Max Verstappen has so far clearly opposed the extraordinarily large spectacle at the Formula 1 Grand Prix in the US gambling metropolis of Las Vegas. The world champion said, among other things, that he felt “like a clown.” A criticism that was not well received by everyone. There was now strong headwind from an F1 insider.
“I have zero interest in it. The Grand Prix is 99 percent entertainment and one percent sports event”: These harsh words from Max Verstappen about the upcoming race in Las Vegas (Sunday, 7 a.m., German time) resonate for more than a day after the grand opening ceremony in the US metropolis. The Formula 1 world champion has not minced words so far; the Red Bull star openly expressed his dislike.
“I feel like a clown,” he said, to the displeasure of former Formula 1 driver and current TV expert Martin Brundle, who couldn’t understand Verstappen’s anger at all.
“If he doesn’t like all of this, then he shouldn’t say anything,” emphasized Brundle on “Sky Sports F1,” reminding us that the premier class of motorsport and its drivers also have obligations in the marketing area.
Miners instead of Formula 1? Brundle is surprised about Verstappen
“That disappointed me a bit,” Brundle continued about the three-time world champion. “Standing in a stand and waving to the fans isn’t necessarily the worst job in the world, is it?” the Brit was annoyed at the Red Bull man and added clearly: “He’s not a shift worker or has to working down in a mine…”
He simply doesn’t understand why Verstappen has to be so negative about the Las Vegas spectacle. Brundle, who was active in F1 in the 80s and 90s and finished sixth in the 1992 World Championship, said that he himself was recently sitting with some friends and was jealous of the current generation of drivers who would be able to appear on such a platform Benetton became.
Verstappen’s negativity surprised and disappointed him all the more. “But that’s just how he is,” Brundle concluded. “He just wants to race, that’s all he has on his mind.”