‘Las Vegas GP Is in Honor of My Birthday’: Christian Horner Provides Much-Needed Comic Relief Amid Backlash Towards F1

The 2023 Las Vegas GP, when initially announced toward the end of the 2022 season there was a lot of excitement. Sadly, this excitement has turned into outrage as the race weekend is growing closer. The fans are annoyed at various aspects of the weekend and questioning the need for Vegas as a venue altogether. However, Red Bull boss Christian Horner has finally revealed the purpose of the race weekend.

Every race weekend has but one purpose, to give its input into the championship battle. However, now that both the championships are wrapped up, the Vegas GP will be a celebration. Or it is already for Christian Horner. Let us try to make sense of this confusing revelation.

Christian Horner reveals the real purpose of the 2023 Las Vegas GP

Now a very relaxed Horner is just looking forward to the end of the season so they can shift the entire focus on the 2024 season. However, while speaking on the Eff Won podcast with Hollywood star Dax Shepard, the British boss revealed how his birthday is on 16th November and this is exactly the purpose of the Las Vegas GP.

Horner said, “I’m in November you see, I’m mid-November so I get it the other side. Although this year, it’s in Vegas for the race.” Dax Shepard asked, “You’ll be there on your birthday?” Horner replied, “I’m going to be there. I’m going to be 50 in Vegas.”

When asked if he or his wife is planning something spectacular, Horner revealed the entire existence of the 2023 Las Vegas GP. He said, “The race is being put on in honor for my birthday.”

Some much-needed comic relief from Horner amidst all the backlash for the upcoming race weekend. In fact, his admission will perhaps make the fans look toward the Las Vegas GP with kinder eyes, even if it’s for a second.

Read More: “Could Be Like Driving on Ice”: Christian Horner Highlights Bittersweet Nature of Las Vegas GP

Although the general perception is pretty strong we doubt we’ll see a shift in mood until we see the cars racing around the track.

Fans continue trashing the 2023 Las Vegas GP for various reasons

F1’s first-ever foray into hosting a race instead of outsourcing it might have given them some serious monetary motivation. However, the reception to the upcoming Las Vegas GP might put them off from any such endeavors in the future.

The sport is facing heavy backlash from fans because of the exorbitant prices. The weekend in Vegas is perhaps the only venue in the calendar that has not been sold out well in advance. Sadly, the only reason behind that is pricing. However, the fans aren’t limiting their annoyance and are criticizing every aspect of the weekend.

The fans expressed this annoyance in the comment section of the Instagram post of Las Vegas GP’s official page showcasing the completed circuit.

The fans commented about everything, the delayed completion: “I’m so sorry but the fact you only just finished the pit building a week before cars are on track is terrible.”

About their anticipation for the race: “As a life-long F1 fan….I have absolutely no interest in this race”

About their inhibitions: “I think this race will be under prepared. It seems many things are getting rushed and getting done last minute.” 

Their opinion on the 10-year contract: “Can’t believe that Las Vegas signed up for 10 years of this nonsense before going through it at least once”

Their wait for the weekend to get over: “Good. Now tear it down & get outta town..”

And of course, the main agenda: “So looking forward to this when first announced. But seeing how money grubbing F1 is very disappointing. High prices, no casual watching…cutting beautiful trees down…. Just disappointed.”

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It would take a lot to change these perspectives about the weekend. Will the drivers put on a good enough show to change the perspective of the fans? Only the action during the weekend will tell.