Right Formula’s US Managing Director, Ashlee Huffman, shares her on-the-ground take of the inaugural Formula 1 Las Vegas GP. Was it a hit or a miss?
1. The atmosphere couldn’t be ignored. An estimated 315,000 people, from c-suite to casual fan. The city was buzzing with F1. Airport signage, team pop up stores, merchandise sprinkled through every venue, experiential moments in the hotels - you knew F1 was in town from the moment you entered the city to the moment you left… and in a good way.
2. The locals are big event pros. They’ve seen it all. When asked their feelings about F1 all were neutral with “the impact is to be seen, and if it doesn’t work, they’ll fix it”. This city survives and thrives on big events. Whilst the true economic benefit of the LVGP is to be determined, it will be sizeable. It was also refreshing to hear that local authorities will focus on creating a more inclusive environment for locals in future races.
3. Technology, The F1 App - nailed it. Informative on the sport, directions were spot on (we all needed that!), it worked…consistently. At times, venue and big event apps don’t predict the needs of the fan, nor work when they need to. I can’t speak for T-Mobile and other users, but my Verizon service never failed.
4. The FP1 debacle. It shouldn’t have happened. F1 and the city pulled off a feat like never before, but the predictable was not predicted.
5. Late nights are a Vegas norm, but why was track activity so late? Less traffic disruption? Hit the European audience, yet miss half of the US viewers? I wouldn’t be sad if we had an earlier start and I’m confident I’m not alone.
6. Sponsor brand visibility was unmatched - the best I’ve seen at any F1 event. The sphere, circuit signage, media opportunities to talk ‘activation’, and in market experiences were endless for brands involved in the sport.
7. There is more opportunity to be had at what will be seen as THE coveted event on the calendar. Brands wanting to connect to F1’s young audience have an opportunity to give them more access - a change we’re sure to see from 2024.
8. There’s plenty of room for 3 US F1 races. The US is massive. Interests vary by region and the ‘flavor’ of each city is unique. Austin, Miami and Las Vegas each have unique experiences to offer. Feels like there’s even room for one more…
9. F1 is a challenging environment to navigate (literally and figuratively). I watched our Right Formula team on the ground pull rabbits out of their hats to deliver for our clients. Sponsorship can be complex and when done well, returns dividends - don’t overlook tapping in to experts to guide you through.
Verdict: the Las Vegas GP was a hit! Bring on 2024. Looking forward to bringing new ideas and best in class experiences to our clients, and helping new clients navigate (again, literally and figuratively) F1 and the global sports market.
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