Max Verstappen softens his stance on F1 Las Vegas GP after 2023 criticism

Max Verstappen believes the Las Vegas GP is an exciting addition to the F1 calendar but still sees room for improvement in its track layout. Speaking to media including Sportskeeda ahead of the race weekend, the Red Bull champion shared that while he appreciates the event’s atmosphere, he would prefer a circuit with faster corners.

In 2023, Max Verstappen was vocal in his criticism of the Las Vegas GP, particularly targeting the street circuit and the elaborate opening ceremony, which included drivers, artists, and bands performing on the grid. Known for his aversion to street tracks, the Dutchman had previously expressed his preference for traditional circuits. However, by the end of last year’s race, Verstappen admitted to enjoying the unique experience of racing through the iconic Las Vegas Strip.

Heading into the 2024 edition, Verstappen’s stance has softened toward the event. He praised the venue’s novelty and the excitement of racing in the Nevada desert but reiterated his dislike for slow-corner layouts and theatrical pre-race ceremonies.

Asked if the lack of an opening ceremony had made the Las Vegas GP venue more likable and changed his opinion of it, Max Verstappen said:

"No, I mean, for me, no, the opening ceremony, I mean if you ask me if I want to do that or not, I will always choose not to do it. But that's not why you know something is more positive but 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 favorite tracks. But I’m happy to be here. Last year the race was very exciting there was a lot of racing going on you know there were a lot of straights it's good for overtaking the shots are amazing you know driving on the strip, so I hope you don't write all too negative 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, but it's fine, we’ll deal with it.”

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Max Verstappen believes he has a better understanding of the commercial value of the Las Vegas GP

Max Verstappen acknowledges a greater appreciation for the Las Vegas GP and its role on the F1 calendar. The 26-year-old admitted to understanding the race’s commercial significance for both teams and the sport, refraining from his negative comments during its inaugural edition.

Reflecting on the 2023 race, Verstappen felt that the result in Las Vegas ultimately defined his championship victory. Despite starting the weekend with complaints about the venue, he ended it by singing ‘Viva Las Vegas’ on the radio, highlighting how his perspective had shifted. Red Bull has had significant sponsorship activations throughout the venue and has also transported their Monaco GP energy station for their guests to the venue.

Asked as to why his opinion about the desert venue had changed, Max Verstappen said:

“I get it. Well, yeah, I don't want to be negative or whatever, but I get it, I mean I understand that why we're here like you know business wise racing related wise. I just enjoy high -speed corners, but that's my personal preference. It's not that this country is bad or whatever. It's just you know you deal with all different kind of tracks. You need to try and win on all of them. But I think if you look at how important it was the race result, I think yeah it was definitely one of my most important ones in my career, if you want to compete for the championship.”

Max Verstappen won the 2023 Las Vegas GP by a narrow 2.070-second margin over Charles Leclerc after starting from third on the grid. The Dutchman is poised to secure his fourth title at the venue, though Red Bull may face performance challenges for both cars.

Verstappen will start the 2024 edition from fifth on the grid. In the constructors’ standings, Red Bull currently sits third, 13 points behind Ferrari in second and 49 points behind McLaren.