Verstappen has "zero interest" in Las Vegas show
After the Formula 1 opening show in Las Vegas, world champion Max Verstappen reaffirmed his indifference to the entertainment program of motorsport's premier class away from the racetracks.
He has "zero interest" in the combination of "99 percent show, 1 percent sporting event", said the Red Bull driver, adding: "I only ever want to focus on the performance. I don't like all this fuss."
The Las Vegas Grand Prix is the prestige project of Formula 1 rights holder Liberty Media, which wants to continue to grow the racing series in the booming US market.
"I'm not hypocritical"
"Whether I like it or not, they are still making money. I'm not hypocritical, I express my opinion on positive and negative things," said the Dutchman, who is a three-time champion ahead of the penultimate Grand Prix of the year. "Some people like the show a bit more, I don't like it at all. I grew up only looking at the performance."
Stars such as Kylie Minogue and John Legend performed during the kick-off party in Las Vegas, while a light show with drones illuminated the impressive night-time backdrop in the drizzle. The assembled riders were introduced to the audience on the start-finish straight. "I like being in Vegas, but not so much for the racing. For me, you can just leave all that stuff out," said Verstappen after the parade. You stand there and look "like a clown".
Alonso expresses understanding
Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso thinks the show factor in the gambling metropolis is understandable. "Places like this, and in view of the investment that has been made, deserve a different treatment and a different show," said the Spanish Aston Martin driver. He is prepared "to deliver an extra for this kind of show", but Alonso considers the drivers' media appointments to be excessive.
Max Verstappen announced his absence from the entertainment portion of the upcoming GP Las Vegas, stating, "I have no interest in attending a Formula 1 event that's 99% show and 1% sporting event." Furthermore, during the Formula 1 opening show in Las Vegas, Verstappen expressed his dislike for the fuss and focus on performance, stating, "I only ever want to focus on the performance, I don't like all this fuss."
Source: www.dpa.com
