Las Vegas Grand Prix 2025: What Drivers, Visitors, and Locals Need to Know About Traffic, Safety, and Accident Risks

Formula 1 Comes to Las Vegas — and With It, One of the Busiest and Most Dangerous Travel Weekends of the Year

Now in the third year of its modern era, the Las Vegas Grand Prix transforms the famous Las Vegas Strip into a flashy, fabulous Formula 1 racecourse like none other in the world. How fast does a Formula 1 race car go? That track has drivers flying by our city’s famous landmarks at speeds up to 229 MPH — well exceeding the 35 MPH limit that is in place for daily drivers along the neon- and LED-lit thoroughfare.

When Is the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix?

This year’s Grand Prix weekend takes place November 20-22, 2025, with the race itself on Saturday night. But preparations for the race, its drivers, and the expected 175,000 visitors it attracts begin much earlier. Each year, just after Labor Day, crews begin scrambling around the clock to build, essentially from scratch, a mostly temporary F1 race track and assorted facilities along the Strip and three interconnecting streets. The construction crews must complete grandstands, luxury viewing boxes, bridges, lighting, track barriers, and fencing while keeping traffic flowing. This is a far cry from when F1 first came to Las Vegas in 1981 and 1982. Back then, race organizers utilized a massive Caesars Parking lot for the track, a lot that is today home to the Forum Shops.

How the Las Vegas Grand Prix Impacts Traffic

With today’s Las Vegas Grand Prix race taking place on public streets, the impact of partially shutting down one of the most trafficked roadways in the world cannot be overstated. Not only does it affect the travel of F1 attendees themselves, but also other non-F1 visitors who are in Las Vegas during the three months of preparation, and then for some weeks afterward during the teardown period. Additionally, travel by locals — especially those who live, work, or operate businesses near the Strip — is seriously altered, leading to frustration, complaints, and even lawsuits.

Why Accident Risks Increase During F1 in Las Vegas

As one might imagine, more frustrated drivers on such travel-restricted roadways often lead to an increase in traffic accidents. With Las Vegas already positioned as a top fall and winter travel destination, plus with the huge car-travel weekend of Thanksgiving just a few days after the Las Vegas Grand Prix, all the added cars and added construction-related frustrations will likely make driving here a little more dangerous than usual during this period (Via 8 News Now).

It’s critical that drivers remain awake, alert, and aware. They should not get behind the wheel when they are tired, under the influence, or taking some prescribed medications. This being Las Vegas, there are many ways to get around without driving, including taxis and buses, limos, the monorail, rideshare, and automated driverless cars. But even with responsibility and careful driving (or even having someone else drive you), accidents still happen. 

Flood Warnings Add Another Layer of Risk Ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix

In addition to the traffic and road closures expected during the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the National Weather Service has issued a major flood warning for the Las Vegas Valley ahead of race week. Heavy rainfall across the region has already prompted alerts, with thunderstorms and flash flooding possible through Wednesday morning. This weather advisory overlaps with the event’s kickoff, including media day on Wednesday evening. While the outlook for the main on-track action appears more favorable — with only a 30% chance of showers during Free Practice 1 at 4:30 PM local time and minimal rain predicted for the remaining sessions — the wet conditions significantly increase risks for everyday drivers. Flooded intersections, reduced visibility, slick roadways, and rapidly changing traffic patterns can all contribute to a higher likelihood of accidents, especially with thousands of additional cars already navigating construction zones and detours. Visitors and locals should use extreme caution, avoid standing water, and allow extra travel time during these weather-impacted days.

What to Know If You’re in a Car Accident During F1 Weekend

If you are traveling to or around Las Vegas by car during this busy season, it is important to know that the rules and your rights (if you are involved in an accident) differ from state to state. In auto accidents, both Nevada and California are at-fault states, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for covering damages and injuries. But both states are also “comparative negligence” states, meaning that if both drivers are deemed at fault, compensation is calculated based on each driver’s percentage of negligence.

