The Formula 1 party in Las Vegas could have legal repercussions. © APA / JARED C. TILTON

Lawsuit after Vegas race: 960 million euros demanded

After the farce at the opening training in Las Vegas, Formula 1 is confronted with accusations of negligence in a legal dispute. It's a monstrous sum of money.

20 November 2023

From: dpa

The Dimopoulos law firm, together with JK Legal & Consulting, says it has filed a class action lawsuit against the organizer of the Grand Prix in Nevada federal court. This reported, among other things ESPN. The first training session on Thursday was canceled after just 19 minutes due to a defective cover for a water shaft on the asphalt. Only after hours of inspections and repairs on the asphalt was the second session played in front of the long-vacated stands.

It is about “allegations of breach of contract, negligence and misleading commercial practices against the defendants,” the specialist portal quoted motorsport. com from the statement of claim. According to the Dimopoulos law firm, the track “was not in a race-ready condition at the time of the event.” The lawsuit goes on to say that the Formula 1 management, which was also hosting a race for the first time in Las Vegas, failed “to... “To identify defects and/or poor installation” of the sealed water well “and to ensure that the track was race-ready for practice.”

Track not in race-ready condition?

The Dimopoulos Law Firm filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of
35.000 fans submitted and bought tickets for the opening day
had. The lawyers are demanding at least $30.000 in damages
per viewer. This means at least 1,05 billion
US dollars, the equivalent of around 960 million euros.

Formula 1 had offered vouchers worth $200 (around 183 euros) to all fans who had a ticket that cost several hundred dollars just for the opening day. According to the plaintiff, the astonished spectators were not offered a refund of the entrance fee. They are now demanding financial compensation for these fans.

The Grand Prix in the gambling metropolis became a big show. © APA / JARED C. TILTON

“In addition, plaintiffs seek compensatory damages for mental anguish in an amount to be determined by the jury that is fair and reasonable in light of defendants’ willful, reckless and deliberate conduct,” the lawsuit said.

Organizers justify themselves

The organizer basically justified the nighttime evacuation of the fan zones with the occupational safety of the employees and concern for public safety. “We cannot comment on legal disputes,” a Grand Prix spokesman was quoted as saying. “Our focus is providing our fans with an entertaining experience in a safe environment, which is always our top priority.”


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