Max Verstappen
- The world champion describes the track as “National League” level
- Verstappen is third on the grid behind the Ferraris of Leclerc and Sainz
Max Verstappen has stepped up his criticism of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, deriding the circuit as a “National League” compared to the “Champions League” quality of Monaco. The world champion also reiterated his complaint that Formula 1 was too focused on presenting a show rather than the sport.
Ahead of the Las Vegas meeting, the first F1 race here since 1982, Verstappen derided it as a “99% show, 1% sporting event”, and after qualifying third on Saturday behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, He was once again extremely critical of the circuit and Formula 1’s efforts to sell its showcase event to the US audience.
Charles Leclerc fires Las Vegas pole position as Formula 1 refuses to apologize after farce
When asked how a qualifying round on the city streets could be compared to one in Monaco, he responded with a derogatory comment. “I think Monaco is like the Champions League, it’s the National League,” he said.
Formula 1 is believed to have invested up to $700 million to make this race possible, but Verstappen defiantly stood by. He reiterated the visceral joy he feels when driving on classic circuits, but insisted he was unaffected by Formula 1’s newest and shiniest gem.
“I love Vegas, but not driving a Formula 1 car,” he said. “I love having a few drinks, going all red, enjoying good food, but emotions, passion? Compared to some old school tracks, that’s not the case. It’s more about the right racetracks, Spa, Monza. It’s incredible to see the fans there and when I get in the car I get excited and love driving through these places.”
Verstappen has never been a big fan of most street circuits, but he was particularly critical of this event, which marks the first time that Formula 1 is both race organizer and host, and which is selling the meeting as a showcase for the sport that is similar to the Super Bowl . It clearly left the Dutchman cold and he once again asked questions that are likely to go down badly with F1 management.
“I understand that fans may need to do something around the track, but it is more important to make them understand what we do as a sport,” he said. “Most people just come to have a party, have a drink or watch a performance. I can do this all over the world, I can be in Ibiza and be completely shit and have a good time.
“But what happens is people come and become a fan of what? They come to see their favorite artist and have a few drinks with their friends, go out and have a crazy night, but they don’t understand what we do and what we risk to perform.”
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