Not very fond of Las Vegas
Max Verstappen criticizes the show, fans and track
November 19, 2023, 4:32 a.m
Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen renews his criticism of the many show elements at the Grand Prix in Las Vegas – and also doesn’t like the behavior of some fans or the street circuit itself. Shortly before the race weekend he had already spoken out against the event.
World champion Max Verstappen has once again criticized the show nature of the Formula 1 weekend in Las Vegas. “A certain show element is important, but I like emotions. When I was a little kid, it was about the emotions of the sport that I fell in love with, not the show of the sport around it. As a real racing driver, that shouldn’t be the case really important,” criticized the three-time world champion from the Netherlands. Even during the opening show, which was peppered with stars like Kylie Minogue, the Red Bull driver felt “like a clown”.
“I understand that the fans also want something to do when they’re on the track. But it’s more important to show them what we do as a sport. Because most people just come to party, drink, have a drink “To see a DJ or another act. I can do that anywhere in the world,” Verstappen also criticized the behavior of fans. “I think these kinds of things are much more important than all these random shows that are everywhere.”
Verstappen also has his problems with the rather monotonous street circuit designed by German Formula 1 architect Hermann Tilke. “A Formula 1 car doesn’t really come to life on a street circuit. It’s not that exciting,” said Verstappen. If you go to Spa or Monza to the classic tracks, “there is a lot of emotion and passion there.” Verstappen starts from second place in the penultimate Grand Prix of the season on Sunday (7 a.m. CET/Sky and in the live ticker on ntv.de) in Las Vegas.
Pole man Charles Leclerc packaged his criticism more discreetly. “We are a sport and we have to preserve the DNA of the sport, which is the most important thing for everyone. At the same time, opportunities like this have to be seized. A bit of show at the track is also necessary to attract people who might not otherwise come to a formula car. 1 race would have come,” said the Ferrari driver from Monaco. “So you always have to find the right balance between show and sport.” Formula 1 is racing in the entertainment stronghold for the first time in 41 years and wants to further conquer the US market.