In a bizarre subplot to the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix, Formula 1 drivers found themselves distracted by an unusual factor during the high-octane event: the pervasive smell of marijuana. With cannabis legal in Nevada since 2017, the odor wafted through the air, leaving several drivers amused—and a bit irritated.
“I Was Quite High in the Car,” Joked Verstappen
Four-time world champion Max Verstappen couldn’t resist cracking a joke about the situation, claiming the marijuana fumes were hard to ignore, even mid-race:
“I was quite high in the car,” Verstappen quipped. “It’s not ideal because you can also smell it while driving, and it’s quite extreme.”
Williams’ Colapinto Raises Doping Concerns (in Jest)
Williams driver Franco Colapinto, making waves in his rookie season, humorously suggested that the entire grid might fail a doping test after the race:
“If they dope test the drivers now, I think we’ll all test positive. When we all test positive, there will be a mess.”
The tongue-in-cheek remark highlighted the novelty of the situation for drivers not accustomed to competing amid such conditions.
Perez: “I’m Tired of It Already”
Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate, shared his frustration, remarking on the sheer intensity of the smell:
“I’m tired of it already. The amount is incredible.”
While the drivers maintained their humor, it was clear that the odor had become a talking point throughout the weekend, lingering during the practice sessions, qualifying, and the race itself.
Marijuana’s Legal Status in Nevada
Nevada voters legalized recreational marijuana in 2016, with the law taking effect in 2017. While cannabis remains illegal under federal law, it can be legally purchased at state-licensed dispensaries in Nevada by anyone over the age of 21. However, smoking in public indoor spaces, including sports venues, is prohibited.
Despite these regulations, the open-air layout of the Las Vegas GP circuit exposed drivers to the heavy scent of marijuana from fans lining the streets.
Not an Issue in Other Major Vegas Events
Interestingly, similar complaints have not arisen from other major sporting events in Las Vegas, such as the Super Bowl at Allegiant Stadium or Vegas Golden Knights games at T-Mobile Arena. Both venues enforce strict no-smoking rules, minimizing exposure to cannabis odors inside their closed environments.
Even at last year’s inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix, F1 drivers made no such remarks, suggesting that the odor was more intense this time around.
“Just Another Vegas Experience”
The drivers’ lighthearted reactions added a unique flavor to a race already buzzing with glitz, glamor, and neon-lit chaos. As Formula 1’s expansion into the United States continues, it’s clear that Las Vegas offers a spectacle unlike any other—complete with its fair share of unusual challenges.
Whether the cannabis cloud affected driver performance is debatable, but one thing’s for sure: the Las Vegas GP proved once again why it’s one of the most colorful stops on the F1 calendar.
