Wolff's outburst exposes Formula 1's problem
In sporting terms, the Las Vegas Grand Prix is a success, the race delivers excitement against a spectacular backdrop. However, the surrounding issues are causing discussion and are now even being dealt with by the courts. Formula 1 has some questions to answer.
In sporting terms, the Las Vegas Grand Prix is a success, the race delivers excitement against a spectacular backdrop. However, the surrounding issues are causing debate and are now even keeping the courts busy. Formula 1 has some questions to answer.
Las Vegas oscillates between spectacle and shame
The host first, for once, because he was both hero and villain in this story. Formula 1 hyped its new race for weeks and months, perhaps contributing to this: Some were looking forward to big scenes on the brightly lit strip, others feared a monstrous show and the sport in the role of supporting actor. Among them was Max Verstappen, who felt "like a clown" at the opening ceremony. And many a moment followed, for example during the driver presentation, which can definitely be classified in the "unpleasant" category. However, Las Vegas was proof that the sport does not have to suffer from a lot of show. The race was the most exciting of the season, thanks to the track with its very effective DRS zones and slippery asphalt. The problems, and there were big ones on this premiere weekend, lay elsewhere.
Formula 1 has a problem with problems
Flying channel coverage was one, of course. However, incidents like this can never be ruled out on a new city circuit six kilometers long and do not necessarily have to be explained by botched track construction. Formula 1's handling of this case was more problematic in many respects. Mercedes head of motorsport Toto Wolff railed wildly when journalists voiced loud criticism. A lack of communication and poor crisis management then led to fans holding out for hours into the night to see cars after all - and being sent home shortly before the session. They had paid a lot of money for their tickets, and Formula 1 would like to compensate them with merchandising vouchers. And that is why a legal dispute is now looming: a law firm in Las Vegas has filed a class action lawsuit against the organizers.
Verstappen grumbles at first and then sings with joy
Ah yes, the sport. In the end, the world champion had it under control again, but what a way it was to get there. Verstappen had already made up some ground this year, usually with aplomb, but Las Vegas was different. Verstappen surged ahead, dropped back, got lucky with a safety car period triggered by his own crash with George Russell. And yet, in the truly enduring confusion of this race, he was quick, clever and precise enough to be back in front at the very end. Verstappen had persistently explained why he dislikes too much show surrounding a race: the sport, the emotions and the adrenaline of racing should take center stage. There was plenty of that in Las Vegas, and that's why he quite liked it after all. "Viva Las Vegas," he sang after crossing the finish line.
Charles Leclerc strikes back again and again
The Monegasque played a big part in making this race so good to watch. The Ferrari driver followed up an outstanding qualifying session with a strong race, and the fans voted him Driver of the Day - even though he only managed second place from pole position. However, this also had to do with the safety car phase at an unfavorable moment for him. His tires were still quite fresh and he stayed out. In retrospect, a change would probably have helped. However, the duels that Leclerc fought again and again were well worth seeing. The last of these was on the last lap of the race, at the very end of Las Vegas Boulevard against Sergio Perez. It still resulted in second place.
The sayings of the weekend
"That's the plan for tomorrow. Or today? Either way, I'm a bit jetlagged." (Max Verstappen after qualifying, which started at midnight on Saturday, about the plan for the race, which started at 10pm on Saturday. The schedule in Las Vegas was an enemy of the biorhythm, the days blurred)
"Monaco is like Champions League. This is more like the national league." (Verstappen compares the street circuits in Monaco and Las Vegas)
"How dare you?" (Mercedes Head of Motorsport Toto Wolff's question to a journalist who had described the consequences of the canceled practice opener in Las Vegas as serious for Formula 1)
In the thrilling Las Vegas Grand Prix, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc showcased their formidable skills, adding excitement to the sport's ongoing debates. Despite the success of the race, Toto Wolff's outburst over criticism has led to a potential legal dispute, highlighting Formula 1's problem with managing issues effectively.
The high-profile Las Vegas Grand Prix generated intense discussions, including Max Verstappen's discontent with the excessive show and Toto Wolff's heated response to criticism, which has since escalated to a legal dispute.
Source: www.ntv.de
