Sports · Motorsport · 5 hrs ago
Sports broadcaster calls for Las Vegas Grand Prix date change
Las Vegas-based sports broadcaster Chris Maathuis wants the Grand Prix moved to a weekend he considers more relevant.
He says Kimi Antonelli could clinch the 2026 drivers’ title before the Las Vegas race, though the title is not certain to be decided by then.
The race takes place after the United States Grand Prix in Austin, and the title could be settled before the season ends.
Maathuis also criticised Formula One’s championship format for allowing a driver to secure the title before the final race.
He later said that betting could keep people interested even if the championship is already decided.
His comments raise questions about how F1 can attract US viewers, but no change to the race date is announced.
Las Vegas-based sports television figure Chris Maathuis has called for the Las Vegas Grand Prix to move to a “relevant weekend.”
He warned that Kimi Antonelli could clinch the 2026 drivers’ championship before the race, which he said would not be good for Formula 1.
Maathuis also criticised the championship format for allowing a title to be decided before the final race.
He later said betting could give fans a reason to stay engaged through the end of the season.
- Who
- Chris Maathuis, a Las Vegas-based sports television figure, called for the date change.
- What
- He wants the Las Vegas Grand Prix moved to a “relevant weekend.
- When
- During the 2026 Formula 1 season. The race date is not stated.
- Where
- Las Vegas, Nevada.
- Why
- Maathuis said Antonelli could clinch the drivers’ championship before the race, making it less relevant.
Chris Maathuis
GPFans
Race date
Chris Maathuis
The Las Vegas Grand Prix should move to a “relevant weekend” so it matters to the championship.
GPFans
The article argues that the race should not receive special treatment just to create a title-deciding moment.
Championship format
Chris Maathuis
It is “silly” that a driver can clinch the title before the final race.
GPFans
The article describes a postseason-style title decider as an artificially dramatic feature of American sports.
Antonelli could clinch the drivers’ championship at the next race in Austin, according to the article.
The article says Antonelli might secure the title before cars reach the Strip.
Maathuis warned that a title clinch before the Las Vegas race would not be good for Formula 1 and called for a date change.
- Broadcaster
- Chris Maathuis
- Race
- Las Vegas Grand Prix
- Possible title contender
- Kimi Antonelli
- Season
- 2026
- Suggested date
- A “relevant weekend
What people are saying
not good for F1
relevant weekend
silly
Yes!!
Posts on X
This isn’t good for Las Vegas and F1. Kimi Antonelli could wrap up the F1 championship at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, October 25. A month before the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Move the Vegas race to a relevant weekend @F1 @LasVegas_GP