Max Verstappen’s dual commentary about Las Vegas raised a lot of eyebrows. While he did not mince any words when criticizing the historic race, he also went on the record to say that the race was very enjoyable. He even ended up singing “Viva Las Vegas” after crossing the chequered flag. However, the driver later explained that his criticisms were mostly about the focus being shifted to other events during the race weekend, and not entirely about the race itself.

Explaining Verstappen’s comments further, Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner also stepped in, shedding a rather new light on the matter. He opined that since Max is not a ‘showman’, the Las Vegas Grand Prix was just “not for him.”

Christian Horner thinks Max Verstappen doesn’t care about anything but racing

Speaking to Motorsport.com, Horner set the record straight about the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Despite what Max suggested, Christian said, “My personal opinion is that Liberty is doing an excellent job. They are pushing hard to promote our sport and five years ago we wouldn’t have even imagined an event like the one in Las Vegas. Liberty is the promoter, they sell, promote, and attract a fantastic audience.”

However, the current three-time world champion is made from a different bone and his comments reflected the same. Setting the record straight, Christian opined that Max is focused purely on racing. Everything else that follows – spectatorship, money, fame, or influence, doesn’t matter to the Dutchman one bit.

“Max is a driver. He is not an artist or a showman. He is a racing driver. And he’s just very honest. He doesn’t give a damn about being famous. He just wants to race a car and go fast, everything else is bulls**t to him,” the Team Principal said.

Horner then proceeded to defend Verstappen, stating that just because the champion criticized the race, that doesn’t mean he thinks Liberty is not doing a good enough job. “It doesn’t mean Max believes they are doing anything wrong. It’s just not for him. If he could remain anonymous, I’m sure he’d be,” Christian explained.

He also talked about how the Red Bull lead driver doesn’t have a filter, and speaks his mind out. “I would add that there is also a new aspect to Max’s approach. You know that he will tell you what he thinks, and will never give a…. corporate answer.”

Read more: “No Way”: Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen’s Partnership Bluntly Dismissed by Helmut Marko Echoing Christian Horner’s Stance

These statements go very well in line with what we’ve been hearing from the three-time world champion himself. While he does think that Las Vegas put on a wonderful race, the focus on the weekend was definitely diluted, according to him.

Verstappen talks about the Las Vegas Grand Prix

The world champion made his stance clear after the opening day ceremony. Max’s main point of contention was that instead of putting more spotlight on the sport, a lot of attention was focused on putting on a show of sorts. For him, this went against the sports’ essence. 

Formula One F1 – Las Vegas Grand Prix – Las Vegas Strip Circuit, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S – November 18, 2023 First place Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates on the podium REUTERS/Mike Blake“For me, you can skip this. It’s not about the singers. We are just standing up there, looking like a clown.” He later went on to comment how how the Grand Prix was “99% show and 1% sporting event”.

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It is important to recognize the Las Vegas race’s significance in the grand scheme of things as the American audience’s interest in the sport only continues to grow. Many have opined that while racing purists can bash the glitz and glamor all they want, it might sometimes become a necessity for Liberty to put on a show to bring in more viewers.

Do you agree with Verstappen’s comments or do you think putting on a little show sometimes doesn’t hurt? Let us know!