Max Verstappen was made part of the opening ceremony for the Las Vegas GP. The World Champion didn’t like it one bit and blasted the organizers for a ‘clown’ show.
Max Verstappen has barely been bothered on any Formula 1 track in 2023. He has driven his Red Bull to 17 wins in 20 races, annihilating the rest of the Formula 1 field. However, off-track, he has been extremely critical of the management’s gimmicks. He has openly criticized the sprint races on multiple occasions. Earlier in the week, he said he doesn’t care about the Las Vegas GP and will head out after doing his job. After the opening ceremony, he had even harsher words about the event, as reported by Motorsport.
“You can skip these things”
Max Verstappen said the Las Vegas GP opening ceremony made him look like a clown. The Red Bull driver said, “For me, you can all skip these things. It’s not about the singer, it’s just standing up there, you look like a clown.”
He was asked about the extent of the show at the Las Vegas GP. He said, “99% show, and 1% sporting event.”
Also Read:
Sebastian Vettel says “You can never rule out” on Formula 1 return
Felipe Massa & legal team extend deadline for Formula 1 & FIA Response
“Not a lot of emotions”
Continuing on the Las Vegas GP opening ceremony, Max Verstappen had a bit to say about his emotions. The Red Bull driver said, “Not a lot of emotions, to be honest. I just like to always focus on the performance side of things.”
He continued, “I don’t like all the things around it, anyway. I know, of course, in some places, they are part of it, but let’s say it’s not in my interest.”
Also Read: Red Bull Boss Christian Horner admits nerve-wracking wait for big change in 2026
“Business side” of things
After his criticism of the Las Vegas GP, Max Verstappen was pragmatic to see the side of Formula 1. The Red Bull driver saw the business side of the sport as well. He said, “You can look at it two ways, business side or sport side, so I of course understand their side of it as well, but I’m just voicing my opinion on the performance side of things.”
“We are not stakeholders [shareholders], so we just go with it. I mean, they decide what they do, right?”
“I would do the same if I was the owner, I wouldn’t listen to the drivers, it’s my sport, I do with it what I want if that would be the case.”
