Question of the Day - 01 April 2025

Where did you hear that?

The reason we ask is that we happen to be among the very few media sources to have seen the leaked draft of a press release that Liberty Media is only thinking about unleashing — and only if the board of directors of the F1 umbrella company approves the new "racertainment" plan, which is by all accounts pretty radical. In other words, it’s anything but publicized and you’ll see why as follows, so we wonder who told you about it.

But yes, the new entertainment value that's expected to be added this year comes in two parts, dubbed "Las Vegas Grand Prix: Extreme Edition."

The first part is what F1 is calling the “neon underglow.” As far as we can tell, it’s like Fast & Furious meets Cirque du Soleil. All competing race cars will be required to sport custom “neon” (actually, bright LEDs) lining the undercarriage. The cars will be outfitted with RGB (red, green, blue) LEDs synced to onboard telemetry — color changes based on speed, G-force, and lap times. Of course, red will be for braking, while blue will signify boost and the whole rainbow palette will flash when … well, we’ll get to that anon.

To enhance the lighting effects, drivers will be allowed to blast curated playlists through external car speakers during the race. Max Verstappen, reportedly, is testing a “Viva Las Vegas” remix with 50 different versions, one for each lap. 

The lighting and audio FX are meant to simulate modern slot machines; according to our connection, the package has already been certified by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the international governing body of motorsports, and meets their specific safety and technical standards (though we can't help worrying about the eardrums of spectators being subjected to the 140-decibel roar of race-car engines, on top of booming soundtracks from the 20 cars, all competing for the same airspace).

And speaking of slots, pit stops right inside the Wynn and Bellagio casinos were considered, but rejected as impractical.

The second part of the scheme is a bit … trickier. In a bold move to make races more unpredictable, Las Vegas GP organizers will install ramps along the Strip straightaways, sort of a cross between speed bumps and ski moguls. These are meant to add strategy: Drivers will have to choose between full throttle and spinal integrity. The ramps will also expose the undersides of the chassis, where the lights will be programmed for maximum intensity and chromaticity at the height of the jumps.  

We haven’t seen it, but we’ve heard that F1 has submitted an application to the FIA: “Official Modifications for LVGP Speed Bump & Neon." These specify 1) adjustable hydraulic suspension — inspired by lowriders — to handle ramp launches without bottoming out, with a “jump-mode” button on the steering wheel; 2) rear wings modified to double as aero-stabilizers during mid-air jumps, ensuring cars land gracefully, while looking cool on TV, of course (and we hear that some teams are testing mini-parachutes for extra flair); 3) enhanced skid-plate spark systems to generate flares and scintillations, in other words fireworks, with every landing; and 4) carbon-fiber wheel rims reinforced with shock-absorption tech (borrowed from monster trucks), plus a newly branded “AirJump” tire compound developed by Pirelli for grip on takeoff and landing.

Our contact says that the marketing team is exploring all the ways “air time” can be used to mean “on” the air, as in TV and radio, and “in” the air, as in airborne race cars.

Indeed, here’s the lead paragraph of the leaked press release. “We’re not just racing, we’re performing. The Las Vegas Grand Prix is about speed, style, and a bit of airborne showmanship. Fans want more thrills. We're giving them air time.”

And how have the teams reacted to the plan?

Red Bull Racing is rumored to already be testing a "triple-axle" landing. A spokesperson for Ferrari told the FIA, “Our cars are built to fly anyway. Now we just have permission.” And we imagine the Haas team could be thinking: “Finally, something we might win: Best Airborne Flair.”

Our take? If it’s true, this is either the best idea in F1 history or the beginning of Mario Kart IRL (in real life). And if it’s a success this year, next year, just think. They could add banana peels!