Max Verstappen wasn’t really impressed by the Las Vegas GP and the hype created around it. He reportedly expressed his dismissal of all the popularity, and the reasons behind his attitude are quite obvious. Even though it has been an anticipated event for the entire year, the Las Vegas organizers had poor management.
The weekend started off with a disaster in FP1, when Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari got destroyed by a loose drain cover. This incident raised questions in the entire paddock about the preparedness and safety of the race as a whole. Max Verstappen himself did not shy away from rebuking the extreme hype created around Las Vegas.
Max Verstappen left unimpressed by Las Vegas GP
Even before the weekend had started, Max Verstappen wasn’t really inclined towards the pomp and show-off being featured in the Las Vegas GP. Max Verstappen clarified his aim was only to win the race, finish the weekend and head off to the next race. He wasn’t particularly interested in anything else that F1 is trying to advertise through the Las Vegas GP. The Vegas GP has one motto, i.e. to get the American public more involved in Formula 1 racing. However, the tactics employed by organizers do not sit well with the drivers themselves.
Max Verstappen dropped a shocker when he even declined to start the supposed meeting pre-race, much like the Miami GP. He was strict about the words he used, and he spoke without filter. “For me, you can skip this,” he said. “It’s not about the singers. We are just standing up there, looking like a clown.”
Max Verstappen further clarified his intent while talking about the entertainment aspect of Formula 1, which the Las Vegas GP heavily focuses on, “Some people like the show a bit more, I don’t like it at all. I grew up just looking at the performance side of things and that’s how I see it as well. So for me, I like to be in Vegas, but not so much for racing.”
Max Verstappen’s dismissal of the new events introduced by Liberty Media alongside the Vegas GP is a grim reminder of how things have taken a turn recently.
Verstappen shows his comical side
Max Verstappen is commonly regarded as a determined and focused person who consistently strives for victory. Therefore, his typical behavior may be easily misinterpreted. Despite this, Max entertains himself and others through engaging in friendly banter. Throughout the year, Max has frequently presented drivers with lighthearted challenges or made humorous remarks about the overall atmosphere in the paddock.
Red Bull and Verstappen have been highly successful throughout the season, as evident from an interview with SKY reporter Ted Kravitz, during which Charles discussed race predictions. Ted inquired about the team that is likely to achieve the most favorable outcomes in the Las Vegas Grand Prix, to which Charles responded,
Charles: “I think they will still have the upper hand, for sure.” Ted: “In qualifying or the race?” Charles: “Both.” Max Verstappen was shown sneering at this comment as he laughed off Charles’s concerns.
The accident that Carlos Sainz had could’ve been much worse. Do you think Las Vegas organizers should’ve been more diligent with their work on the preparation of the circuit?
