Verstappen has changed his mind about Vegas: 'Don't write too negatively!'
Red Bull Contentpool
F1 News
For the second time, Formula 1 has taken over the streets of Las Vegas this weekend. Prior to the even last year, Max Verstappen indicated that he was not a fan of all the glitz and glamour involved in this Grand Prix. He won the race in 2023 and changed his mind, sharing how he is looking forward to the racing.
The various Grands Prix in America are known to go the extra mile for fan entertainment, and the spectacle of Las Vegas somehow goes even further. Special events happen across the paddock, and there is even an opening ceremony where all the drivers are announced.
While Verstappen was very negative towards the event last year, he seems to have changed his mind now. He understands why a Grand Prix in Las Vegas can be lucrative for the organisation. "I don't want to be negative or whatever, but I get it. I get it. I understand why we're here, business-wise, racing-related-wise," Verstappen told GPblog and other media.
Verstappen looking forward to Las Vegas Grand Prix
Though his opinions have changed on the event as a whole, the Dutch driver is still not a big fan of the circuit's layout. "I just like more fast corners, but that's my personal preference. It's not that this Grand Prix is bad or anything. You are dealing with different types of circuits. You have to try to win on all of them."
The opening ceremony is something Verstappen would prefer not to do, but it doesn't have to disappear for him either. "If you ask me if I want to do that [opening ceremony] or not, I will always choose not to do it. But that is not why something is more positive or not." the Red Bull Racing driver stated.
Verstappen can clinch his fourth world title in Las Vegas if he finishes ahead of Lando Norris which is a fantastic place to celebrate. "I'm happy to be here. I like to be in Vegas and it's a great city. Is it my favourite track on the calendar? No, but everyone has their favourite tracks. But I'm happy to be here."
"Last year the race was very exciting. There was a lot of racing going on, There were a lot of straights. It's good for overtaking, the shots [views] are amazing, driving on the strip. So I hope you don't write too negatively about what I think about Vegas because the race last year was great. Would I have liked a few faster corners in the layout? Yeah, it's fine, we'll deal with it," Verstappen said.
This article has been created in collaboration with Sandy van Wijngaarden.
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