As anticipation builds for the 2025 Formula 1 season, cybersecurity professionals are cautioning that the excitement surrounding the Las Vegas Grand Prix extends far beyond the racetrack. The event, scheduled for November 22, 2025, will mark the twenty-second round of the 2025 Formula One World Championship at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit in Paradise, Nevada.
Alongside the massive crowds and economic activity expected that weekend, experts say digital threats are also preparing to accelerate.
Formula 1 Event Creates a Prime Target for Cybercrime
In the lead-up to the race, both locals and visitors are being warned about phishing attempts, text-based schemes, and an especially concerning trend: the QR code scam. These threats, which often rely on urgency and impersonation, are expected to spike as hundreds of thousands of people arrive in the city.
One common scam scenario involves a supposed text offering a last-minute ticket upgrade or a QR code promising discounted parking. A single tap could open a pathway for attackers to harvest personal data.
Cybersecurity expert Anne Cutler noted that global events draw criminal attention. “When you have a big event like this, it puts a target on Las Vegas’ back. Cyberattacks can be absolutely crippling. It can affect businesses… everything from infrastructure to utilities,” she said.
Cutler warned that residents face the same risks as visitors. “Cyber criminals know we’re all hyped up about F1 right now. You might get emails that sound too good to be true,” she said. Fake messages impersonating race teams, hotels, or ticket vendors are expected to circulate heavily during the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
She added that weak passwords, outdated apps, and unpatched devices can make individuals more vulnerable, especially during high-traffic events. “You need strong, unique passwords for every account,” Cutler emphasized. Nevada’s constant influx of money, tourism, and movement also makes it an appealing target. “You don’t want to fall for a phishing attack that steals your credentials or downloads malware,” she said.
Beyond traditional phishing, experts are concerned about quishing, a form of QR-based phishing. This QR code scam has grown, especially as QR codes have become a common part of daily life. According to the FBI, scams cost Americans $16 billion last year, and Keener noted that about a quarter of those cases involved QR codes. The FTC has also warned the public about fake QR codes appearing on mailed packages, public signs, and promotional materials, which can redirect users to malicious websites or deploy malware.
Conclusion
With the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix approaching, experts urge caution against QR code scams and other digital threats. Attendees and locals should avoid scanning unsolicited codes on walls, sidewalks, or over existing signs, and report any scams to the authorities.
Organizations can stay protected from cybercriminals using intelligence-driven platforms like Cyble, which combines AI-powered threat detection, automated response, and real-time monitoring of phishing campaigns, brand impersonation, and vulnerabilities.
Schedule a free Cyble demo to uncover risks and protect your organization before high-risk events, such as the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
