Las Vegas Grand Prix faces chaos as flash floods hit before the main event
Heavy rain has struck Las Vegas just days before the Formula One Grand Prix, causing flash flooding across the city. Streets were submerged, cars stranded, and even a casino ceiling leaked as water overwhelmed drainage systems.
The flooding began on Tuesday evening, with deep puddles forming near Harry Reid International Airport. Drivers struggled to navigate the waterlogged roads, while the Linq Hotel car park—part of the Grand Prix street circuit—was inundated, with water rushing through the area.
Race organizers are now watching the forecast closely. Rain is expected during Thursday night’s practice and Friday morning’s main event, though Saturday should remain dry. Concerns are growing that bad weather could deter spectators, especially after tourism dipped this year and ticket prices fell.
If the race is stopped due to extreme conditions, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem would decide whether to award half-points. This happened before at the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix, where only four laps were completed before heavy rain forced a cancellation.
Meanwhile, the 2024 race has been less competitive than last year’s event, won by Max Verstappen. With the 2025 season shaping up to be more exciting, Lando Norris currently leads the championship, while Verstappen’s dominance appears to be fading. McLaren has struggled on this track since its debut, but rain could give Norris an unexpected advantage.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix now faces uncertainty as weather threatens to disrupt the event. Organizers, teams, and fans will be hoping for clearer conditions, though the risk of rain remains. Any cancellation or shortened race would mark another setback for a city already dealing with flooding and lower visitor numbers.
