Max Verstappen Expresses Reservations on Las Vegas F1 Track Layout: ‘Not Very Interesting’

As the Formula 1 world turns its gaze towards the highly anticipated inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix, reigning world champion Max Verstappen has offered a surprisingly candid assessment of the new Las Vegas Strip Circuit. Despite the unprecedented fanfare and significant investment surrounding the event, Verstappen, known for his straightforward opinions on racing purity, admits he feels “underwhelmed” by the track design unveiled for this weekend’s spectacle.

A Champion’s Critical Eye: Initial Impressions of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit

The first-ever Las Vegas Grand Prix is poised to be an unparalleled global event, featuring Formula 1 cars dramatically racing down a portion of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. However, for a driver of Verstappen’s calibre, the allure of the glamorous backdrop pales in comparison to the inherent challenges and excitement offered by the circuit itself. His initial feedback on the track’s configuration has been notably reserved, with the Dutch driver describing the layout as “not very interesting.”

“It’s just not many corners, to be honest,” Verstappen explained, highlighting a core concern that resonates with many racing enthusiasts and drivers alike. “It also will depend probably a bit on how grippy it is. Doesn’t look like it has a lot of grip, but we’ll go with the flow.” These remarks shed light on a potential dual challenge: a layout perceived as lacking in technical complexity, compounded by the possibility of low grip levels, which could detract from both driver enjoyment and the spectacle of competitive racing.

Dissecting the Las Vegas Track: Layout, Modern F1 Cars, and Driver Preference

The six-kilometre Las Vegas Strip Circuit boasts 17 corners – 11 left-hand and six right-hand turns – and notably, a substantial two-kilometre straight along the iconic Strip. While this extended straight promises blistering top speeds and potential DRS-assisted overtaking opportunities, Verstappen remains largely uninspired by the overall character of the corners themselves.

“I don’t think it’s that exciting, that’s the only thing,” he reiterated, his perspective shaped by countless laps on diverse circuits globally. He further elaborated on his general sentiment regarding modern F1 cars on street circuits: “But I think naturally already for me, a street circuit is not very exciting – especially with these new cars. They’re just too heavy. Especially also then when you have low grip, that doesn’t help.”

This critical insight touches upon a broader debate within Formula 1. Contemporary F1 cars, with their immense power, significant downforce, and considerable weight, are engineered for ultimate performance on dedicated racing tracks. When deployed on narrower, often bumpier street circuits with fewer high-speed corners and limited run-off areas, these machines can feel cumbersome and less dynamic. Drivers often report that the sheer weight makes them less nimble and responsive, leading to a diminished sense of flow and the exhilarating high-speed cornering that defines F1 at its best.

Verstappen was quick to acknowledge the visual appeal of the event, stating, “Of course the scenery will look great, driving through the Strip. But the layout itself is not the most exciting. An F1 car’s a lot more fun with a lot of high-speed corners and I think around there are not that many high-speed corners.” This commentary draws a clear distinction between the “show” — the stunning visual spectacle of racing through an illuminated city — and the “sport” — the technical challenge and competitive thrill derived from a challenging track layout.

The Ideal Circuit: Where Racing Purity Meets Unrivalled Excitement

When questioned about his preferred track characteristics, specifically balancing single-lap enjoyment against overtaking possibilities, Verstappen promptly identified circuits that, in his view, masterfully combine both elements. He highlighted several fan and driver favorites:

Circuit of the Americas (Austin, USA): “Austin is fantastic – race, quali.” Praised for its demanding first sector, diverse corner types, and opportunities for strategic racing, making it a complete package for both qualifying and the Grand Prix.
Suzuka International Racing Course (Japan): “Suzuka is fantastic in the race, but also in quali.” A legendary circuit revered for its flowing, high-speed esses and demanding S-curves, offering a true test of a driver’s skill and car balance.
Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium): “Spa is fantastic over one lap and in the race.” Another iconic venue featuring dramatic elevation changes and legendary corners like Eau Rouge and Radillon, demanding unwavering commitment and bravery, providing an unparalleled experience in both qualifying and racing.

These examples consistently underscore Verstappen’s preference for tracks that offer a rich blend of high-speed challenges, intricate technical sectors, and an inherent character that facilitates both breathtaking qualifying laps and dynamic, wheel-to-wheel racing. Such circuits allow F1 cars to demonstrate their full potential, a stark contrast to the perceived limitations and less engaging nature of many temporary street circuits.

Simulator Preparation: The Element of Guesswork on a Brand-New Circuit

The Red Bull driver revealed he dedicated “an afternoon” to learning F1’s newest circuit on the team’s advanced simulator. While modern simulators are incredibly sophisticated, they present unique challenges when replicating brand-new street circuits, where real-world data on grip levels, surface undulations, and potential hazards is non-existent.

