F1 drivers are set to hold a meeting over a strange scent of marijuana which has engulfed the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with one driver joking that they could all test positive for the drug.
The street circuit, which debuted in 2022 under the lights on the famous Las Vegas strip, has created a number of issues for organisers – from unhinged drains to freezing weather conditions.
But ahead of Sunday’s race, drivers have complained about the smell of ‘weed’ when arriving at the Sin City circuit, which is proving to be a distraction.
Williams ace Franco Colapinto even joked that inhaling the fumes could cause problems for the 20 drivers if they are drug-tested.
“Yes, there was a smell of weed,” the Argentinian said. “If they dope [test] the drivers now, I think we’ll all test positive, I swear – when we all test positive, there will be a mess.”
Speaking after his second free practice session, Red Bull’s Sergio Perez was not a fan of the pungent aroma and vowed to set up a meeting to discuss the issue.
“What is very noticeable around the circuit is the smell of marijuana throughout the night,” the Mexican driver said. “I’m a bit tired of it already – the amount is incredible. It’s something all the drivers will definitely talk about.”
F1 drivers are banned from consuming drugs under the FIA’s Anti-Doping regulations and there is no insinuation that a driver is at risk after Colapinto’s tongue-in-cheek remarks.
But the issue could become a problem for track organisers if it persists. Unlike in the UK, where cannabis remains a B-class drug, the plant-based substance is legal for both medical and recreational use in the U.S state of Nevada.
Fans are prohibited from bringing drugs inside the gates of the 3.8-mile circuit. However, it seems that even with stringent security checks, the funky smell has found its way into the atmosphere.
Sure enough, a Jade Cannabis Co shop located only three miles away from the circuit’s base even attempts to entice F1 fans attending the race with a message on its website.
“For the Las Vegas Formula 1 event attendees, the experience can be elevated with cannabis,” it reads.
While Perez and Colapinto spoke about the issue, Lewis Hamilton did his talking on the track after topping the timing sheets in both of Friday’s practice sessions for Mercedes.
The 39-year-old was only 11-thousandths of a second quicker than Lando Norris in FP2, however, and hopes to continue his momentum for qualifying on Saturday.
“The car was feeling really good in P1, in P2 less so. So we’ve got some work to do overnight,” Hamilton said. “It’s difficult to know exactly where we are or why we are where we are, but really enjoying driving the track and we’ll see whether the car is still the same tomorrow.”
