Red Bull’s Max Verstappen dismissed the turbocharged pleasure surrounding Formula One’s comeback to Las Vegas, characterizing the race as 99% spectacle and 1% sport.
Having clinched the drivers’ crown weeks in the past, Verstappen had already taken a lot of the drama out of Saturday night time’s race, and his open disdain for the glitzy showbiz promotion across the occasion is not going to assist ticket gross sales.
But the dour Dutchman was unapologetic, reminding everybody on Wednesday that he’s a driver, not a showman.
Asked if he was trying ahead to this weekend, the three-time world champion was unequivocal, “No.”
“I think it is 99% show, 1% sport,” stated Verstappen. “They (Formula One) nonetheless make cash if I prefer it or not, so it isn’t as much as me.
“But I’m not going to pretend it. I at all times voice my opinion in optimistic issues and adverse issues; that is simply how I’m.
“It’s not really my thing.”
“Some people like a show; I don’t like it at all.”
If that’s the case, Verstappen lived his worst nightmare on a Wednesday throughout a splashy Vegas-style opening ceremony with rock bands, a drone present and booming fireworks when he and teammate Sergio Perez appeared from an enormous field on the house straight to the cheers of a rain-soaked viewers.
“For me, you can all skip these things,” stated Verstappen. “It’s just standing up there; you look like a clown.”
Later, in a media scrum, Verstappen’s temper was as dreary because the climate. He was not impressed by both the scheduling of the race or his first impression of the circuit.
Qualifying on Friday begins at midnight domestically (08:00 GMT), whereas the race is scheduled for 10 p.m. (06:00 GMT).
“I just always want to focus on the performance side of things,” shrugged Verstappen. “I simply do not suppose it (the structure) is that thrilling.
“The scenery will be great driving through the Strip, but the layout itself is not the most exciting.”
What Verstappen lacks in charisma and tact, he greater than makes up for with different expertise which have put him, aged simply 26, amongst motor racing’s all-time greats.
While objectives didn’t seem like on his thoughts on Wednesday, the laser-focused Dutchman is for certain to be locked onto new data inside his attain this weekend.
Victory in Nevada can be the 53rd of his profession, equaling the tally of four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel and lifting him to joint third within the all-time win listing.
Only Lewis Hamilton (103) and Michael Schumacher (91) have received extra.
It would even be a record-extending 18th from a single marketing campaign, with another race coming to Abu Dhabi the next weekend.
“They (races) are all just as important; I always want to do the best I can,” stated Verstappen. “I am looking forward to trying to do the best I can, but not looking forward to this.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com