Max Verstappen Criticizes Las Vegas Grand Prix’s Glitzy Opening and Track Layout
Max Verstappen expressed his dissatisfaction with the Las Vegas Grand Prix’s opening ceremony, describing it as unnecessary showmanship. The F1 champion also raised concerns about the new track layout, questioning its potential for exciting racing.
Key Takeaways:
- Verstappen’s Displeasure with the Opening Ceremony: The Red Bull Racing driver was visibly unimpressed with the grand opening event of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, criticizing the show’s extravagance and expressing that he felt out of place.
- Skepticism Over Track Layout: Verstappen also voiced his reservations about the new Las Vegas track, doubting its ability to provide thrilling racing due to its lack of high-speed corners and possible low grip.
- A Candid Approach: Known for his straightforwardness, Verstappen made it clear that while he enjoys being in Vegas, the racing aspect, particularly the street circuit with the current heavier cars, does not excite him as much.
In a candid display of his feelings, Max Verstappen, the star of Red Bull Racing, openly criticized the lavish opening ceremony of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, held on Wednesday night. Despite the grandeur and the presence of celebrities like Kylie Minogue, Will.i.am, and Thirty Seconds to Mars, Verstappen remained unmoved, stressing his focus on racing rather than the spectacle.
“For me, you can skip this. We are just standing up there, looking like a clown. I mean, yeah…” Verstappen commented, reflecting his discomfort with the excessive display. His stance remained firm when asked about raising these concerns with Formula 1 heads. “I don’t know, I guess they still make money if I like it or not, so it’s not up to me!” he remarked to ESPN.
Verstappen’s frankness extended to his views on the Las Vegas track itself. Despite the track featuring a lengthy straight down the Strip and 17 corners, he remained skeptical about its potential to provide engaging racing. “There’s not many corners to be honest… I don’t know. It also will depend a bit probably on how grippy it is. Doesn’t look like it has a lot of grip, but we’ll go with the flow,” he said, pointing out the limitations he perceives in the street circuit.
This criticism comes amid the Formula 1 world’s anticipation of the sport’s return to Las Vegas after four decades. While the event organizers aim to blend the city’s iconic glitz with high-speed racing, Verstappen’s remarks highlight a potential disconnect between the drivers’ expectations and the showmanship often associated with such grand events.
The Dutch driver’s straightforward approach is well-known in the F1 community. He has consistently voiced his opinions, whether positive or negative. “I just always voice my opinion on positive things and negative things. That’s just how I am,” Verstappen stated.
As the world of Formula 1 continues to evolve, blending entertainment with sport, Verstappen’s comments underscore the ongoing debate about the direction of the sport. While the spectacle may attract new fans and create buzz, the core of F1 racing – the thrill of high-speed, competitive driving – remains the priority for many, including champions like Max Verstappen.
