Formula 1 is set to host one of the biggest sporting events in the world this season. The Las Vegas GP will feature on the calendar for the first time since Liberty Media took over. They have constantly pushed for more and more recognition in the US, and this might be a watershed moment. However, Formula 1 will break two big traditions at the Las Vegas GP. Firstly, the race will be on Saturday. Secondly, the word paddock won’t be used during the F1 weekend.
Origin of the word Paddock
The word paddock won’t be used at the Las Vegas GP. But where does it come from?
The word paddock originates from the world of horseracing. Horseracing predates the world of motorsport by a lot. Therefore, it’s no wonder that it lends a few things to Formula 1. The word paddock originally referred to the place where racehorses gathered before a race.
Once we started motor racing, we brought the word over. Nowadays, in F1, and most other motorsports, the word paddock refers to a space where teams meet.
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Liberty Media Promotors
With the Las Vegas GP, Liberty Media is promoting an F1 event for the first time. Liberty Media clearly expect a lot from this event to be doing so.
This might also be why the Las Vegas GP can afford to demand so many changes. Although the reason is pretty sound for this.
The Reason
A man named Stephen Paddock opened fire on a crowd during a festival in 2017 killing 60 people. Therefore, the term has become sensitive, and the Las Vegas GP is trying to avoid it during the Formula 1 event. For now, they have stated they will use the term ‘Pit Building’.
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An official spokesperson for the Las Vegas GP said, “The Las Vegas Grand Prix empathises with this sensitive topic in the community, and as such has always intended to announce an alternate name for our complex that will feature F1 activations, food & beverage, merchandise stores, event space and more throughout the year.”
“The Las Vegas Grand Prix empathises with this sensitive topic in the community, and as such has always intended to announce an alternate name for our complex that will feature F1 activations, food & beverage, merchandise stores, event space, and more throughout the year.”
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