Verstappen says Track Not On Same Level As Other Road Venues,
Max Verstappen, one of Formula One’s top drivers, expressed his disappointment with the new Las Vegas Grand Prix, stating that it lacks the emotion and passion found at iconic venues like Monaco. The event, which marks the return of Formula One racing to Las Vegas after a 40-year absence, took place on a 3.6-mile street circuit along the famous Strip.
Verstappen’s skepticism about the event began when he arrived on Wednesday and described it as being 99% show and only 1% sport. He even compared the experience to feeling like “a clown" during the extravagant opening ceremony. Despite qualifying in second place for the race, Verstappen made it clear that driving on the new track did not compare to the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix.
According to Verstappen, “I think Monaco is like Champions League and this is like National League," drawing a parallel between the two events and football leagues. The National League in this context refers to the fifth tier of English club football.
Verstappen has been critical of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, pointing out that too much emphasis has been placed on concerts and entertainment rather than engaging fans with the on-track action. He believes that fans should have a better understanding of the sport and what the drivers and teams put on the line to perform. Verstappen expressed a desire for more focus on the sport itself, including the achievements and dedication of the teams and drivers.
The Dutch driver also commented on the lack of passion and emotion at the Las Vegas circuit compared to traditional tracks. While he enjoys Las Vegas for other activities, such as going out, having drinks, and enjoying the city’s offerings, he feels that the emotional intensity found at older tracks is missing.
“I understand that fans maybe need something to do as well around a track, but I think it’s more important that you make them understand what we do as a sport," Verstappen said. “Most of them just come to have a party, drink, see a DJ play or a performance act — I mean I can do that all over the world, I can go to Ibiza and get completely s—faced, you know?
“I think if you would actually put more time into the actual sport and what we are actually trying to achieve here … because as a little kid [drivers] grew up to be a world champion. If the sport would put more focus onto these kinds of things and also what a team is doing, what they are achieving and what they are working for, then these kinds of things are way more important to look at than having all these random shows all over the place.
“It’s not what I am passionate about and I like passion and emotion at these kinds of places. I love Vegas, but not to drive an F1 car. I love to go out, have a few drinks, throw everything on red, be crazy, have nice food. … But like I said, the emotion and passion is not there compared to old-school tracks."
Verstappen’s criticism highlights the importance of preserving the heritage and atmosphere of beloved Formula One circuits while trying to expand the sport’s reach to new locations.