Formula 1 is set for a major weekend of racing in Las Vegas, Nevada for the sport’s penultimate race of the 2023 season. The city is buzzing and while it may not be the most positive environment, the event is still going to be spectacular. Well, that is the opinion of several people in the area. One of those who don’t share the same mindset is Red Bull driver [autotag]Max Verstappen[/autotag].
Verstappen, the 2023 Formula 1 champion, talked about Formula 1 being in Las Vegas prior to the start of the weekend. When the three-time world champion was asked whether he was looking forward to the event, it was a very startling response.
“No,” Verstappen said. “I think it is 99% show, 1% sport. [Formula One] still makes 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.”
Welcome to the Las Vegas Strip Circuit ✨
Ride onboard the @MercedesAMG Safety Car for a full lap!#LasVegasGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/nGUolL5ozi
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 16, 2023
“For me, you can all skip these things [ceremony]. It’s just standing up there, you look like a clown…I just always want to focus on the performance side of things. I just don’t think [the layout] is that exciting. The scenery will be great driving through the Strip but the layout itself is not the most exciting.”
Verstappen’s shocking comments come as Las Vegas residents are not very keen on the idea of Formula 1 being present this weekend. Many people have been seeing the effects of this event for several months and don’t wish for them to return. Still, it is very startling to see one of Formula 1’s greatest drivers make such comments about the sport as it is a major event.
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