Max Verstappen Criticizes Las Vegas Grand Prix as More Show than Sport
Feb
As Las Vegas prepares for its first Formula One Grand Prix in over four decades, three-time world champion Max Verstappen expresses a lack of enthusiasm for racing in the glamorous host city. The opening ceremony featured performances by Kylie Minogue, Journey, and John Legend, accompanied by dazzling lights, fireworks, and an expansive F1 logo.
Walking through the race paddock reveals Elvis impersonators, a “no money” casino, a wedding chapel, and team names illuminated in neon lights. Despite the theatrical atmosphere, Red Bull driver Verstappen, who secured his recent world title last month, is unimpressed by the emphasis on entertainment in Las Vegas.
“I think it is 99% show, 1% sport,” remarked Verstappen on Wednesday, as reported by Reuters. He maintained his candidness, stating, “They [Formula One] still make money if I like it or not, so it is not up to me. But I’m not going to fake it. I always voice my opinion in positive things, in negative things, that’s just how I am. It’s not really my thing. Some people like a show, I don’t like it at all.”
F1 has not yet responded to CNN’s inquiry regarding Verstappen’s comments.
Las Vegas returns to the F1 calendar for the first time since 1982, hosting the race on a temporary street circuit along the renowned Las Vegas Strip. While not all drivers share Verstappen’s perspective, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc emphasized the need to balance showmanship and competitive racing.
“I think there is room to do both [show and racing] and I hope we can do that this weekend,” said Leclerc to Sky Sports. He acknowledged the importance of attracting new audiences while appreciating the sport’s beauty.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix, set for Saturday at 10 p.m. local time, features a 3.8-mile street circuit with 50 laps. Practice sessions are scheduled for Thursday and Friday. McLaren’s Lando Norris acknowledged the unique atmosphere of a night race and glamour but highlighted that, fundamentally, it remains another race weekend.
Verstappen has dominated the season, winning 17 of 20 races and securing the world title well before the season’s conclusion. Red Bull teammates Sergio Pérez and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton follow him in the standings. Hamilton is still seeking his first win of the year.
