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Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix faces a class action lawsuit on behalf of 35,000 fans for kicking spectators out of a paid practice session on Thursday night amid technical difficulties.<\/p>\n
The session was paused for many hours after Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz\u2019s car took extreme damage from below by a drain cover. It didn’t resume until 1:30 a.m. the next morning in front of empty stands, as Formula 1 could not staff venue security overnight.<\/p>\n
Dimopoulos Law Firm and co-counsel JK Legal & Consulting filed the suit Friday in Nevada court, according to the Las Vegas Journal. \u201cWe will vindicate the rights of the fans that traveled great distances and paid small fortunes to attend, but were deprived of the experience,\u201d said attorney Steve Dimopoulos in a statement.<\/p>\n
The much-hyped Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend has not gone to plan so far, with drivers complaining about the atmosphere and logistical issues. A spokesperson for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, meanwhile, told Express Sport: “We cannot comment on the litigation. Our focus is on ensuring that our fans have an entertaining experience in a safe and secure environment which is always our top priority.\u201d<\/p>\n
Don’t miss… <\/strong> F1’s initial response to Thursday night’s debacle drew widespread scorn, as the organization did not provide a clear apology. \u201cWe have all been to events, like concerts, games and even other Formula 1 races, that have been cancelled because of factors like weather or technical issues,\u201d a statement said. \u201cIt happens, and we hope people will understand.\u201d<\/p>\n Fans who bought single-day passes have been offered $200 vouchers to spend on race merchandise, according to ESPN.<\/p>\n “Our top priority at Formula 1 is the safety and security of our drivers, employees, and fans,” wrote F1. “Responsibility for the oversight of a Formula 1 event falls with Formula 1 as the commercial rights holder of the sport, the FIA as the regulatory body, and the local promoter, in this case the Las Vegas Grand Prix. This is important for those who are new to racing to understand.<\/p>\n
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