Both Nevada and California also have a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury or wrongful death, three years for property damage. While that may seem like a long time, it is always best to contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accident. Navigating the rules and laws, the statutes of limitations, the complicated concept of “comparative negligence,” and the incredibly complex world of insurance and liability is more than overwhelming for most people. This is especially true when they have just been involved in an accident. After an accident, there are several steps you should take, including gathering evidence, filing a police report, and seeking medical attention. It’s essential to understand your rights and responsibilities during this process, and an experienced attorney can help guide you through it.

Why Legal Help Matters During the Las Vegas Grand Prix

During major events like the Las Vegas Grand Prix — especially with added risks from heavy traffic, road closures, and even flood warnings — accident claims become far more complicated. An experienced personal injury attorney can step in immediately to protect your rights, investigate the scene, preserve evidence, and navigate insurance issues that often arise when crashes happen in construction zones, detours, or hazardous weather conditions. Attorneys also handle disputes involving comparative negligence, which is common when multiple drivers share fault on congested or flooded roads. A qualified lawyer can coordinate medical care, communicate directly with insurance adjusters, calculate full damages, and make sure you are not pressured into a low settlement. Most importantly, the right attorney gives you peace of mind by guiding you through every step of the process while aggressively advocating for the compensation you deserve — whether you’re a local resident, tourist, or someone visiting Las Vegas specifically for F1 weekend.

Why Sam & Ash Injury Law Is Here for You During F1 and the Holiday Travel Rush

We love Las Vegas. That’s why Sam & Ash Injury Law is here, located right in our Downtown’s wonderful Arts District. We love the energy, the restaurants and nightlife, and all the amazing events Las Vegas hosts. But with more people, holiday celebrations, and the numerous parties associated with big events, it’s easy for drivers to get distracted, fatigued, or make poor choices — especially with the way the F1 track and its facilities disrupt the Strip and surrounding areas. Sometimes things go wrong. And when they do, you need an attorney who both cares about you and will fight fiercely for your rights and for what is just.

Sam & Ash Injury Law — Because You Deserve What’s Right.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Las Vegas Grand Prix & Accident Safety

1. What days will the Las Vegas Strip be closed for the 2025 F1 race?

The Las Vegas Grand Prix takes place November 20–22, 2025. Portions of the Strip and connecting streets may be restricted or closed beginning in early fall, often right after Labor Day, as the temporary F1 track and structures are built.

2. How bad is traffic during the Las Vegas Grand Prix?

Traffic is significantly heavier than normal. Detours, lane reductions, and street closures can cause long delays, especially for visitors unfamiliar with the changed road layout. The weekend also falls close to Thanksgiving, one of the busiest travel holidays of the year.

3. Are car accidents more common during F1 weekend in Las Vegas?

Yes. Increased congestion, construction zones, distracted drivers, and heavy tourism consistently lead to more collisions during the Grand Prix season. Locals and visitors should use extra caution or choose alternative transportation.

4. What should I do if I’m in a car wreck during the Las Vegas Grand Prix?

Gather evidence, file a police report, seek medical attention, and contact a personal injury attorney. Nevada’s comparative negligence laws can make fault disputes complicated, especially with temporary race-related road changes.

5. Can tourists involved in an accident during F1 file a claim in Nevada?

Absolutely. Even if you live out of state, your accident claim is processed under Nevada law if the crash occurred in Nevada.

6. How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Nevada?

Nevada gives you two years for injury or wrongful death claims and three years for property damage — but it’s always best to contact an attorney immediately to protect your rights.

7. Why should I hire Sam & Ash Injury Law after an accident in Las Vegas?

Sam & Ash provide personal, one-on-one guidance, years of experience in Nevada and California law, and a proven track record of helping clients get the outcome they deserve. They offer free, no-pressure consultations 24/7.