Max Verstappen delivers another scathing critique of the Las Vegas GP, this time targeting the spectators.
Max Verstappen, the three-time F1 champion, has been throwing verbal curveballs at the Las Vegas GP since day 1. Initially, he voiced discontent over the event’s focus on spectacle and opening ceremonies, even describing the experience of participating in one as making him feel like a “clown.” Post-qualifying, the Red Bull driver doubted the event’s appeal to true F1 fans and subtly mocked the audience of the event as well.
Expressing his perspective, the Dutchman emphasized the significance of a genuine emotional connection to the sport. He stressed the personal allure of the sport during his formative years, emphasizing that authentic emotion, rather than the surrounding showmanship, was the core attraction.
Verstappen expressed that F1 cars lack excitement on street circuits and aren’t made for them; he finds emotion in classic tracks like Spa and Monza. He comprehends fans seeking activities around the track during races. However, in the post-Quali interview, he asserted that
It’s more important that you actually make them understand what we do as a sport because most of them just come to have a party, drink, see a DJ play or a performance act. Verstappen said, as reported by Racefans.net.
He queries, pondering on what people become fans amid the festivities and entertainment around the track. The champion said:
They want to see maybe their favourite artist and have a few drinks with their mates and then go out and have a crazy night out but they don’t actually understand what we are doing and what we are putting on the line to perform.
Max Verstappen wishes to redirect F1’s efforts on promoting the sport
F1 and Liberty Media have committed a substantial $500 million investment in the Las Vegas GP, crafting it as an unparalleled spectacle for fans. Against neon-drenched opulence, the race unfolds as a pinnacle on F1’s annual calendar. With lavish fan experiences, elite concerts, and celebrity presence, the event aims to captivate audiences through a dazzling showcase, solidifying its status as a premier attraction.
Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez at the Las Vegas GP opening ceremony (Credits: Planet F1)
Verstappen advocates for recalibrating priorities, urging Formula One to invest more time in showcasing the actual sport. He said;
If you would actually invest more time into the actual sport… what a team is doing throughout the season, what they are achieving, what they are working for, these kind of things I find way more important to look at than just having all these random shows all over the place.
Max Verstappen on what he would like to change in the Las Vegas F1 track
"Haha, well, give me an A4 sheet of paper. Let's not even talk about that…"
[@telegraaf] #F1 #LasVegasGP pic.twitter.com/Sy4ZEg1oNr
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) November 18, 2023
His criticism extends beyond the show elements to the very layout of the track, where he unfavorably compares Las Vegas to the iconic Monaco. Verstappen’s analogy paints Las Vegas as “National League” in contrast to Monaco’s lofty “Champions League” status, further underscoring his dissatisfaction with the event’s prioritization of spectacle over genuine competition.
