Formula 1

F1: Sebastian Vettel Doesn’t Want To Race At Las Vegas – “I Don’t Really Like It”

Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel has admitted that he’d much rather race at Australia’s Mount Panorama circuit over the upcoming race at Las Vegas next year during the 2023 F1 season. The New South Wales Track hosts the Bathurst 1000, and the four-time champion is much more interested in investing in that track over building a whole new track entirely.

Earlier this year F1 announced that it would indeed be heading to Las Vegas, the third track within the United States alongside Miami and Austin. The track will wind its way through Sin City, visiting its many casinos, hotels, and of course the famous Las Vegas strip. But while the majority of the drivers are excited to add it to their lineup, Vettel isn’t too bothered.

“I’d rather go to Bathurst!” Vettel told an Aston Martin fan forum over the weekend of the Australian Grand Prix.

“[We could] take the cash we’ll take to Vegas and invest it in great tracks that already exist.

“That would be a real challenge. I think that track is a monster.

“I’ve never been but, one day, I hope to go and experience it.”

It would take plenty of cash to bring Mount Panorama up to the FIA’s stringent Grand 1 standards. In fact, it’s only currently rated as a Grade 3. But Vettel has made it very clear that he’s not that interested in Vegas.

He laughed when he was asked about the new stop of the season:

“To be honest, I’ve been to Vegas,” he said.

“I didn’t really like it. I think it’s too busy and people misbehave.

“Nothing against misbehaving, but it’s just when you go too far. Vegas seems to be a hotspot for people who just go too far, when it’s not funny anymore.”

It’s safe to say Vettel isn’t keen, but with other drivers such as Lewis Hamilton feeling optimistic about the event and the sheer amount of cash that it’s going to generate for the sport, it was an inevitable move for the F1.

“It’s gonna be a pretty hardcore event,” Hamilton told fans during a reaction video. “Knowing that it’s a real party city… It’s difficult for a racing driver. How am I going to focus that weekend?

“There’s going to be so much going on.”

Max Verstappen added:

“I think a few drivers might not wake up for the race itself.

“Let’s not do back to back for this one. Let’s give it, like, two weeks’ break before and after.”

“If you call it detox, yeah, it’s gonna be fun.”

Alex Harrington

Alex started racing at a young age so certainly knows his way around a car and a track. He can just about put a sentence together too, which helps. He has a great interest in the latest models, but would throw all of his money at a rusty old French classic and a 300ZX. Contact: [email protected]

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