JULY 24, 2026

Las Vegas GP settles lawsuit over 2023 drain-cover chaos

Formula 1's Las Vegas GP and parent company Liberty Media have agreed to pay more than $3 million to settle a class-action lawsuit stemming from the chaotic opening night of the inaugural 2023 race.

A loose water-valve cover damaged multiple cars during first practice and caused a delay of around two and a half hours, before spectators were ordered to leave and missed the resumed session.

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, fans holding either one-day practice tickets or three-day race tickets may be eligible for compensation.

Neither Liberty Media nor the Las Vegas GP admitted wrongdoing as part of the settlement.

The lawsuit originally sought $5 billion when it was filed in 2023.

Part of the case was dismissed in February 2025, but an amended complaint allowed proceedings to continue and ultimately led to the settlement.

(GMM)