Formula 1: Las Vegas Grand Prix not being shown on ABC
By Asher Fair
For the first time since ESPN picked up Formula 1 broadcast rights in 2018, a race in the United States will not be aired on ABC.
At long last, the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix is scheduled to take place this Saturday night at the new Las Vegas Street Circuit, marking the third of three United States races on the 22-race 2023 Formula 1 schedule.
The race is set to begin at 10:00 p.m. local time, meaning that it is slated for a 1:00 a.m. ET start time on Sunday morning — the same as for the Japanese Grand Prix.
And that’s assuming there are no more delays.
Due to the awkward timing of the 50-lap race around the 17-turn, 3.853-mile (6.201-kilometer) upside-down pig-shaped course, which includes parts of the Las Vegas Strip, it will not air on ABC.
In six seasons since ESPN picked up Formula 1 broadcasting rights, this is the first United States race not to be shown on ABC.
With a 1:00am ET start time, @F1LasVegas will mark the first U.S. race not to air on @ABCNetwork since @ESPN picked rights back up in 2018.
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) November 14, 2023
🔲 It'll air on ESPN/ESPN+/ESPN Deportes, @GMA and @SportsCenter will do segments and ESPN2 will air highlights from the Opening Ceremony. pic.twitter.com/CY8zjiiMC6
As Formula 1 viewership numbers continue to surge, even amid a season during which there has been skepticism due to Max Verstappen’s dominance, Saturday’s/Sunday’s Las Vegas Grand Prix is set to air live on ESPN, marking the first race shown on ESPN since the Singapore Grand Prix in September.
Five races in a row have been shown on either ABC or ESPN2.
Five races have been shown on ABC this season, including the Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome in May and the more recent United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas in October.
Two of the other three were contested in North America, including the Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in June and the Mexico City Grand Prix at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in October. Contrary to the beliefs on some, Mexico is not in South America.
The other one was the crown jewel Monaco Grand Prix, which was contested at Circuit de Monaco back in May.
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Tune in to ESPN at 1:00 a.m. ET this Sunday, November 18 for the live broadcast of one of the most hyped — and controversial — Formula 1 races in recent years in Las Vegas, Nevada. Begin a free trial of FuboTV now and don’t miss it!