Las Vegas Grand Prix and Liberty Media settle $3 million class-action over 2023 race

The settlement

The Las Vegas Grand Prix (LVGP) and Liberty Media, Formula 1's commercial rights holder, agreed to a $3,047,986 settlement to end a class-action lawsuit over the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix. The plaintiffs had alleged breach of contract after fans were sent home before the second practice session ended. The settlement agreement was filed on March 3, 2026, and a federal judge has given the deal preliminary approval.

The incident that triggered the lawsuit

The lawsuit stems from events during the 2023 race weekend, when Carlos Sainz, then driving for Ferrari, struck a loose water valve cover during the first practice session, damaging his car and forcing a lengthy track inspection. Esteban Ocon's Alpine was also affected. Repairs to the circuit delayed the schedule, and LVGP ultimately closed the spectator areas before the second practice session could be completed, prompting complaints from ticket holders.

Eligibility and next procedural steps

Compensation covers fans who purchased Thursday-only or three-day tickets, including those who received transferred tickets, while purchasers who bought directly from Ticketmaster or the defendants do not need to file a claim. The claims deadline is August 27, 2026, and a Fairness Hearing to evaluate the settlement's adequacy is scheduled for November 4, 2026.

Broader impact on the race and the calendar

Sainz required a new engine following the incident and incurred a grid penalty that affected his championship campaign. Subsequent Las Vegas Grand Prix events have run without similar disruption, and the race's place on the Formula 1 calendar is secured through 2037. The settlement closes one of the most prominent fan-litigation cases arising from a modern Formula 1 event.

What remains to be resolved

Open questions include the per-ticket compensation amount for the roughly 32,000 eligible ticket holders and whether the Fairness Hearing will result in any adjustments to the settlement. No further hearings have been announced beyond the November 4, 2026 date.