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The Friday of the GP Las Vegas
Many cars on the track for the entire duration of the first two free practice sessions, some long runaways complete with spectacular spins to return to the track, few interruptions and lots of action. You can’t say that the first day of GP activity in Nevada wasn’t fun. It could have been decidedly more so for the spectators in the standsand not just for the pleasure of seeing the F1 cars whiz by live and at night, in the glittering setting of the world capital of gambling. In fact, some riders joked after FP2 and denounced it a persistent smell of marijuana all along the Las Vegas runway.
The “complaint” of Perez and Colapinto
He was the first to talk about it Czech Perez who, having just dismounted from his Red Bull RB20 – on a day of now ordinary mediocrity stuck at the back of the group – also sketched a smile to describe the euphoric atmosphere that can be felt (literally) on the circuit: “I didn’t lap much, my free practice 1 was a real disaster because the track was very dirty. And then, what we can smell all over the Las Vegas track is the continuous smell of marijuana throughout the night. I’m already a little tired, it’s incredible how much there is. It’s something I’m sure the riders will talk about over the course of the weekend”.
Interviewed by colleagues from Spanish-language South American TV channels, too Franco Colapinto did not fail to underline the “problem” of the evening in Las Vegas: “Yes, there was a lot of joint smell. I believe that if they gave us a doping test now, all of us riders would test positive. I swear. If we were all to be positive, it would be a big mess”. Recreational cannabis use has been legal in the state of Nevada, where the city of Las Vegas is located, since 2017.
**In light of this incident, do you think Formula One should adopt stricter controls over environmental factors at race tracks, or should organizers prioritize flexibility and adaptation to local contexts?**
## World Today News Exclusive:
**The Smell of Controversy at the Las Vegas GP**
**Introduction:** Welcome to World Today News, where we bring you the hottest topics from around the globe. Today, we delve into the unexpected aroma that permeated the Las Vegas Grand Prix track, sparking debate among drivers and fans alike. Joining us are two esteemed guests:
* **Dr. Elena Rodriguez**, a motorsport expert and sociologist, shedding light on the cultural and practical implications of this unusual situation.
* **Mark Hamilton**, a former F1 driver and current commentator, offering a driver’s perspective on how this unique environment might affect performance and safety.
**Section 1: The Scene in Sin City:** Dr. Rodriguez, the article mentions a “persistent smell of marijuana” at the Las Vegas track. This is obviously an unusual element in the typically controlled environment of Formula One. Can you elaborate on the social and cultural context of cannabis use in Las Vegas?
**Dr. Rodriguez:**
*(Provides insights into the legalization of recreational cannabis in Nevada, the city’s image as a hub for entertainment and relaxation, and the potential clash between these factors and the professional atmosphere of motorsport.)*
**Section 2: Driver Perspectives:**
Mark, what are your initial reactions to the drivers’ comments regarding the smell? As a former driver, how do you think this could impact concentration and focus during a high-stakes race?
**Mark Hamilton:**
* (Draws from his experience to discuss the mental demands of F1 racing, the importance of a focused mindset, and the potential distraction posed by strong odors. He can also comment on whether the drivers might adjust their pre-race routines or breathing techniques to mitigate the effects.)*
**Section 3: Safety and Regulations:** Dr. Rodriguez, considering the drivers’ concerns about potential positive doping tests, what are the implications for anti-doping regulations in Formula One?
**Dr. Rodriguez:**
* (Discusses the regulations surrounding cannabis use in F1, the challenges of differentiating between recreational and performance-enhancing use, and the potential need for clarification or adaptations to existing rules)*
**Section 4: The Bigger Picture:** This incident highlights a clash between the cultural landscape of Las Vegas and the traditionally regulated world of Formula One. Mark, what do you think this means for the future of races in unconventional locations?
**Mark Hamilton:**
* (Offers his perspective on the potential impact of this situation on future race selection, the importance of considering local context, and the need for open communication between organizers, teams, and drivers.)*
**Conclusion**:
This unexpected turn of events at the Las Vegas GP raises intriguing questions about culture, regulation, and the future of motorsport. We thank Dr. Rodriguez and Mark Hamilton for sharing their valuable insights. Stay tuned to World Today News for continued coverage of this developing story.
