Max Verstappen is not thrilled about the return of the Las Vegas Grand Prix to the calendar

The Las Vegas Grand Prix is making its return to the F1 calendar for the first time since 1982. The layout has changed significantly since the last edition, saying goodbye to the old track on the Caesars Palace parking lot, which was 3.650 km long. In its place is a new urban circuit that is almost twice as long, featuring 17 corners.

Since its officialization last year, for this season, F1 has increased its communication efforts to promote this event: donuts with the W12 for Mercedes, a white and red livery for Ferrari. The weekend schedule has been adjusted to have a night race, with the first two practice sessions taking place on Thursday at 8:30 pm and 12:00 am, which is 5:30 am and 9:00 am on Friday in France. The third practice session and qualifying will take place on Friday at 8:30 pm and 12:00 am, Saturday morning at 5:30 am and 9:00 am, and the race will be held on Saturday evening at 10:00 pm, which is Sunday morning at 7:00 am in France.

« We are here more for the show than for the race »

If the FOM and the teams are overall excited about the return of Formula 1 to Las Vegas, Max Verstappen does not share this view. Indeed, the three-time world champion believes that F1 in Vegas is “more about the show than the race itself.” The website PlanetF1.com reports the Dutchman’s statements: “We are more there for the spectacle than for the race itself if you look at the track layout. But you know, actually, I am not very comfortable. I rather think that I will go there, do my thing, and leave.” Max Verstappen also has doubts about the added value of Vegas for F1. “It depends on which level. In terms of the racing spectacle, maybe not. But in terms of potential partners, for everything surrounding the race, maybe. But it’s something that doesn’t interest me much,” explains the three-time world champion.

Since the 2021 season, new urban tracks have joined Formula 1, such as Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Miami, and this year, Las Vegas. For the Red Bull driver, this urban track in the “gambling capital” is not comparable to the historic track of Monte Carlo. Monaco is also about history and the place itself. Everyone wants to have been to Monaco at least once. We can’t really compare, says Max Verstappen. The Dutchman expects a fast track with plenty of overtaking opportunities during the race. In terms of racing, I think there will be a lot of overtakes because, based on what I’ve tested, there are many opportunities, many places where you can overtake. The straight lines are absolutely massive. Especially coming out of the last corner, turn 1, it’s not difficult to get close to the car ahead. So, I think there will be a lot of overtaking, he explains.