F1 Las Vegas GP Survives Flooding Crisis as Rain Clears Before Race Day
Nov, 23 2025
When the Las Vegas Grand Prix rolled into town in November 2025, fans expected neon lights and high-speed drama—not flash floods gushing from a hotel parking garage. But that’s exactly what happened. On Tuesday, November 18, and Wednesday, November 19, Las Vegas received 0.92 inches of rain—more than triple its entire November average. The desert city, built on concrete and with drainage systems designed for occasional desert downpours, couldn’t handle it. Water surged onto the Las Vegas Strip Circuit, turning practice sessions into hydroplaning tests and triggering a red flag when a manhole cover blew loose near the Linq Hotel and Casino on November 20. It wasn’t just a spectacle; it was a safety nightmare.
Track Conditions Turn Treacherous
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton didn’t mince words. "This is probably the slipperiest track we go to in terms of grip we’ve had in the last couple of years," he told GPBlog. The asphalt, normally baked dry by desert heat, had turned slick with oil residue and standing water. Teams scrambled to adjust setups, but with only two hours of dry running before qualifying, strategy sheets became useless. "We went into race weekend with little representative running," confirmed GPBlog.com. That’s a nightmare for teams trying to fine-tune tire compounds and aerodynamic balance on a street circuit where every bump and seam matters.
The flooding wasn’t just a nuisance—it was a warning. AccuWeather noted that "it doesn’t take much rain to trigger flash flooding in the city," and the data proved it. The Las Vegas Strip Circuit winds through the heart of the city’s most paved corridor, where storm drains are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of asphalt. One photo from Getty Images captured the moment a manhole cover shot upward after a car passed over it, a vivid symbol of infrastructure pushed to its limit.
Weather Breaks Just in Time
Here’s the twist: the rain stopped. And it stayed stopped.
By Friday, November 21, the National Weather Service Las Vegas confirmed: "Won’t see rain for at least a week." Forecasts showed a dramatic turnaround. The qualifying session, scheduled for 8 p.m. local time, would see air temperatures around 12°C (54°F), light clouds, and just a 14% chance of precipitation. Humidity hovered at 60%, but the track was drying fast. AccuWeather added that showers had tapered off by Friday afternoon, leaving the circuit ready for Saturday’s main event.
On race day, Saturday, November 22, conditions were near-perfect: a high of 64°F, a low of 49°F, and dissipating clouds. The Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Kevin J. Barr noted drivers would "drive down The Strip" under clear skies—something no one dared predict just 48 hours earlier.
Championship Implications and Historical Context
This wasn’t just any race. It was the 22nd round of the 2025 F1 season—and the final triple-header. The drivers’ championship hung by a thread: Lando Norris led his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri by just 24 points. Every point mattered. The wet practice sessions meant tire graining—a problem McLaren had struggled with last year—could return. Meanwhile, Mercedes, which had dominated last year’s race with a 1-2 finish on the same cold, bumpy track, arrived with confidence. But with so little dry running, even their advantage was uncertain.
Historically, Las Vegas has hosted F1 only twice before—1981 and 1982—and returned in 2023 after a 40-year absence. Each year, organizers have battled the city’s infrastructure. The 2025 flood was the most severe yet. But it also exposed a deeper issue: urban circuits in arid climates aren’t designed for climate volatility. As weather patterns shift, what was once a novelty—a race on the Strip—could become a logistical gamble.
What’s Next for Las Vegas and F1?
Organizers say they’re reviewing drainage upgrades and exploring temporary barriers along vulnerable stretches of the circuit. But money and time are tight—the next race is already locked in for 2026. Meanwhile, drivers are calling for better communication. "If we’re going to run here, we need real-time track data," said one team engineer who spoke anonymously. "Right now, we’re flying blind."
The Las Vegas Grand Prix ended up being one of the most dramatic weekends of the season—not because of overtakes, but because of survival. The weather won the first round. But the teams, the drivers, and the city pulled through. For now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the flooding affect team strategy for the race?
With only two hours of dry running before qualifying, teams couldn’t properly test tire compounds or aerodynamic setups. Many defaulted to conservative strategies, fearing graining on the slick surface. Mercedes, which had dominated in 2024, struggled to replicate last year’s performance without reliable data, while McLaren’s tire graining issues from the prior year resurfaced, forcing last-minute wing adjustments.
Why is Las Vegas particularly vulnerable to flash flooding?
Las Vegas receives less than 4 inches of rain annually, so its infrastructure isn’t built for heavy downpours. Most of the Strip is paved, with limited permeable surfaces. Drainage systems are designed for brief desert storms, not sustained rain. When 0.92 inches fell in two days—more than triple the monthly average—it overwhelmed the system, causing water to pool on roads and erupt from manholes.
What was the impact on driver performance during practice?
Drivers reported extremely low grip levels, with Lewis Hamilton calling it the slipperiest track in recent memory. Braking zones became hazardous, and corner exits were unpredictable. Several drivers spun during practice, and one incident with a loose manhole cover forced a red flag. Without dry running, teams couldn’t calibrate their cars, leading to cautious qualifying runs and unpredictable race starts.
How did the weather affect the championship battle between Norris and Piastri?
The wet conditions erased any advantage McLaren might have had in tire management, a strength in dry conditions. With limited data, both drivers had to rely on intuition, leveling the playing field. Norris, who led by 24 points, risked losing ground if he misjudged the track. Piastri, the underdog, saw an opportunity—but only if he could adapt faster. The final result would hinge on who handled the uncertainty better.
Is the Las Vegas Grand Prix at risk of being canceled in future years due to weather?
Not immediately—but the 2025 event raised serious red flags. F1 organizers are aware of the risks, especially as climate change increases extreme weather events. While the 2026 race is confirmed, long-term viability depends on infrastructure upgrades. Without better drainage, flood barriers, or even a shift in scheduling to avoid November’s volatile weather, future races could face delays, partial cancellations, or even relocation.
What did experts say about the long-term future of street races in arid climates?
Weather analysts and urban planners warn that desert cities like Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Dubai are increasingly vulnerable to climate-driven rainfall extremes. Street circuits, which rely on rigid infrastructure, are less adaptable than permanent tracks. Experts suggest future events in such locations need real-time moisture sensors, portable drainage units, and contingency plans for wet weather—otherwise, the spectacle may become too risky to sustain.