“It’s not many corners, but it’s just to get into a bit of a rhythm and just understand a bit all the possible scenarios that can happen, set-up wise, balance wise,” he explained. The primary focus during simulation for a virgin track isn’t merely about memorizing the layout, but rather grasping the circuit’s flow, identifying optimal braking and acceleration zones, and predicting how the car might behave under varying conditions. This foundational work is crucial for establishing a baseline setup, yet it remains an educated guess until the car hits the actual asphalt.

Verstappen further elaborated on the inherent uncertainties: “I think what was most important was just to learn the track. We tried some things in terms of set-up, but when you don’t really know how bumpy it’s going to be, how grippy it’s going to be, then you can’t really go into detail to compare to some other tracks where you more-or-less know what kind of grip you’re going to get. And even there, it’s still hard to nail the set-up.”

“So it’s really a bit of guesswork that went into it,” he concluded. “You prepare yourself for certain kind of scenarios, like higher-grip, lower-grip, medium-grip and once you got on track, then you see a bit more of how it feels like and what you need to change as well.” This insight into the simulation process highlights the substantial challenges teams encounter when arriving at an entirely new venue. The unpredictable nature of the track surface, ambient temperatures, and overall grip levels necessitates an agile and flexible approach, demanding rapid adaptation during the initial free practice sessions to fine-tune car setups effectively.

Red Bull’s Performance Outlook: Learning from Singapore and Facing the Unknown

The recent Singapore Grand Prix, another demanding street circuit, represented a rare anomaly in Red Bull’s otherwise dominant 2023 season. It was the only race where the team failed to secure a victory, prompting questions about the RB19’s adaptability to the specific characteristics of street tracks. When probed on whether Las Vegas could present a similar challenge for his all-conquering car, Verstappen conceded that the outcome was far from certain.

“It might be, but honestly it can also be very good – I don’t know,” he said, reflecting the universal uncertainty that pervades the paddock regarding new circuits. “At the moment, I think no one really knows where you’re at.” This pervasive lack of certainty is a recurring theme with virgin tracks, where pre-race simulations, no matter how advanced, can only offer a general direction rather than precise answers.

“I think it’s more important that we just go out there, feel the conditions, feel the grip and then just try to settle in and see what happens,” Verstappen emphasized. This pragmatic approach underscores the fundamental essence of competitive racing: ultimate performance is forged on the asphalt, under real-world conditions, not solely within the confines of simulations or strategic meetings. Teams will be under immense pressure to swiftly comprehend the unique dynamics of the Las Vegas track to unlock their cars’ full potential as quickly as possible.

Beyond the Paddock: The Spectacle vs. The Sport in Sin City

The Las Vegas Grand Prix is designed to be far more than just another race; it’s engineered as a global entertainment extravaganza, leveraging the city’s unparalleled reputation for spectacle. While Max Verstappen’s comments focus squarely on the pure sporting and technical aspects, the event’s organizers are clearly aiming for something grander. The juxtaposition of a world champion critiquing the track’s sporting merit against the backdrop of an unprecedented show on the Strip highlights a growing tension within modern Formula 1: the delicate balance between maintaining sporting integrity and maximizing commercial entertainment value.

Historically, Formula 1 has ventured into Las Vegas before, albeit with considerably less success. The Caesars Palace Grand Prix in the early 1980s was also held on a temporary circuit in a hotel car park, failing to capture the imagination of either fans or drivers due to its uninspiring, repetitive layout. The current iteration, while vastly more ambitious, intricately integrated into the city’s iconic fabric, and backed by immense financial muscle, still faces the fundamental challenge of proving its worth as a premier racing venue in the eyes of the purists.

Despite Verstappen’s reservations, the race could still deliver moments of high drama. The extensive long straights are likely to facilitate slipstreaming and overtaking opportunities, while the low grip, potentially cool night temperatures, and the inherent unpredictability of a new street circuit could lead to unexpected incidents, safety car periods, and strategic gambles. The unique night-time setting, illuminated by the dazzling neon glow of Las Vegas, will undoubtedly create stunning visuals, ensuring the event leaves a lasting impression globally, regardless of the critical reception of the on-track action.

Conclusion: Await the Green Flag in Las Vegas

Max Verstappen’s measured skepticism regarding the Las Vegas Strip Circuit injects an intriguing layer of discussion into what is already one of the most talked-about events on the 2023 Formula 1 calendar. While the reigning champion readily acknowledges the visual grandeur and unique atmosphere, his primary focus remains firmly on the technical challenge and the pure joy of driving a potent F1 machine on an engaging and rewarding layout. His consistent preference for venerated circuits like Austin, Suzuka, and Spa underscores a fundamental desire for tracks that rigorously test the full spectrum of a driver’s skill and a car’s capabilities.

As teams and drivers gear up to navigate the exhilarating unknown, the true character and legacy of the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix will only be definitively revealed once the lights go green. Will the spectacle ultimately overshadow the sport, or will the racing itself surprise even its most discerning critics, including the reigning world champion? Only time, and the electrifying roar of F1 engines echoing down the iconic Strip, will tell.

Verstappen blasts unexciting Las Vegas Grand Prix track