The highly-anticipated return of the Las Vegas Grand Prix got off to a chaotic and disappointing start as furious Formula 1 (F1) fans were ejected from their seats, having witnessed only nine minutes of on-track action. The incident has sparked outrage among spectators, raising concerns about the event's organization and leaving a negative mark on F1's reputation.

The turmoil began when Carlos Sainz's Ferrari collided with a loose drain cover on the track during the first practice session. This forced the session to be cancelled and resulted in a delay of 90 minutes for the start of the second practice session, pushing it into the early hours of the morning. Frustration reached its peak when police reportedly threatened spectators with trespass charges unless they vacated the premises.

With staff and stewards nearing the end of their shifts, organizers made an ill-fated decision to clear fan areas and seats, leaving the cars to continue running in front of eerily empty grandstands after the circuit had been repaired and inspected. This move further exacerbated the anger and discontent among the fans.

Social media platforms erupted with complaints from disappointed fans who had paid exorbitant prices for their tickets, only to be forced out of the event prematurely. Paul Loeffel, one disgruntled fan, expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, "Paid $3000 for a ticket to get kicked out after FP1 got cancelled. You couldn't pay your employees to put on an event." To add insult to injury, fans were even prohibited from watching the action from outside the track, as Las Vegas PD and private security enforced the removal of spectators who had sought alternative viewing spots.

The images captured of fans giving thumbs down from the increasingly empty stands will undoubtedly evoke memories of previous F1 disasters in America. This includes the infamous 2005 Indianapolis race, where only six cars took to the grid due to tire issues. Such scenes serve as a painful reminder of the need for smooth and well-coordinated event planning.

The Las Vegas Grand Prix was intended to be a milestone event, showcasing a new standard for spectating, justifying premium ticket prices, and attracting a greater following in the United States. However, this unexpected turn of events has dealt a severe blow to these aspirations. F1's parent company, Liberty Media, had expressed hopes for both financial success and an outstanding fan experience. In an earlier earnings call, Greg Maffei, CEO of Liberty Media, stated, "I think we will make a lot of money in Vegas over the long term. But way more important than that is that we have a great experience for our drivers, for our patrons, for our fans, for our viewers, for everybody involved. That's the goal."

The fallout from this disastrous start to the Las Vegas Grand Prix raises concerns about F1's ability to deliver on its promises and ensure an unforgettable experience for fans. As the event progresses, organizers and authorities will undoubtedly face mounting pressure to rectify the situation and salvage the reputation of the race.