- Sky Sports’ Martin Brundle criticizes Max Verstappen for comments on Las Vegas
- Verstappen not impressed by events surrounding the Grand Prix in Sin City
- The Dutchman starts second on the grid behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc
Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has come under fire from Martin Brundle over his persistent complaints about the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Verstappen has made his feelings clear in the run-up to the race, criticizing the event for focusing more on the shows and concerts surrounding the Grand Prix rather than the race itself.
Sunday’s race is the first to be held in the iconic American city since 1982, with the famous Sin City strip transformed into a $500 million circuit.
Yet the spectacle was not lost on the Dutchman who labeled the event as ’99 percent spectacle and one percent sport’.
However, his comments have gone by the wayside Air sports Martin Brundle, who believes that Verstappen’s feelings should have been kept to himself.
Max Verstappen has made his feelings clear about the Las Vegas Grand Prix and its events
Martin Brundle has dismissed Verstappen’s comments and told him to stop being so negative
The Las Vegas strip has been transformed into a $500 million race track for tomorrow’s Grand Prix
“If he doesn’t like it, I’m not sure he even needs to say anything.” Brundle said.
‘I was a bit disappointed about that, because standing on a stage and waving, a lot of admiration from the fans, it’s not the worst job in the world, is it? It’s not that difficult. You don’t work shifts or in the mines or anything like that. So I don’t understand why he thinks so negatively about it.’
Verstappen lamented the star-studded opening ceremony, ruefully branding the show as ‘skippable’ and admitting he felt like a ‘clown’ watching performances from Kylie Minogue, Will.i.am and John Legend.
When asked about his driver’s comments, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner defended Verstappen and stated that he is only here to win races.
A star-studded opening ceremony took place ahead of this weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix
Christian Horner has admitted that Verstappen hates all the pomp and circumstance*** surrounding F1
“What you have to understand is that Max is a racing driver,” Horner explained Air sports.
‘He hates all the pomp and circumstance*** that comes with being a Formula 1 driver. He just wants to drive. He doesn’t crave fame or admiration or anything like that. And I think he’s a little bit uncomfortable with, if you like, the showbiz element that’s being introduced into this race.”
Will, 26, who clinched the 2023 title with six races remaining, will start second on the grid behind Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, and the Frenchman has also enjoyed success at the Las Vegas Grand Prix .
‘You always have to find the right balance between show and sport, and that is why I am not very happy with the show (planned) before the race, because this is a time when we have to focus on what really matters, which is to the racing.’