With the Las Vegas Grand Prix being no stranger to drama, drivers raised eyebrows over a unique issue that popped up during this year’s race: A pervasive marijuana smell around the circuit.
Drivers including Red Bull’s Sergio Perez and Williams Academy driver Franco Colapinto were vocal about the overwhelming odor, with some joking about drug tests.
Marijuana Clouds the Circuit
Recreational use of cannabis was legalized in ‘Sin City’ during the 2016 election. The state now even has “cannabis consumption lounges” so marijuana tourism has boomed. Yet, while cannabis may be legal in Nevada, fans weren’t allowed to bring it into the Grand Prix.
Despite these rules, the 3.8 mile circuit was engulfed by the potent aroma which frustrated some drivers. Red Bull driver Sergio Perez described it vividly, telling ESPN:
“What is very noticeable around the circuit is the smell of marijuana throughout the night. I’m a bit tired of it already — the amount is incredible. It’s something all the drivers will definitely talk about.”
That sentiment was echoed by Franco Colapinto, but he lightened the mood with humor.
“Yes, there was a smell of weed. If they dope test the drivers now, I think we’ll all test positive, I swear. When we all test positive, there will be a mess,” Colapinto told the Argentinian press.
Think of a race. Gasoline, burning rubber, heated steel. And still the smell was so pervasive, it bothered drivers!
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FIA’s Anti-Doping Regulations
Formula 1’s governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), prohibits cannabis under its strict anti-doping policies. Drug testing’s frequency is rarely disclosed though. But Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has been open about his complaints about the bother of random drug tests.
During a livestream on a Twitch back in August, he recounted how he was awoken at 7am Dutch time to go test during the Dutch Grand Prix.
“I’m in bed, and suddenly the doorbell rings. I’m like, ‘What the f**? Who the f*** is ringing the doorbell of the motorhome?’ It’s 7 o’clock [in the morning], and I’m like, ‘Great, what a start to the weekend!’ Then it took me one hour to go to the toilet, so that was also fantastic.”
Verstappen added:
“I don’t know why, but this year I have been tested already five times, which I think in F1 is quite a lot.”
Navigating Cultural Clashes in Global Sports
Formula 1’s battle with the marijuana controversy at Las Vegas is a broader issue as it manages cultural and legal differences as the sport expands globally. The problem, however, is that cannabis use is routine in Nevada, and it might clash with the FIA’s strict anti-doping stand.
About 20% of Nevada residents use cannabis regularly and the state consumes about 4.4 million pounds per year. The rise of marijuana friendly tourism only makes the task of making sports arenas drug free even more difficult.
A Unique Vegas Challenge
While last year’s Las Vegas race was marred by loose drain covers causing chaos in practice sessions, this year’s issue is undeniably more fragrant. From trackside smells to legal nuances, the event underscores the complexities of hosting Formula 1 in a city defined by its personal freedoms.
As Perez said, “It’s something all the drivers will definitely talk about.” And this discussion will obviously continue as Formula 1 adapts to its increasing footprint in very different places. The Las Vegas Grand Prix has left a big impression, and whether the smell persists as a Vegas quirk or a regulatory headache remains to be seen.
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