18 November 2023 , 15:54
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Max Verstappen has shown his true colours in the lead-up to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, making it crystal clear that he won't entertain any of the "bulls***" surrounding the event.
Three-time world champion Verstappen, who clinched the 2023 title with six Grands Prix remaining this season, has criticised Formula 1 chiefs on numerous occasions this week amid the carnival atmosphere in Sin City. From the celebrity-filled opening ceremony featuring performances from Kylie Minogue, Will.i.am and John Legend to the unpopular driver walk-ons returning ahead of Sunday's race, Verstappen has labelled the event '99 percent spectacle and 1 percent sport'.
"For me, you can skip this," the Red Bull star miserably remarked following the lavish opening ceremony before he skipped an exclusive party on Wednesday night. "We are just standing up there, looking like a clown.
"I'm also not going to fake it, I just always voice my opinion on positive things and negative things. That's just how I am. Some people like the show a bit more, I don't like it at all."
His comments have been frowned upon by ex-F1 driver and now Sky Sports pundit Martin Brundle, who bemoaned: "If he doesn't like it, I'm not sure he needs to say anything at all.
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"I was a bit disappointed with that, because standing on a rostrum coming up and waving, a lot of adulation from the fans, it's not the worst job in the world is it? It's not that difficult. You're not on shift work or down the mines or something. So I don't understand why he feels so negative about it."
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was asked about his driver's comments and gave an honest response. "What you've got to understand is that Max is a racing driver," Horner explained to Sky Sports.
Martin Brundle has criticised Max Verstappen for his comments (Sky Sports)Get involved! Should Max Verstappen be complaining? Give us your verdict in the comments section.
"He hates all the pomp and bulls*** that goes with being a Formula 1 driver. He just wants to drive the car. He doesn't crave fame or adulation or anything like that. And I think that he's just a bit uncomfortable with, if you like, the showbiz element that's introduced to this race."
Verstappen's main rival, seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, has also told the Dutchman to stop complaining. Mercedes ace Hamilton, whose poor qualifying session means that he'll start 11th on the grid, said: "I hear there's a lot of people complaining about the direction that Stefano [Domenicali, F1 chief executive] and Liberty [the media organisation in charge of the Las Vegas Grand Prix] have been going, but I think they've been doing an amazing job.
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has told Max Verstappen to zip it (Sky Sports)"It's just such a big country. I think to really tap into the market here and really captivate the audience here, I think we needed to have at least two races, the one wasn't enough. This is one of the most iconic and unique cities that they have here and the lights, the show, it is a big show, for sure.
"It's never going to be like Silverstone, but maybe over time, the people in this community here will grow to love the sport, just as we've had the privilege of growing up and experiencing. Maybe the track will be good, maybe it will be bad. It was so-so on the sim. It's definitely not Silverstone, but I think don't knock it until you try it."