A major issue for racing enthusiasts during the event was the sheer number of distractions. Numerous live performances, featuring artists like Donny Osmond, Martin Garrix, Andra Day, John Legend, Journey, Keith Urban, and Thirty Seconds to Mars, among others, were organized during the event. It appeared that the event organizers were focused on everything except the actual racing, contributing significantly to the event’s chaotic atmosphere.

Max Verstappen, a three-time F1 champion, criticized the event organizers for their lack of understanding of the sport they were catering to. In an interview, he mentioned that while it’s important for fans to have other activities around the track, it is more crucial for them to grasp the essence of the sport. According to Verstappen, many attendees come to party, drink, and enjoy performances without truly comprehending the sport and the effort the drivers and teams put into their performances. He emphasized the need for venues to prioritize the sport and the competing teams over “random shows” to enhance the fans’ experience of F1 racing.