13.6 C
Manchester
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Other SportsVerstappen felt 'like a clown' at star-studded opening ceremony for Las Vegas...

Verstappen felt ‘like a clown’ at star-studded opening ceremony for Las Vegas Grand Prix

Max Verstappen says he felt “like a clown” at Wednesday’s opening ceremony for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, criticising the glitzy nature of Formula One’s return to the city.

Ahead of this weekend’s race, which will be the first F1 event to be held in Las Vegas since 1982, the world champion joined other drivers in making an appearance at Wednesday’s show.

Kylie Minogue, will.i.am, Thirty Seconds to Mars and Cirque du Soleil performed at the show, which also featured a state-of-the-art drone display as F1 looks to make further waves in the American market with its third United States-based event of the season.

Verstappen, however, did not enjoy the festivities, telling reporters: “For me, you can skip all these things.

“It’s not about the singer, it’s just… standing up there, you look like a clown. I just like to always focus on the performance side of things.

“I don’t like all the things around it, anyway. I know, of course, in some places they are part of it, but let’s say it’s not in my interest.”

The penultimate race of the 2023 season will take place on a new 3.8-mile street circuit, taking in a 1.4-mile stretch of the iconic Las Vegas Strip and being lined by many of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.

Verstappen, however, is not convinced the event will be a sporting success, accusing F1’s owners Liberty Media of prioritising commercial returns and ignoring divers’ concerns.

“You can look at it two ways, business side or sport side. Of course, I understand their side of it as well, but I’m just voicing my opinion on the performance side of things,” he said.

“We are not stakeholders, so we just go with it. I mean, they decide what they do, right?

“I would do the same if I was the owner, I wouldn’t listen to the drivers, it’s my sport, I do with it what I want.

“I mean, I guess they still make money if I like it or not, so it’s not up to me. But I’m also not going to fake it, I always voiced my opinion, on positive things and negative things.

“That’s just how I am, and some people like a show a bit more.

“I don’t like it at all, I grew up just looking at the performance side of things, and that’s how I see it. So for me, I like to be in Vegas, but not so much for racing.”

Harry Carr
Harry Carr
Harry is a freelance sports journalist with experience of working for the Racing Post, Stats Perform, Opta Analyst and more, covering major events across all sports but holding a particular love for the beautiful game.
Latest

Hillbrush Debuts Tornado Broom Range for Tough Outdoor Cleaning Environments

Hillbrush has launched its innovative Hillbrush Tornado Range — a robust, modular broom system designed to raise the bar for strength, reliability, and outdoor...

Blaugranagram Partners with 101 Great Goals to Deliver Deeper Fan-Focused Football Content

101 Great Goals has officially entered into a strategic content partnership with Blaugranagram, aiming to enrich the football experience for fans by combining their...

Left Behind by the Algorithm: AI Benefits Bosses, But Workers Struggle to Keep Up

• Senior managers are far more likely to use AI than junior staff, new study finds • 73% of leaders use AI each month, compared...

Craig Cornick Cleared of Hacking Charge in Long-Running ICO Case

A Manchester businessman has been found not guilty of computer hacking, following a lengthy investigation and prosecution brought by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). Craig...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

Blaugranagram Partners with 101 Great Goals to Deliver Deeper Fan-Focused Football Content

101 Great Goals has officially entered into a strategic content partnership with Blaugranagram, aiming to enrich the football experience for fans by combining their...

Left Behind by the Algorithm: AI Benefits Bosses, But Workers Struggle to Keep Up

• Senior managers are far more likely to use AI than junior staff, new study finds • 73% of leaders use AI each month, compared...

Hillbrush Debuts Tornado Broom Range for Tough Outdoor Cleaning Environments

Hillbrush has launched its innovative Hillbrush Tornado Range — a robust, modular broom system designed to raise the bar for strength, reliability, and outdoor...

More News

F1 Australian Grand Prix 2025: Report, result, highlights as Norris savours ‘stressful’ win

Lando Norris praised McLaren's "amazing car" after overcoming unpredictable conditions to beat reigning champion Max Verstappen and win the F1 Australian Grand Prix 2025...

India vs Australia: Preview, expected lineups, how to watch on TV and prediction for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

India vs Australia: The State of Play India will be targeting a third consecutive appearance in the final when they face Australia in the first...

New Zealand vs India: Preview, expected lineups, how to watch on TV and prediction for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

New Zealand vs India: The State of Play Two teams in excellent form meet on Sunday when New Zealand and India collide in their final...