Featured Image Credit: Getty/X@LifeNLasVegas
Topics: Formula 1, Fan Reactions
Marcus Chan
Organisers of the Las Vegas Grand Prix have angered Formula 1 fans after unveiling a new way to stop people watching the race for free.
After a two-week break, F1 will finally return this weekend at the 'Sin City' of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Heading into the race, reigning champion and Red Bull superstar Max Verstappen knows a victory would clinch a fourth successive world title.
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The Las Vegas Grand Prix promises to be one of the biggest shows on the calendar. During the race weekend, a number of big-name celebrities are likely to be spotted in and around the paddock.
Last year, it was reported that the event organisers erected plastic sheets on the sides of pedestrian bridges to prevent ticketless fans from watching the race for free.
The tactic had its flaws as some fans managed to tear holes into the sheets to watch the action unfold.
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As a result, the Grand Prix's organisers have stepped up their efforts this year by installing what appears to be solid screens, as shown via a video that was posted on social media.
It is safe to say that the new screens put up have not gone down well with fans.
On social media, one fan said: "F1 is disgusting. Outside of safety, all public areas should remain as they were allowing casual viewing."
Another tweeted: "Like why????"
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A third fan added: "Just another reason to hate F1."
However, some fans have pointed out that the screens are put up as a safety measure.
Someone else wrote: "I've been to F1 races in Austin and Miami, and they've always had that. Don't want people blocking the walkways watching the race. Makes sense to me?"
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Another fan said: "It's done for crowd control so we don't have hundreds of people standing on a bridge blocking access. It's done at all tracks with crosses, don't get offended Vegas."
One user explained: "And to protect you in case a 200 miles per hour car goes airborne."
Can Max Verstappen become a four-time F1 world champion in Las Vegas?
Currently, Verstappen holds a 62-point lead over McLaren's Lando Norris, meaning a win on Sunday will make him world champion again.
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After ending his four-month winless drought in Brazil, Verstappen is confident that he will be able to compete in the final three races.
The Dutchman said after the Brazilian Grand Prix: "A massive boost for the team, because honestly, it’s been tough. But it is also a big strength of the team to stay calm and just try to work on performance and try to improve our situation.
"And I’m confident. I’m confident for the last three races that we can fight again, and especially in the race that we will be more competitive."