F1 sting fans: High deposit required to access ticket sale for Las Vegas 24

The Las Vegas Grand Prix was entertaining on Saturday night, but the first Formula 1 visit to Las Vegas in over 40 years retains a bitter aftertaste: fans bought overpriced tickets, only to end up not being allowed to attend the second free practice session on Friday. The first practice session was aborted after only eight minutes. Immediately after the finishing flag fell in the race won by Max Verstappen, the first phase of 'ticket sales' for the 2024 edition started. It appears to be even crazier than this year.

The Las Vegas Grand Prix is organised by Liberty Media, the owner of Formula 1. The US company earlier revealed that the demand for tickets for the 2023 edition was huge, even with the sky-high ticket prices. A three-day pitch cost $500, a grandstand spot for the entire weekend $2,000. Food and drinks were included.

For the 2024 Grand Prix, Liberty Media also expects high demand for entry tickets and a full house. Fans who want to claim tickets for next year can register for them from today. They will then get priority once the tickets actually go on digital sale. There is a small catch: to register for standing or seating, $250 must be paid. People interested in a hospitality spot have to fork out $1,000.

Fans who register have no guarantee of actually being able to buy tickets. That obviously depends on how many people apply in advance. So fans could pay $250 (or $1,000) and still miss out on a ticket. The Grand Prix organisers say that the amount paid is non-refundable. However, the deposit will be deducted from the final ticket price. Tickets will be at least as expensive as in 2023.