The Las Vegas Grand Prix: A Spectacle Dominated by Showmanship
Max Verstappen unimpressed by Las Vegas Grand Prix: F1 champion dismisses the upcoming race as a mere spectacle, emphasizing its 99% showmanship and only 1% genuine sporting event
Las Vegas is preparing to host its first Formula One Grand Prix in over four decades, but it seems that three-time world champion Max Verstappen is not particularly excited about racing in the glamorous venue. The opening ceremony of the event featured performances by Kylie Minogue, Journey, and John Legend, accompanied by dazzling lights, impressive fireworks, and a colossal F1 logo.
In the race paddock, you may come across individuals dressed as Elvis, a casino where money is not used, a wedding chapel, and teams with their names shining brightly in neon lights. However, Verstappen, the Red Bull driver who recently secured his world title, is not particularly fond of the theatrical ambiance found in Las Vegas.
On November 14, 2023, Justin Thomas and Carlos Sainz Jr. emerged as the champions of The Netflix Cup, a live Netflix Sports event held at Wynn Las Vegas Golf in Las Vegas, Nevada. The photo by David Becker/Getty Images for Netflix © 2023 captures the victorious moment.
David Becker/Getty Images for Netflix
Carlos Sainz wins inaugural Netflix Cup - and immediately smashes it
Verstappen reportedly expressed, "In my opinion, it's mostly showmanship and only a little bit sport. Whether I enjoy it or not, Formula One still profits from it, so the decision is not mine to make. However, I won't pretend to like it. I'm always outspoken and truthful, whether it's about positive or negative aspects. The show aspect doesn't appeal to me personally, even though some people enjoy it."
CNN has reached out to F1 regarding Verstappen's remarks.
Las Vegas is hosting a Formula 1 race for the first time since 1982. The race will be held on a temporary street circuit located on the iconic Las Vegas Strip.
Not all the drivers who made their entrance by ascending and descending platforms during the opening ceremony shared Verstappen's perspective. "I believe there is an opportunity to balance both the show and the racing, and I am hopeful that we can achieve that this weekend," stated Charles Leclerc of Ferrari.
"Of course, there has been a lot of show already with the opening ceremony. Its a beautiful sport, but you also need to attract new people to this beautiful sport."
Verstappen and fellow Red Bull driver Sergio Pérez greet spectators at the Las Vegas Grand Prix opening ceremony.
Etienne Laurent/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz, a fellow driver for Ferrari, expressed that he had a delightful week. He had the chance to participate in a golf event alongside PGA Tour star Justin Thomas and emerged as the winner. However, his celebration led to an unfortunate incident where he accidentally broke the winners trophy.
The race is scheduled to commence on Saturday at 10 p.m. local time (1 a.m. Eastern Time). It will consist of 50 laps on the 3.8-mile street circuit. Prior to the race, there will be practice sessions on Thursday and Friday.
Lando Norris of McLaren expressed, "I find it slightly distinct - the night race ambiance and the glamorous aspects that come with it. However, at its core, it's simply another race weekend."
Max Verstappen has exerted his dominance throughout this season, triumphing in 17 out of the 20 races held thus far and securing the world championship well before the conclusion of the season.
Behind him in the standings are Red Bull teammate Sergio Pérez and Mercedes Lewis Hamilton, who is still looking for his first win this year.
