Max Verstappen has criticised the “99% present, 1% sporting occasion” nature of this weekend’s inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix and lambasted Wednesday’s opening ceremony.
F1 is returning to Vegas for the primary time in additional than 40 years with a brand new avenue circuit, with F1 themselves selling the occasion and constructing a brand new pit constructing to the tune of $500m.
However three-time world champion Verstappen, who was among the many 20 drivers dramatically launched to the group throughout Wednesday’s lavish opening ceremony by way of a carry onto a string of podiums, didn’t pull any punches in regards to the spectacle of the occasion in Sin Metropolis.
“I don’t like all of the issues round it,” mentioned the Crimson Bull driver. “I’m wanting ahead to making an attempt to do the perfect I can however I’m not wanting ahead to this.
“For me you may skip these type of issues. It’s simply standing up there, you appear to be a clown.
“I absolutely perceive and you may have a look at it two methods, enterprise aspect or sport aspect. So, after all, I perceive their aspect of it.
“I’m simply voicing my opinion on the efficiency aspect of issues.”
Wednesday’s opening ceremony began with spectacular drone sequences, previous quite a lot of performances from artists comparable to Kylie Minogue, John Legend and Tiesto.
All 20 drivers then briefly appeared to rapturous applause from the group within the grandstands.
Verstappen, who has gained 17 of the 20 races in a season of utter domination, additionally labelled the brand new 17-turn monitor as “not very attention-grabbing.”
Verstappen additionally labelled the Las Vegas Strip Circuit as ‘not very attention-grabbing’
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“I don’t assume it’s that thrilling,” he instructed media on Wednesday.
“Already for me, a avenue circuit shouldn’t be very thrilling, particularly with these new automobiles, too heavy. Additionally when you’ve low grip, that doesn’t assist.
“In fact the surroundings will look nice, driving on The Strip, however the format itself shouldn’t be probably the most thrilling.
In F1 automobiles, it’s much more enjoyable with plenty of excessive velocity corners and round right here, there aren’t that many high-speed corners.”
Verstappen continues to be the heavy favorite so as to add to his win tally this Saturday night time, having gained each grand prix bar one since April.