent tarmac behaviour, and unusually high tyre degradation. While night-time temperatures were expected to cool the track, the level of slipperiness exceeded expectations, putting a spotlight on whether F1 and event organisers adequately tested the surface before race week.
Scheduling Problems: “No Other Sport Would Accept This”
Beyond the physical condition of the circuit, Alonso also addressed the logistical challenge posed by the timing of the Las Vegas Grand Prix on the calendar. Held late in the season and positioned between long-haul races, he argued that the scheduling placed unnecessary strain on the teams.
This season, the trip to Las Vegas followed the Brazilian Grand Prix and preceded a journey to Qatar — a sequence that required drivers and team personnel to travel across multiple time zones within a very short period.
Alonso pointed out that while the commercial appeal of hosting a race in Las Vegas is obvious, the sport must balance entertainment with the well-being of its participants.
> “The calendar position is tough for everyone,” he added. “We’ve come from Brazil, and within days we are heading to Qatar — that’s a 17-hour flight and a 13-hour time difference. It’s exhausting, not just for drivers but for the entire paddock. No other major sport would schedule events like this.”
He acknowledged that the race is currently held in November because it aligns with one of the least busy weekends in Las Vegas, just before Thanksgiving tourist activity intensifies. However, Alonso questioned whether commercial convenience should outweigh the physical realities of running a global championship.
> “If the argument is that we race when Las Vegas is quiet, then by that logic we should hold Monaco in February because the city is quieter then,” he remarked. “There must be a balance. These are things we really need to think through carefully.”
FIA Expected to Review Feedback
With Alonso being one of the most experienced drivers on the grid, his feedback carries significant weight. The FIA routinely collects post-race evaluations from all teams and drivers, but high-profile criticisms like Alonso’s often prompt deeper investigation. The Las Vegas Grand Prix, designed to be one of the sport’s flagship entertainment events, is unlikely to disappear from the calendar — but the pressure to make improvements is now stronger than ever.
As Formula One continues to expand globally, challenges involving travel fatigue, event scheduling, and circuit preparation standards have become more prominent. Alonso’s remarks underline the growing tension between F1’s commercial ambitions and its responsibility to ensure safe competition and sustainable working conditions for the paddock.
Whether these concerns lead to meaningful adjustments for next year’s edition remains to be seen, but Alonso has made one thing clear: if Las Vegas is to remain a long-term fixture in Formula One, the FIA must be prepared to rethink both the circuit’s infrastructure and its place in the calendar.
