Max Verstappen was the victor on Formula 1’s return to Las Vegas in 2023. It was the sport’s first visit to Sin City since 1982, this time on a brand-new layout.
Verstappen was largely untouchable last season but his evening in Vegas was uncharacteristically messy. He received a five-second penalty for forcing Charles Leclerc off the track at the start, then damaged his car in a collision with George Russell.
And yet, he still managed to pass Leclerc for the lead 16 laps before the end of the race. Verstappen sang ‘Viva Las Vegas’ over the radio in celebration.
That was a marked change in tone from a driver who had been staunchly critical of the event. The Red Bull superstar felt F1 had prioritised entertainment over racing.
This year, his love-hate relationship with the venue could continue as he stands on the precipice of winning the drivers’ championship. Verstappen is 62 points clear of nearest challenger Lando Norris.
With only 60 points available after this weekend, he could seal the title by finishing ahead. Norris must outscore him by at least three points, meaning he can’t afford to come home any lower than eighth.
Giedo van der Garde scoffs at Max Verstappen’s complaints about Las Vegas Grand Prix schedule
This year, Verstappen’s complaints have focused on the timing of the race. He’s unhappy that it runs back-to-back with Qatar.
Verstappen is worried drivers could get sick because they face an 18-hour flight and almost immediate return to racing action. Qatar is only around an hour away from Abu Dhabi by air, so it might make more sense as a double-header.
Theoretically, the race in Vegas should take place either side of the US GP in Austin. That would only be a three-hour flight.
However, organisers pay for particular slots on the schedule, so the calendar isn’t governed entirely by logistical considerations. Speaking on De Race Show, former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde urged Verstappen to stop ‘whining’ because life for mechanics is a lot more difficult.
“It doesn’t matter,” he said. “If you’re immediately world champion, you’re not interested. You’re going to sleep for 18 hours on the plane.
“Come on man. You can just whine about it. It’s too cool to race in Las Vegas. It’s more a tough one for Las Vegas, who really goes into the last weekend with bags under his eyes.”
Max Verstappen may already be behind one change at Las Vegas Grand Prix
The Las Vegas GP takes place on Saturday night local time, which will at least give the drivers an extra day to handle the long-haul trip. Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft wants to see the Vegas race start earlier – ideally in a late-afternoon slot – for a day-to-night transition.
Organisers will no doubt be planning an elaborate ceremony if Verstappen seals the title. While F1 bosses would ideally want the fight to go the final race, they would also relish that spectacle.
They will also be wary of upsetting the Dutchman. Verstappen ‘really hated’ last year’s driver presentation on giant plinths, and sure enough, it’s been scrapped for this season.
More importantly, there’s hope for a far smoother weekend after a shambolic Friday in 2023. Barely any running took place in practice after Carlos Sainz wrecked the underbody of his Ferrari by driving over a drain cover, but staff have made sure to seal them this time.
Leave feedback about this