Las Vegas hosted its third annual Formula 1 race this past weekend, transforming the city into a high-octane spectacle. The race’s unique setting, illuminated by neon lights and towering skyscrapers, fuels ongoing debates about F1’s commercialization and spectacle-driven approach.

This year’s event appeared to favor McLaren’s Lando Norris, who seemed poised to extend his championship lead after Saturday’s qualifying. However, the drama intensified immediately after the race when Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri were disqualified for excessive wear on their cars’ legality plank—a crucial component for compliance. This disqualification shook up the standings, raising questions about the precision and fairness of F1 regulations.

According to motorsport analyst Laura Simmons, “The Vegas race exemplifies F1’s evolving identity—part sport, part entertainment. The disqualifications highlight the importance of meticulous technical compliance amid the spectacle.”

For fans and critics alike, the Las Vegas GP remains a vivid illustration of F1’s dual nature: a thrilling 200 mph soap opera with a penchant for controversy and glamour.

David Nield

Dave is a freelance tech journalist with over 20 years covering gadgets, apps, and the web. From Stockport, England, he covers news, features, and reviews for TechRadar, focusing on phones, tablets, and wearables. He ensures top weekend breaking news and has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci, and others. He edited PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook for years. Read me on x.com or linkedin.