LAS VEGAS. – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen isn’t buying into the turbo-charged hype around Formula One’s return to Las Vegas, describing the race as 99% show, 1% sport.
Having clinched the drivers’ crown weeks ago, Verstappen had already taken much of the drama out of Saturday night’s race and his open distain for the glitzy showbiz promotion around the event will not do anything to help ticket sales.
But the dour Dutchman was unapologetic, reminding everyone on Wednesday that he is driver not a showman.
Asked if he was looking forward to this weekend, the three-time world champion was unequivocal, “No.”
“I think it is 99% show, 1% sport,” said Verstappen. “They (Formula One) still make money if I like it or not, so it is not up to me.
“But I’m not going to fake it. I always voice my opinion in positive things, in negative things, that’s just how I am.
“It’s not really my thing.”
“Some people like a show, I don’t like it at all.”
If that is the case, Verstappen lived his worst nightmare on a Wednesday during a splashy Vegas-style opening ceremony with rock bands, a drone shows and booming fireworks when he and teammate Sergio Perez appeared from a giant box on the home straight to the cheers of a rain-soaked audience.
“For me you can all skip these things,” said Verstappen. “It’s just standing up there, you look like a clown.”
Later, in a media scrum, Verstappen’s mood was as dreary as the weather. He was not impressed by either the scheduling of the race or his first impression of the circuit.
Qualifying on Friday begins at midnight locally (0800 GMT) while the race is scheduled for 10pm (0600 GMT).
