Vegas GP shifts to earlier start time for 2025 F1 race

Formula 1's Las Vegas Grand Prix will move to an earlier start time of 8pm local for its third edition in 2025, marking a significant shift from the 10pm starts that characterized its first two years on the calendar.

Strategic timing adjustment

The two-hour advancement brings the event in line with F1's other night races in Jeddah and Singapore, while creating a more viewer-friendly time slot for East Coast audiences.

Rather than facing a 1am Sunday start, American viewers in the Eastern time zone will now catch the action at 11pm Saturday, potentially expanding the race's reach in a crucial market.

Media considerations played a notable role in this scheduling decision, with the adjusted time expected to facilitate better coverage from major East Coast media organizations.

For European viewers, the race will now begin at 4am UK time, maintaining its position as one of the calendar's more challenging events for international audiences.

Evolution of the Vegas experience

The Las Vegas Grand Prix's timing has been a delicate balance since its return to the calendar in 2023 after a 41-year absence.

The original 10pm start time was partly chosen to minimize disruption to the city's operations, given the extensive street closures required around the famous Las Vegas Boulevard during race weekends.

A spokesperson for the Las Vegas Grand Prix emphasized the strategic nature of the change:

"This adjustment is based on feedback, insights and experience from the first two races, expanding opportunities for fans to explore the destination and continuing to engage with more fans across the US."

Wider calendar implications

While Vegas maintains its unique Thursday-to-Saturday schedule, the 2025 calendar sees other significant changes.

The traditional season opener returns to Australia, scheduled for 3pm local time, following the shift of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races to later in the season due to Ramadan falling in March.

The rest of the 2025 calendar largely maintains consistent start times with the 2024 season, including Silverstone's British Grand Prix remaining at its distinct 3pm local start time, running an hour later than other European events.