F1 Drivers Raise Concerns About Marijuana Smell During Las Vegas Grand Prix
Formula 1 drivers preparing for the Las Vegas Grand Prix this week expressed concerns about the pervasive smell of marijuana in the area, with some jokingly suggesting it might affect drug testing results. Marijuana, legalized in Nevada since 2017, is often noticeable near large events, though it remains illegal under federal law.
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Driver Reactions
Williams driver Franco Colapinto remarked on the odor, humorously suggesting that drivers might test positive for cannabis exposure. “If they dope (test) the drivers now, I think we’ll all test positive. When we all test positive, there will be a mess,” he said.
Reigning champion Max Verstappen also commented on the issue, joking, “I was quite high in the car. It’s not ideal because you can also smell it while driving, and it’s quite extreme.”
Sergio Perez of Red Bull echoed Verstappen’s remarks, adding, “I’m tired of it already. The amount is incredible.”
Why the Smell?
The Grand Prix takes place on the Las Vegas Strip, an area bustling with activity and recreational marijuana use. While smoking indoors is prohibited in most public venues, open-air areas and outdoor spaces near events often become hubs for marijuana use, leading to the strong odor drivers noticed during their practice sessions.
This issue was not raised during F1’s debut on the Las Vegas Strip last year, suggesting either increased recreational use at this year’s event or heightened sensitivity among the drivers.
Comparisons to Other Events
Notably, indoor venues like Allegiant Stadium (home to the Super Bowl and the Las Vegas Raiders) and T-Mobile Arena (which hosts Vegas Golden Knights games and UFC events) do not face this problem as smoking is prohibited indoors. However, outdoor events like the Grand Prix are more susceptible to odors from nearby crowds.
Looking Ahead
The Las Vegas Grand Prix, one of the highlights of the Formula 1 calendar, culminates in Saturday night's race. While the marijuana smell adds an unexpected element to the experience, it is unlikely to distract from the intense competition as drivers, led by Verstappen, battle for the top spot under the glittering Vegas lights.
Efforts to mitigate such distractions at future events may include stricter enforcement of smoking policies in and around event areas. For now, drivers are left to contend with an unusual, if legal, challenge.
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