Formula 1 is a sport known for its high speeds, adrenaline-pumping moments, and cutting-edge engineering. But during last weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, the drivers faced an unexpected challenge that had nothing to do with hairpin turns or turbo-charged engines—it was the smell of marijuana floating through the air.
Some drivers joked about potential drug-testing mishaps, while others shared their annoyance. However, as we dig deeper into this unusual complaint, it raises questions about the realities of cannabis, its effects, and how it sits in stark contrast to the other physical risks and exposures these drivers face daily.
The Unique Atmosphere of the Las Vegas Grand Prix
For those unfamiliar, Formula 1’s Las Vegas Grand Prix takes place on a city circuit right along the iconic Las Vegas Strip. With marijuana legalized in Nevada since 2016, the smell of marijuana lingering in public spaces isn’t rare, especially at large outdoor events.
Drivers like Max Verstappen, Franco Colapinto, and Sergio Pérez noted just how noticeable the cannabis odor was during the event, reported ESPN. Verstappen jokingly remarked, “I was quite high in the car,” while his teammate Pérez chimed in, “The amount is incredible.” The jokes went further when Williams driver Franco Colapinto quipped, “If they dope [test] the drivers now, I think we’ll all test positive.”
These lighthearted remarks quickly grabbed headlines. But as amusing as they were, they also opened the door to some scientific clarification about secondhand cannabis exposure.
The Science Behind Secondhand Cannabis Smoke and Drug Testing
First, the burning question (pun intended): Can secondhand cannabis smoke make you fail a drug test?
The short answer is no—failing a drug test due to secondhand exposure is highly unlikely. Studies have shown that it would require prolonged, extreme exposure in a highly confined space to register even trace amounts of THC (the compound responsible for cannabis’s psychoactive effects) in a person’s system.
For example, research indicates that passive exposure under normal circumstances would not lead to a positive drug test. Even in experimental settings where participants were exposed to dense smoke in unventilated rooms, only minor traces of THC were detected—and none were enough to trigger a failed result by standard testing thresholds.
The bottom line? The F1 drivers’ jokes about testing positive were just that—jokes. Whatever cannabis their noses picked up would not have impacted their bloodstreams or their performance on the track.
F1 Drivers and the Real Environmental Hazards They Face
While the smell of cannabis seemed to bother some drivers, it pales in comparison to other exposures these athletes face in the course of their profession.
The Real Fumes of Racing
F1 vehicles can reach speeds of over 200 mph, thanks to finely tuned engines that release emissions filled with harmful chemicals. Drivers spend hours inhaling fumes including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants while competing or during long practice sessions.
Over time, repeated exposure to these substances may pose health risks far greater than the occasional marijuana smell in the air. Ironically, it’s the environmental impact and health hazards of these engine emissions, rather than cannabis smoke, that deserve closer scrutiny.
The Physical Strain of Racing at High Speeds
The act of piloting an F1 car goes far beyond pressing pedals and turning a wheel. At racing speeds, drivers endure gravitational forces (G-forces) that can place incredible stress on their necks, core muscles, and cardiovascular systems. Their heart rates surge to over 170 beats per minute, maintaining this level for hours at a time.
These physical demands, combined with the mental focus required to make split-second decisions, mean that racing drivers are consistently pushing their bodies far beyond what most people experience—even before factoring in environmental annoyances like pungent odors.
The Risk of Catastrophic Accidents
Formula 1 racing is inherently dangerous. Despite advances in safety, accidents at 200+ mph remain a very real threat. Drivers risk their lives every time they hit the track, performing dangerous overtakes and navigating hairpin turns with incredible precision.
Between breathing in engine pollution, enduring physical strain, and grappling with crash risks, it’s safe to say that cannabis smoke should be the least of their concerns.
Changing Perspectives on Cannabis
Beyond the context of Formula 1, this story highlights how societal views on cannabis continue to evolve. While some may still associate marijuana with negative stereotypes, its legalization in states like Nevada has positioned the plant in a new light.
At events like the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the smell of cannabis is simply part of the local culture. For many, it’s far less offensive than cigarette smoke, and arguments could even be made that its presence is less harmful than the exhaust emissions pouring out of an F1 car.
While some drivers joked about being “tired” of the cannabis fumes, perhaps the Las Vegas GP presents an opportunity for F1 to reflect on its environmental footprint and occupational hazards more broadly.
If drivers are concerned about what they’re inhaling on race day, they might focus more attention on initiatives to reduce harmful emissions from their cars and improve air quality around racing circuits. After all, the future of motorsports is moving toward sustainability, with Formula E leading the charge as an electric alternative.
And for fans? It’s worth considering that if marijuana smoke bothers you at outdoor events, car exhaust fumes are likely doing you far more harm in the long run.
Although the jokes about the marijuana smell at the Las Vegas Grand Prix added some lighthearted headlines, they also highlight the increasing normalization of cannabis and the evolving culture around its use.
For F1 drivers regularly exposed to high-stakes dangers, physical strain, and actual toxic emissions, a bit of weed smoke drifting in the open air might just be the least of their worries. Perhaps it’s time for the motorsports world to prioritize bigger conversations about health, safety, and the future of sustainable racing.
