Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix and Liberty Media

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – A class action lawsuit was filed Friday against the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix and the organization’s parent company, Liberty Media.

The lawsuit was filed by Dimopoulos Law Firm on behalf of the 35,000 people who purchased tickets to Thursday’s practice session, which was canceled after only nine minutes. The firm alleges that Liberty Media and TAB Contractors, Inc., who were responsible for constructing the track, breached their contract with ticket holders by not providing a full practice session.

The lawsuit also accuses the defendants of negligence and deceptive trade practices. Dimopoulos Law Firm is seeking damages in the form of refunds for ticket holders, as well as punitive damages.

Background

The first round of Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix practice came to an abrupt halt on Thursday night when Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz hit a water valve cover on the track. The incident severely damaged Sainz’s car and prompted race officials to halt the session in order to check all of the valve covers on the track.

The second round of practice was scheduled to start at 12 a.m., but it was ultimately delayed until 3 a.m. Fans who had been waiting since 8:40 p.m. to see their favorite drivers back on the track were told to leave by grand prix staff.

Race Officials’ Response

In a statement to media after the fact, race officials said that concerns over staffing and the timing required to reopen the circuit to street traffic prompted them to ask fans to leave.

Formula 1’s Response

Formula 1 offered a $200 voucher to its merchandise store to those who were asked to leave the track before the second practice started.

Legal Action

Dimopoulos Law Firm is seeking damages in the form of refunds for ticket holders, as well as punitive damages.

Credits: KTNV