LAS VEGAS — In 2023, Formula 1 returned to Las Vegas for the first time in 41 years, determined to make it the most glamorous event on the globe-hopping schedule for the storied open-wheel racing series.
It was a street party, and Red Bull driver Max Verstappen openly criticized the focus, which targeted high rollers with a hefty entry fee and a bright spotlight on celebrities, concerts, exclusive events — basically everything but the actual race. The F1 champion who is third. on the all-time list of F1 grand prix victories characterized the event as “99% show, and 1% sporting event.”
By the time he collected the checkered flag, Verstappen was singing “Viva Las Vegas” over his in-car radio. When he returned last year, his fifth-place finish was enough to secure the Dutchman his fourth consecutive F1 season title.
If his previous negative opinion has changed, Verstappen didn’t say. In fact, he did not address the event itself but rather the city and the backlash he faced for voicing his opinion in 2023.
“I mean, the food is great. Had a good dinner last night. The hotel is great,” Verstappen said during a news conference Wednesday. “I also learned to not always speak too much because first of all, it’s better for myself, and less headlines. So that’s probably safer for everyone. But I have a good time. I’ve been here many times even before F1, and I’ve always enjoyed it.”