Today's F1 News Delivered Faster Than a Pit Stop
Max Verstappen criticized the Las Vegas Grand Prix, calling it "99% show and 1% sporting event." He expressed displeasure with the opening ceremony, stating he felt like a "clown" and found the track layout unexciting, particularly disliking street circuits with the new, heavy cars. Verstappen skipped F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali's party and questioned the sense of a 12-hour time difference challenge before the season finale in Abu Dhabi. In contrast, Lewis Hamilton praised F1's efforts to tap into the American market and considered the event a big show that could grow in popularity over time.
Click here to read the full article by Andrew Wright (eurosport.com)
Formula 1 has prohibited the display of red, yellow, and blue colors on the Las Vegas Sphere during on-track sessions at the Grand Prix weekend to prevent confusion with trackside LED panels. The Sphere, known for its unique design, is 112 meters high and 157 meters wide with 1.2 million LED lights. Despite concerns about distraction, the venue will still operate, and F1 plans to use it for advertising during the event. Driver Logan Sargeant is unsure if the Sphere's brightness will be cool or annoying but believes it depends on the content displayed.
Click here to read the full article by Fergal Walsh (racingnews365.com)
Lando Norris downplays the likelihood of Red Bull facing issues in Las Vegas similar to the Singapore Grand Prix, where they struggled with car setup and lost their winning streak. Norris acknowledges the uncertainty but suggests that Las Vegas' layout, resembling a low-downforce configuration like Monza, will favor Red Bull. Despite McLaren's recent strong performance, Norris remains cautious about their chances in Las Vegas, comparing it to Baku and Monza races, which were not their best due to long straights and low downforce.
Click here to read the full article by Fergal Walsh (racingnews365.com)
Las Vegas represents the convergence of the world's most exciting motorsport with the entertainment capital. Dr. Carsten Tilke, managing director of Tilke GMBH and the track designer, discussed the practical considerations that went into planning. Factors such as driver safety, overtaking opportunities, and essential facilities for the track were carefully taken into account by the team.
Formula 1 returns to Las Vegas for the first time in 40 years, and it promises to be a spectacular race. Join Michael Potts for a casual track walk as he explores the second-longest circuit on the F1 calendar, covering 6.2 kilometers. Potts shares insights about the circuit, the newly built paddock area, the main straight, and other interesting details.